This vacancy is open to direct applications only, no approaches via recruitment agencies will be accepted at this time.
Background
We are seeking an experienced PR Manager to join our team at our award-winning headquarters in Cardiff’s Two Central Square.
As a PR Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing effective public relations campaigns to enhance Hugh James’ reputation as a Top 100 Law Firm.
Your role will involve building strong relationships with media outlets, managing press releases and taking responsibility for media monitoring.
You will also work closely with internal stakeholders and external partner organisations to promote our individual and business services and events across digital media channels.
The ideal candidate will have PR and communications experience, preferably gained within a law firm, professional services organisation, PR agency or journalism environment. You will be relationship-driven, proactive and comfortable working with partners and senior leaders.
As part of the wider Business Development and Marketing team, you will work closely with Marketing and Business Development Managers and collaborate across our Business Division and Private Wealth teams to identify media opportunities, promote sector expertise and enhance the firm's reputation across England and Wales.
The role
- Develop and deliver PR plans that support the firm's strategic priorities, with a particular focus on the Business Division and Private Wealth teams.
- Build strong relationships with national, regional, trade and legal media to secure high-quality coverage that raises the profile of the firm, its lawyers and its services.
- Identify and develop media opportunities from firm news, thought leadership and market developments.
- Manage day-to-day press office activity, responding to media enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Draft and distribute press releases, media statements, articles, and other external communications materials.
- Support partners and senior colleagues with media opportunities, interview preparation and key messaging.
- Monitor media coverage, industry developments and competitor activity, identifying opportunities to enhance the firm's profile and reputation.
- Work with Marketing Managers and business stakeholders to promote the firm's sector expertise and strengthen its presence in key markets.
- Manage media contact databases and distribution lists, ensuring relationships and records are maintained effectively.
- Produce regular media coverage reports and insight for stakeholders, measuring the impact of PR activity against agreed objectives
Skills & Qualifications
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PR and communications experience, ideally gained within a law firm, professional services organisation, PR agency or journalism environment.
- Proven experience securing media coverage across national, regional, trade and legal media.
- Passionate about media relations and building long-term relationships with journalists, colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the confidence to identify opportunities and take ownership of activity.
- Comfortable working with partners and senior colleagues, providing advice and support on media opportunities.
- Excellent writing, editing and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and business topics into engaging content.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
- Experience using media monitoring and media database platforms.
- Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Life at Hugh James
We never shy away from a challenge
We are a leading, full-service UK law firm. Since our beginning, we have been led by the things that matter. We care about fighting for the right outcomes. Solving the seemingly unsolvable. Protecting businesses, individuals and livelihoods. Supporting our people, our communities. Safeguarding our planet. Looking for a way forward? At Hugh James, challenges – of all sizes – are readily accepted.
The Hugh James difference
Our law firm has always been guided by the idea that self-belief is just as important as skillset. Our pursuit of righting wrongs and protecting what’s important keeps us driving forwards. It’s in our roots! We won’t stop until we find the answers; the outcomes that are needed.
We are focused on the work we do, the business we run, and our culture. Our entrepreneurial spirit has taken us from humble beginnings to a strong presence across the UK with offices in Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Plymouth – servicing clients from businesses, individuals and banks to public sector organisations, property companies, education establishments and utilities providers. Our collegiate culture, our forward-looking ethos, our values serve to make us bigger, better, bolder than ever before.
A positive force in the community
Our work with charities on a local and national level plays a huge part in our day-to-day lives. We work with a large range of charities, some of which we support through fundraising, donations, volunteering and others we partner with where our areas of work cross paths. Staff, clients everyone comes together through a shared passion to do good in the community and support those in need.
Some of our benefits on offer include:
Minimum of 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Two Corporate Social Responsibility days
Birthday day off
Death in service equivalent to twice annual salary
Auto enrolment pension scheme
Hybrid working
Employee Assistance Programme
Discounts for local businesses
Professional fees paid (subject to requirement for your role)
Employee recruitment incentive scheme
Hugh James is an equal opportunities and disability confident committed employer.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this opportunity. If you have questions, please contact Jo Herbert
We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the given deadline if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
