Contract, Senior Publicist

Freelance Brief - Senior Publicist / Account Director (Lifestyle & Culture Focus)
Rate: £350-£400/day (flexibility for the right experience)
Start: ASAP - ideally within the next week
Duration: From early May through end of June (with potential extension); open to 2-3 days per week (Tues/Weds preferred)

An award-winning integrated agency is seeking a freelance Senior Publicist or Account Director to lead UK and global media strategy for a suite of premium lifestyle brands, including those in the alcohol and luxury culture space. This is a key planning and activation period with major campaigns launching over the summer.

• A highly experienced publicist with a strong black book of UK and international cultural and lifestyle media contacts, including both long-lead and digital-first titles.

• Someone who can confidently take ownership of media strategy, lead sell-ins, and secure high-profile placements across editorial and cultural press.

• Experience in alcohol or beverage brands is a bonus-particularly where it intersects with luxury, lifestyle, and culture.

• Lead global and UK media planning for multiple campaign launches.

• Execute media amplification strategies, including exclusive interviews, event coverage, and talent-driven features.

• Direct sell-ins to premium media outlets, including coordinating with local market teams.

• Handle media-facing elements of major activations and events (attendee management, photoshoot planning, content approvals).

• Brief talent and influencers for media interviews and provide strategic support to the wider PR team.

• Draft earned media strategies for annual planning.

• Manage and mentor junior team members to support ongoing coverage.

• Cultural & digital titles: High Snobiety, Hypebeast, Dazed, Wonderland

• Premium print & lifestyle: Elle, Harper's Bazaar, GQ, Esquire

• Talent from recent campaigns has included high-profile names; experience working with celebrities or large-scale launches is ideal.

• While the role is focused on weekday work and media output, the candidate will not be required to attend in-person activations.

• There is a global element to the role, and the client values fresh thinking and culturally relevant strategy approaches.

• Examples of past press coverage will be required as part of the application.

Sphere Digital Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.