Public Relations Manager

BYD Australia & New Zealand; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

BYD Australia is seeking a dynamic Public Relations Manager to lead product communications and strengthen brand visibility and media presence for BYD and DENZA in Australia. Based in Mulgrave, this role oversees strategic communications, media engagement across automotive, technology, business and lifestyle media, and publicity campaigns for new vehicle launches.

The successful candidate will have established relationships within the Australian automotive media landscape, proven experience in

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in PR/communications or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in automotive PR or related roles.
• Proven media relations and campaign management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead product PR for BYD and DENZA vehicle launches.
• Develop launch messaging and media narratives aligned with business goals.
• Coordinate national media events, test vehicles, and first-drive programs.
• Write press releases and media kits; manage media materials.

Skills

Strong writing

Media relations

Relationship-building

Social media fluency

Organised

Proactive

Deadline-driven

Education

Public Relations / Communications / Journalism / Marketing degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

Job description

BYD is a high-tech company devoted to technological innovations for a better life. BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions.

As a leading battery-electric zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) manufacturer, BYD has created a broad range of battery-electric, hybrid-electric, and internal combustion (IC) passenger vehicles. Developing electric vehicles that are intelligent and connected, BYD is inaugurating a new age of automotive innovation featuring a sleek design and an innovative user experience.

About The Role

BYD Australia is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Relations Manager to lead product communications and strengthen the reputation, brand visibility, and media presence of both BYD and DENZA in the Australian market.

Based at BYD Australia's head office in Mulgrave, this full-time role will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communications initiatives, managing media engagement across automotive, technology, business, and lifestyle channels, and leading publicity campaigns for new vehicle launches. The role will also provide strategic communications advice to senior leadership and play a key part in shaping public perception of both brands.

The successful candidate will bring established relationships within the Australian automotive media landscape, proven experience in managing vehicle launches and media reviews, and a strong understanding of the automotive industry, with a genuine interest in new energy vehicle technology and emerging industry trends.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product communications for Australia's fastest-growing new energy vehicle brand.
• Act as the primary media contact for all BYD and DENZA vehicle-related communications across automotive, lifestyle, business, and technology media.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key automotive, business, technology, and lifestyle journalists, reviewers, editors, influencers, and content creators across Australia.
• Support media interviews, briefings, and events relating to BYD and DENZA vehicles.

2）Reputation and Issues Management

• Support the development and execution of issues and crisis communication plans.
• Prepare reactive statements, Q&As, and media responses relating to product issues, recalls, regulatory matters, and emerging news stories.
• Monitor media and social media channels to identify potential reputational risks and provide recommendations to the executive team.

3）Communications Strategy and Reporting

• Develop annual Product PR plans aligned with business objectives.
• Establish KPIs across earned media, share of voice, sentiment, and launch performance.
• Analyse competitor communications activities and provide strategic recommendations.
• Report insights and outcomes to local teams.
• Lead the development and execution of launch communications strategies for all BYD and DENZA vehicle introductions.
• Plan and manage national media launch events, first-drive programs, and press test vehicle activities.
• Develop launch messaging frameworks and media narratives that support commercial objectives.
• Coordinate launch communications with global BYD and DENZA teams as required.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders in developing Product PR materials and launches.
• Write high-quality press releases and press kits for BYD and DENZA vehicles.
• Manage presentation materials, key messages, speeches, Q&As, statements, and information packs for BYD and DENZA model introductions and media events.
• Manage the ordering, allocation, preparation, and scheduling of press vehicles.
• Work closely with the PR Specialist to ensure accurate records of fleet usage and condition are maintained, and coordinate logistics with internal teams and suppliers.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Digital teams to plan, develop, and refine social media content aligned with PR messaging and product news.
• Support reporting on social media performance for PR-related content, including reach, engagement, and sentiment, working with digital analytics teams.

7）Media Coverage and Reporting

• Manage, track, and analyse all media coverage across traditional, digital, and social media platforms.
• Produce regular reports for internal stakeholders, summarising media sentiment towards the BYD and DENZA brands and evaluations of BYD and DENZA vehicles.

8）Agency and Supplier Management

• Liaise with external PR agencies, specialist suppliers, photographers, videographers, and freelance writers.
• Manage workflows, approvals, invoicing, and briefing documents to support PR initiatives.
• Manage and maintain media contact databases and distribution lists.
• Assist in managing PR budgets, purchase orders, and administrative processes.
• Support broader marketing and communications activities as required.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong writing skills, with demonstrated experience creating high-quality media materials.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with confidence interacting with journalists, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Experience in media relations, ideally within the automotive, consumer, technology, or related sectors.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms and best practices, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint).

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (required).
• At least 5 years of professional experience preferred in automotive PR, communications, media, or related functions.

BYD Australia is under rapid expansion with plenty more opportunities to arise. If you are ready to make the most of everything you’ve learned so far, be challenged, work together with industry leaders, and be a part of a supportive and vibrant team, then BYD is ready for you.