PR Manager

James Douglas Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading furniture manufacturer is seeking a PR Manager to develop and execute public relations strategies for its dual brands. The role involves crafting impactful media narratives, leveraging industry contacts for visibility, and overseeing the global launch of a new premium brand. Candidates must have 10-12 years of PR experience in both B2B and lifestyle sectors, an extensive media network in the GCC, and excellent communication skills. Fluency in Arabic is a plus. This position is located in Dubai, UAE.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of progressive experience in Public Relations and Corporate Communications.
• Experience in Corporate/B2B PR and Lifestyle/Consumer PR.
• Established media network in the GCC and internationally.
• Excellent written and spoken English; fluency in Arabic is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the annual PR and Communications strategy for both brands.
• Leverage and expand the media network for visibility.
• Position leadership as industry experts through various media.
• Lead PR campaign for global brand launch and manage press materials.
• Act as point person for crisis communications.

Skills

Public Relations Management

Media Relations

Crisis Management

Strategic Communications

Brand Launch Expertise

Storytelling

Job description

Our client is within the Furniture business, which is a state of the art, fully automated, one of the biggest in the region furniture plant including upholstery, cabinetry lines with a design studio in Italy, catering to global needs. The factory is located across an 84,000 sqm land plot with a built-up area of 50,000 sqm. The company's plant will manufacture a range of products including sofas, seats, armchairs, chairs, beds, car and airplane seats, assembled flat-pack cabinets for the local market and export customers. Additionally, the plan is to establish presence through showrooms in strategic global markets to enhance marketing efforts.

They are looking to hire a PR Manager to be the guardian of their reputation and the chief storyteller for their two distinct brands. The PR mission is to craft and execute a dual-pronged public relations strategy:

• For the (B2B): Establish the company as the undisputed industry authority, driving thought leadership and corporate reputation among architects, developers, and the construction elite.
• For the New Premium Brand (B2C): Orchestrate a high-impact global launch, securing top-tier lifestyle coverage to build desire, prestige, and "must-have" status among design connoisseurs.

The candidate will leverage his/her deep media network to ensure the clients brands are constantly visible, relevant, and revered in the press, both regionally in the GCC and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications: Develop and own the annual PR and Communications strategy for both brands, ensuring alignment with business goals, product launches, and the marketing calendar.
• Media Relations (Tier 1): Leverage and expand the existing network of high-level contacts across business, trade (construction/design), and lifestyle/luxury media in the GCC and key international markets (Europe).
• B2B Reputation & Thought Leadership:
• Position the company's leadership as industry experts through Op-Eds, speaking opportunities, and interviews in key trade publications (e.g., Construction Week, Identity, Commercial Interior Design).
• Manage corporate communications regarding partnerships, project wins, and manufacturing capabilities.
• B2C Brand Launch & Lifestyle PR:
• Lead the PR campaign for the global launch of the new premium brand, ensuring features in prestigious titles (e.g., Architectural Digest, Wallpaper, Vogue Living, Elle Decor).
• Manage product placement strategy and high-profile showroom launch events to drive buzz and footfall.
• Press Office Management: Oversee the drafting and distribution of all press materials, including press releases, media kits, executive bios, and speeches. Ensure all written communication is eloquent, accurate, and on-brand.
• Agency Management: Manage external PR agencies (if applicable) and freelance partners, ensuring they deliver ROI and adhere to brand guidelines.
• Crisis Management: Act as the point person for any crisis communications, developing protocols to protect the brands reputation should issues arise.

Key Qualifications

• Experience: 10-12 years of progressive experience in Public Relations and Corporate Communications, with a proven track record in a senior management role.
• Dual-Industry Background: Possess a rare hybrid background; experience in Corporate/B2B PR (Real Estate, Construction, Manufacturing) AND Lifestyle/Consumer PR (Luxury Retail, High-End Design, Fashion, or Hospitality).
• Media Network: having an established, active "little black book" of media contacts in the GCC. Relationships with international design press are a significant advantage.
• Strategic Storyteller: know how to turn a business update into a compelling story. Understanding the difference between a trade announcement and a lifestyle feature and can write for both.
• Launch Expert: successfully managed the PR aspect of a major brand launch or market entry.
• Crisis Ready: handled high-stakes communication challenges and possess the maturity to navigate complex corporate environments.
• Communication Skills: written and spoken English is flawless. Fluency in Arabic is a strong advantage for the regional market.