External Comms - PR Exec

Whitbread PLC; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to 10%

Pension up to 10%

Discounts on Premier Inn stays

60% off Premier Inn and Hub stays

Performance incentives

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Whitbread PLC in London is seeking a PR Executive to join the Premier Inn Brand Marketing team. The role involves identifying compelling stories, writing and distributing press releases, coordinating PR campaigns, and building media relationships.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders across Marketing, Operations and Legal, with hybrid working and occasional weekend on-call duties. A strong curiosity and experience in communications are essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work to tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop story opportunities that support Premier Inn's brand and business objectives.
• Research, write and distribute engaging press releases and communication materials.
• Support the planning and delivery of PR campaigns and media activity.
• Act as a key contact for communications agencies, attending meetings and coordinating activity.
• Respond to media enquiries and journalist requests.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders across Marketing, Operations, Guest Relations, Sustainability, Commercial and Legal teams.
• Support reputation management and proactive/reactive media relations.
• Participate in the out-of-hours PR on-call rota, including occasional weekend cover.
• Contribute ideas for future PR opportunities aligned to business priorities.

Skills

Storytelling

Writing skills

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Job description

Job Title: PR Executive
Contract Type: Permanent
Office Based: Holborn, London | Hybrid working, 3 days a week in the office

Are you a naturally curious storyteller with strong writing skills and a passion for building positive brand reputation?

At Whitbread, we're looking for a PR Executive to join the Premier Inn Brand Marketing team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering communications activity for one of the UK's most recognised hospitality brands, helping to identify compelling stories, support PR campaigns and build relationships with media and internal stakeholders.

Whilst this role sits within a wider Brand Marketing function, the immediate PR team is small and highly collaborative. As part of a close-knit team of three, you'll become an integral member of the team and will be expected to work with a high degree of ownership, initiative and self-sufficiency whilst having the support of experienced communications professionals around you.

What you'll be doing:

• Identify and develop story opportunities that support Premier Inn's brand and business objectives.
• Research, write and distribute engaging press releases and communication materials.
• Support the planning and delivery of PR campaigns and media activity.
• Act as a key contact for communications agencies, attending meetings and helping to coordinate activity.
• Respond to media enquiries, including journalist requests, stay requests and reactive issues.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across Marketing, Operations, Guest Relations, Sustainability, Commercial and Legal teams.
• Support reputation management activity and assist with proactive and reactive media relations.
• Participate in the out-of-hours PR on-call rota, including occasional weekend cover, supporting media enquiries and issues management when required.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations for future PR opportunities aligned to business priorities and wider brand strategy.

Why you'll love it here:

• Bonus up to 10%
• Up to 10% contributory pension
• Up to 60% off Premier Inn and Hub stays
• Individual and company-wide performance incentives
• Discounts and cashback from a wide range of retailers and leisure providers
• Excellent learning and development opportunities within one of the UK's leading hospitality businesses

What you'll need:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience creating content for different audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce high-quality work to tight deadlines.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and confidence communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• A curious mindset, with enthusiasm for identifying stories and learning new things.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of projects and tasks.
• Good judgement and discretion when dealing with sensitive or reputation-related issues.
• The ability and willingness to undertake occasional travel when required.

It would be great if you also have:

• A professional qualification in Marketing, Communications, Journalism or a related discipline.
• Experience within hospitality, travel or consumer-facing industries.
• Previous experience working within a large organisation or corporate environment.
• Experience supporting PR, communications, media relations or brand marketing activity.