PR & Communications Manager

ABL Recruitment; English (IN); On-site; USD 82,927 - 101,355; Full time

Job summary

ABL Recruitment is searching for a PR & Communications Manager for a leading automotive brand in the UK. This role involves developing and executing strategic PR initiatives across various media platforms, managing relationships with key stakeholders, and enhancing brand visibility.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in PR or communications, particularly within automotive environments, and will be responsible for crisis management, product launches, and corporate communications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in PR, communications, or corporate affairs.
• Experience in the automotive or related industry preferred.
• Strong background in media relations and PR campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the annual PR and communications strategy.
• Act as primary media contact, building strong relationships.
• Lead communications for vehicle launches and product updates.
• Monitor media coverage, sentiment, and public perception.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis management

Brand storytelling

Stakeholder management

Campaign management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or similar

Job description

This is an unusual and very lucrative opportunity for someone with experience in the world of automotive PR. This is one of the UK’s most well-known home-grown automotive brands, and they’re looking for a tried and tested PR expert to join them in house. You will develop and execute this client’s entire PR and Comms strategy across the UK market, leading media relations, corporate and product communications, brand storytelling and reputation management. You will be tasked with cementing this client as the UK’s leading automotive manufacturer. The role entails working closely with media, journalists, influencers, agencies, industry organisations, dealer partners and internal stakeholders.

Position Title: PR & Communications Manager

Department: Marketing & Communications

Reporting To: VP – Marketing & PR

Location: London – 5 Days on site

Travel Requirement: Frequent travel within the UK and occasional international travel as required.

Salary: Up to 70K

Key Responsibilities

PR & Communications Strategy

• Develop and deliver the annual PR and communications strategy aligned to business, sales, and brand objectives
• Create integrated plans for product launches, campaigns, and corporate announcements
• Identify opportunities to increase brand visibility and media exposure

Media & External Relations

• Act as primary media contact, building strong relationships across automotive, business, tech, sustainability, and consumer media
• Manage enquiries, interviews, press materials, and briefing documents
• Organise media events, press conferences, and test drive programmes

Product & Brand Communications

• Lead communications for vehicle launches and product updates, including messaging and materials
• Coordinate press vehicle activity and support media reviews
• Ensure consistent brand messaging across all channels

Corporate & Executive Communications

• Develop corporate communications programmes and promote key milestones, partnerships, and achievements
• Support leadership visibility through speeches, presentations, and briefing materials

Reputation & Crisis Management

• Monitor media coverage, sentiment, and public perception
• Manage reputation risks and lead crisis communication planning and response

Agency, Influencer & Industry Management

• Manage PR agencies and partners, including objectives, budgets, delivery, and performance
• Build relationships with influencers, content creators, and industry stakeholders to drive brand awareness

Events & Internal Communications

• Support launches, exhibitions, and corporate events including media coordination and post-event coverage
• Support internal communications, ensuring alignment of key business messages with HR and leadership

Reporting & Performance

• Track media coverage, share of voice, campaign performance, and KPIs
• Produce reports, evaluate effectiveness, and recommend improvements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, Business, or similar

Experience

• 5+ years in PR, communications, or corporate affairs
• Background in automotive, mobility, tech, consumer brands, or multinational environments preferred
• Strong track record in media relations, PR campaigns, product launches, and brand-building
• Mix of agency and in-house experience advantageous

Preferred Experience

• Automotive OEM or wider automotive industry background
• Experience launching products or brands in the UK
• Familiarity with media test drive programmes
• Knowledge of EV and sustainable mobility sectors
• Established relationships with UK automotive media and stakeholders

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Media coverage quality and volume
• Share of voice and positive sentiment
• Brand awareness growth
• Product launch performance
• Influencer engagement results
• PR campaign ROI
• Event coverage and attendance
• Agency performance
• Reputation management outcomes