Public Relations Manager

Public Relations Manager

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.

Location: London – hybrid working.

The opportunity:

At Zurich, we believe in creating a brighter future for our customers, partners, people and the planet by providing products and services that have a positive impact. To support us on this mission, we are looking for a determined and self-driven PR Manager to join our six-strong external communications team at Zurich UK.

As a multiline insurer, we target both B2B and B2C through a high volume of trade engagement alongside consumer campaigns with external agency partners. No two days are the same and your work will be hugely varied - a knowledge of the insurance sector would be a strong advantage. Campaigns could range from the creation of an opera performance through to developing celebrity-driven campaigns focused on resilience. Whatever the topic, we want you to find innovative ways to showcase our brand in both trade and top tier media. The ability to get excited about all things insurance is a must.

You will also be responsible for issues management and producing industry-leading trade news stories and bylines. Topics range from flooding, lithium battery fires to safety in schools, and boosting our presence in the protection market. Excellent copywriting is really important in this role. You will foster close working relationships with the trade, national, and broadcast media, using your list of contacts to secure regular top tier coverage. An eye for detail and a willingness to get to grips with the issues facing the ever-changing world of insurance are a must.

This is a hybrid role based in London, reporting to the Head of External Communications. First and foremost, you must be proactive at finding, building and delivering high impact campaigns. It requires strategic and creative thinking in equal parts, as well as the ability to plan and succeed in a fast-paced environment. Being part of a global brand means there is an abundance of opportunities to progress. If you consider yourself an ‘intrepreneur’, Zurich UK is a great place to grow.

What will you be doing?

• Create industry leading external communications campaigns across key business areas.
• Monitor the daily media agenda and drive impactful reactive press office activity around key topics.
• Manage fast-moving, complex PR challenges from both the business and the media.
• Provide strategic PR counsel and guidance to the UK business from C Suite down.
• Work closely with other teams including public affairs, marketing and internal communications to amplify campaigns across all channels.
• Ensure PR activity delivers against business objectives and articulates key messages.
• Generate on-message, positive media coverage for our brand, ensuring Zurich is front of mind.
• Create all forms of communications from PR plans and strategy presentations to press releases, social media copy, trade articles and more.
• Initiate regular journalist contact to grow and nurture new and existing relationships.
• Take heavy topics and write with passion, energy and flair for both B2B and B2C audiences.
• Strategic thinking is key; you will look at things from all angles, shape future vision and drive through change.

What are we looking for?

The successful candidate will likely:

• Solid experience in public relations is key with a wide range of media contacts.
• Strong copywriting skills are really essential.
• Experience in reputation management, ensuring a timely and informed response to queries and complaints from journalists across a wide range of issues.
• Brilliant on creative execution, stakeholder management, measurement and a keen eye for detail.
• Organised with the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
• You will be able to craft complex business messages and briefs and produce clear, concise media materials for both B2B and B2C outlets.
• Additionally, you will also have a good instinct for what might become a media issue.
• Proactive approach is essential; you’ll be happy to take responsibility to make things happen.
• Extensive experience in dealing with high-level media contacts across news and broadcast.
• You will understand how to find and use business data to tell a story.
• The ability to understand and comfortably interpret business strategy into activity.

What happens next?

As an inclusive employer we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.

Who we are:

At Zurich, we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.

With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.

If you're interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our Culture:

At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we’ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture.

We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

The financials

• 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme.
• Annual company bonus.
• Income Protection.
• Life cover - four times your salary.

Time away

• 25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays.
• You can also request to swap UK bank holidays for days off that have cultural or religious significance to you.
• The option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
• Three days paid volunteering.
• Up to 16 weeks' full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

Your health is important to us

• Access to Private medical insurance.
• Virtual GP appointments.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free flu jab.
• Access to a wealth of support from our wellbeing partners.

We're making a difference

• Creating a brighter, more sustainable future underpins all that we do here in Zurich.
• Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, has awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.