Head of Public Relations UK North (Fixed Term)

Merlin Entertainments Group; Sandford Hill; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global entertainment company is seeking a Head of Public Relations for UK North on a 12-month fixed term contract. This role involves leading a PR team to shape and safeguard the reputation of various attractions in the region. Candidates should have experience in high-level public relations, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in crisis management. The position offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits, including discounts and a private pension scheme.

Benefits

40% discount off LEGO® sets

Merlin Magic Pass for 20 free tickets

25% discount in Merlin shops

Staff discount codes for Merlin Annual Passes

Private pension scheme

Life assurance scheme

Employee assistance programme

Access to national & local employee discounts

Free staff parking

Ongoing training & development

Qualifications

• Experience in Public Relations with a successful track record of media engagement.
• Knowledge of Merlin attractions and local considerations for PR.
• Experience in crisis and issue management with a solid risk mitigation plan.
• Ability to implement public relations strategies aligning with corporate objectives.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills sensitive to brand voice.

Responsibilities

• Lead a PR team to develop and execute consumer PR strategies.
• Work closely with the UK South PR team for integration of strategies.
• Develop and maintain communication channels with local authorities and communities.
• Manage PR campaigns reflecting budgets and handling inquiries effectively.
• Ensure engagement with stakeholders and promote attractions' impact on communities.

Skills

Public Relations

Media Engagement

Crisis Management

Communication Skills

Job description

What you’ll bring to the team

Head of Public Relations – UK North

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract, Salaried

We are recruiting for a Head of Public Relations – UK North on a 12-month fixed term contract, to join our AWESOME teams across our Northern portfolio of attractions.

The Head of PR exists to promote, shape and safeguard the reputation of Merlin’s attractions within the UK North cluster, including Alton Towers, SEA LIFE Aquariums Birmingham and Manchester, Cadbury World, Warwick Castle. The Head of PR will provide leadership, strategic oversight and proactive issue management in line with Merlin policies and brand guidelines, overseeing all consumer-facing public relations activity across the Northern attractions. This role will work closely with Merlin business leaders both locally and across the wider business to align our corporate messaging and ensure a consistent approach to PR activity.

You will lead a PR team in delivering a high-quality consumer PR strategy and plan that directly supports the Cluster growth plan and priorities, driving consistent understanding, application and continuous development of the UK North PR strategy. Working in partnership with the Head of PR UK South to integrate the PR strategy with the wider business GTM plan, you will identify and execute relevant PR opportunities on a regional level, ensuring an effective use of resources to deliver good value ROI from third party providers.

As the lead on PR agency and key media relationships the Head of PR will develop and maintain appropriate channels of communication both locally and regionally, ensuring PR campaigns reflect the relevant time and budgetary scales set by the Global corporate team, with an effective handling of enquiries and best practice.

The Head of PR - UK North will work closely with local authorities, Members of Parliament, Business Improvement Districts, Destination Management Organisations, town & parish councils and community forums to drive our engagement within the local community and the positive impact our attractions have on the area.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience working in high level Public Relations, with a demonstrable track record of proactively engaging with the media to manage an organisation's issue response relating to public and stakeholder interest is essential
• Knowledge of Merlin attractions and key locations within the northern cluster, and the localised considerations that factor into the business PR approach, with the ability to create and maintain meaningful dialogue with local communities
• Proven experience in responding to crisis and issue management, with an organised and effective risk mitigation plan, with extensive experience in high-profile public-facing environments
• The ability to lead and implement public relations in a timely manner, in alignment with wider corporate objectives and best practice, with a flexible approach to emerging opportunities and active, high quality, market responses
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, understanding and sensitivity to brand voice and wider Merlin objectives

Benefits

• 40% discount off LEGO® sets and products on the online LEGO Store!

• Merlin Magic Pass: 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world!
• 25% discount in Merlin retail shops and restaurants (a brilliant extra treat when you're using your Magic Pass to visit!)
• Staff discount codes for Merlin Annual Passes to gift to loved ones!

• Private pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to Perks at Work which 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
• Free staff parking
• Ongoing training & development

About Merlin

A job with Merlin isn't like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don't trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In Memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests' experiences are the best they can be.

If you have any questions or if you require any reasonable adjustments, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

Competitive