PR Manager (Maternity Cover - 12 Months FTC)

Job Description

*Please note start date for this role will be August and we will not accept applicants who do not email a cover letter and CV to [email protected]

The Brand
Based in Paris, Longchamp is first and foremost a large, optimistic and independent family business with an international reputation.
Joining Longchamp means taking part in the creation and distribution of fashion and leather goods that are both fair and beautiful and the result of excellent craftsmanship.
With a presence in over 25 countries and a network of over 3,500 employees, the company is now looking for new, free-spirited, creative and committed talent to continue its development in the UK market in a demanding and caring working environment.
Our quickly developing business in the UK and worldwide provides an exciting background for personal development and many opportunities for growth.

The Role

As Acting PR Manager, you will play a key role in driving brand awareness and securing image positioning for Longchamp in the UK through press, influencer and VIP relations. Networking, to both build new relationships and strengthen existing ones, as well as creating memorable experiences are part of the challenge.

Your role will cover the maternity leave of the current Senior PR & Digital Manager and is a 12-month fixed term contract, designed to begin in August. You will report to the Managing Director for the UK and Ireland and head up the PR department of two team members (PR & Marketing Officer and PR Intern).

Key Responsibilities

Overall
Developing the seasonal PR strategy for the UK, in response to the guidelines set out by Longchamp HQ
Implementing this strategy, in conjunction with the PR team, with the objective of delivering meaningful, high-impact activations, and qualitative and quantitative results across print, digital and social media
Managing relationships with editors-in-chief, influencers, VIPs, agents, stylists and other key external and internal stakeholders
Tracking the UK PR budget to ensure no underspend/overspend, and validating all PR invoices before payment (using accounting tools)

Influencer & VIP Relations
Leading the execution of PR events to engage with the UK influencer and VIP community, from large-scale seasonal launch parties to intimate dinners and international trips
Project-managing seasonal paid and unpaid influencer campaigns, from proposing talent to HQ for validation and developing campaign briefs, to contract negotiation and content delivery
Hosting influencer/VIP gifting appointments and fittings at the Longchamp Bond St showroom, with the support of the team
Liaising with VIP stylists to secure dressing opportunities around key UK calendar moments
Monitoring social media results via Lefty, to ensure project by project improvement, and reporting these regularly to the Managing Director and team

Press
Ensuring strong relationships are maintained with target publications, with a particular focus on securing online coverage
Disseminating press releases to media outlets in the UK and Ireland to support product launches and announcements such as VIP endorsements and corporate news
In addition to sharing the HQ press communications, crafting and pitching features and trend stories with relevance to the UK and Irish press
Monitoring press results via DMR to ensure earned media value improvement vs previous years, and reporting these regularly to the Managing Director and team

Management
Line-managing the PR & Marketing Officer (who in turn manages the PR Intern) setting her career development objectives and carrying out her annual appraisal
Directing the day-to-day running of the team, and managing the capacity and workload of both members
Setting out quarterly PR team objectives and ensuring these are met
Fostering an environment of ideas-sharing amongst the team
Encouraging both members develop their own relationships with relevant influencers and junior members of the press
Overseeing the PR ambassador programme (boutique staff appointed to enhance PR-retail synergies)

Your Profile
6-8 years of professional experience
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Native English speaker or high level of proficiency in English

Technical Skills & Abilities
Expert knowledge of the UK press and influencer landscape
Strong contact network of VIPs, influencers, press, agents, and stylists in the UK and Ireland
Budget management experience
Business-oriented and results-driven mindset
Interpersonal skills
Office suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)

Longchamp is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability.