Public Relations Senior Account Executive- Automotive

We're Performance Communications — proudly employee-owned, one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work and the UK’s leading specialist agency in Automotive, Technology & Sports Brand Comms. We’re 60 strong, creatively driven, and fuelled by a passion for storytelling that actually moves the needle for our clients.

Whether it’s dreaming up big campaign ideas, unlocking media opportunities, building influencer buzz, or crafting stories that stand out on social — no two days here are ever the same.

We’re based in Kingston upon Thames and work hybrid: three days in-office, two from home.

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Account Executive. Working on automotive consumer accounts, we are looking for a self-starter with proven experience delivering high-level campaigns. You should be intrinsically proactive and communicative, have great organisational skills and experience juggling multiple projects at one time.

We are looking for someone who has excellent client relations and can translate those conversations into projects that deliver great results, whilst also showing experience in writing, influencer relations and event support.

Suitable for someone seeking a new challenge within the automotive sector or looking to take the next step on the career ladder, the role requires an ability to drive the day-to-day management of client activity and plans, helping to ensure KPIs are achieved with the support of the Account Director. The successful candidate should be meticulous in adhering to processes to ensure the smooth running of the accounts, while contributing creatively across brands.

It is important that the individual can comprehend the often-complex nature of our clients’ businesses. We are looking for an enthusiastic account lead and content producer with a keen eye for a mainstream news story who can also turn ideas into effective campaigns.

The Agency has a reputation for nurturing and developing talent and prides itself on being at the forefront of modern PR and communications. The role is pivotal within the Automotive teams at Performance. Not only will the person become a key contact for an exciting group of clients, they will also help ensure that all accounts are managed in an efficient manner.

Reporting Line and Team

The SAE role reports to the Senior Account Manager/Account Director and will help manage the day-to-day smooth running of automotive consumer accounts, as well as supporting the wider team on creative comms and strategic planning.

What you'll be doing

• While the role majors on client management, content creation and creative ideas, much of the team’s work demands a nose for media opportunities and a proactive approach to media relations
• Client management: develop excellent client relationships and be the main ‘go-to’ person for the client(s)
• Responsible for co-ordination of asset creation to support activity – written, photography, graphic and video
• Oversee maintenance of reporting and status updates for several accounts across the team; this may include status and coverage reports, digital project management tools, rolling release schedules, future features lists and deadlines, and media distribution lists
• Establish strong relationships with all client teams as well as key personnel elsewhere in the businesses. Ensuring direct access to key people who can provide data, information, opinion etc for relevant content is important
• Work with the SAM/AD and wider team to ensure quality control is adhered to where any content and written copy is concerned
• Plan, organise and prioritise workloads – managing up and down where required, keeping managers and wider team in the loop of progress
• Both draft and help oversee team production of copy, news releases / press kits, campaign and media materials; and drive the development of creative content or ideas
• Creative development and leading on execution of smaller brand campaigns – creative ideation, supplier liaison, managing and executing shoots, providing ongoing updates to client and wider team
• Oversee and facilitation of influencer programmes in line with brand KPIs – sourcing influencers, arranging influencer activity, reporting on influencer metrics

What we're looking for

• A proactive, self-starter individual who has an understanding of the automotive world
• An understanding of the world of PR – what makes a good PR story, how do communication channels differ from one another, what considerations need to be met to make an activity work for PR
• Must be a competent writer who is able to create focussed copy tailored to specific audiences or platforms e.g. news releases, website copy, LinkedIn or other social channels
• Experience developing and supporting campaigns and projects, including project management and on-site support
• Can demonstrate an ability to translate information (words and data) into engaging copy
• Ideally has experience within the automotive industry and with industry media contacts
• Time management – the ability to logically plan, develop and execute plans, demonstrating proactivity, organisation and communication
• Facilitation of photo/video shoots – liaising with photographers, drawing up storyboards and photo briefs, managing shoots on the ground
• Research and development skills, e.g. liaising with suppliers, managing timelines, arranging calls, agendas and meeting actions
• Excellent media relations skills – understanding of UK media landscape, experience talking to and pitching ideas to media confidently and competently
• Creation of and tracking small to medium scale budgets, including sourcing supplier costs, creating quotes, tracking invoices
• Experience working with influencers on earned basis – liaising with influencers and influencer agents, organising influencer-based activity, negotiating deliverables, reporting on influencer statistics
• Understanding of key social channels preferable (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube etc)
• Involvement in integrated campaigns involving wider marketing, social media and web teams preferable – understanding of how different channels work and requirements for each
• A team player with the gravitas to deal with senior stakeholders
• A strong communicator who can manage upwards and below, as well as prioritise their own work and the team supporting them
• Proactive, demonstrating the ability to problem solve and provide solutions to deliver results and KPIs
• A logical and clear thinker with a strong attention to detail and deadlines
• A self-starter who conducts themselves in a professional manner and is a good verbal communicator
• An ability to manage conflicting priorities and work in a fluid and fast-paced environment
• Get the basics right – be passionate about good, simple and effective PR/comms with a strong eye for an editorial angle
• A desire to challenge and be challenged
• An appetite for progression and able to utilise constructive feedback from senior members of the team to grow their skillset
• Quick learner, adaptable and pragmatic thinker, while being tenacious, results driven and resilient

Why work with us

As an employee owned business you become part of a bold, creative agency where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and your wellbeing is genuinely supported.

Including...

• Employee owned bonus schemes
• 28 days holiday
• Hybrid and flexible working
• £250 wellbeing allowance
• 4:30pm Friday finishes
• Personal and team social budgets
• Recognition awards
• Breakfast on office days
• Company-wide social events (legendary summer and Christmas parties)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Dog-friendly office
• Ongoing training & development

Our values

We’re a dickhead-free zone: We’re a kind and compassionate bunch. We’re not about egos. It’s team first, and we want to work with like-minded people.

We take the initiative: Proactivity and curiosity make great communicators, which is why we’re always on the front foot.

We relish a challenge: Ground-breaking work isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would be doing it.

We take pride in nurturing talent: Show the application and drive, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

We want people to be themselves: Everyone is different. We believe you get the best out of people when they can be who they want to be.

We do cool shit: We get a kick out of doing stuff that gets noticed.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →