Head Of Pr And Comms - Bruton

Based onsite at The Newt in Somerset Offices

This is no ordinary place, and we don't want ordinary. If you are looking for your next adventure in PR and Comms please also send over a short video with your application telling your story and why The Newt is somewhere you want to call home. Videos can be sent to recruitment@thenewtinsomerset.com or included with your CV.

Your Role

The Head of Comms and PR is a senior role within the business, responsible for handling all aspects of communication and publicity for the company. You will lead our multi-channel B2C comms strategy, which is built on a foundation of strong brand identity and values, along with a dynamic editorial strategy, active social media presence and strong national and international media relations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Authority and responsibility to develop and deliver the Comms and PR plan across all channels, aligned with targets and objectives for growth.
• Ownership of the Comms and PR budget.
• Build and maintain relationships with key press and industry contacts.
• Keeping up to date with industry and wider consumer trends, ensuring we remain relevant to our audience.
• Manage third-party PR agencies.
• Host press, VIPs and other guests of special interest.
• Coordinating coverage of estate events, programmes and off-site events such as Chelsea Flower Show.
• Manage and lead content creation, utilising video and social media channels to grow our following.
• Deliver and manage launch strategies for new facilities and attractions; drafting press releases and coordinating press visits.
• Support the visitor attraction to grow membership and annual visitorship.
• Support the hotel to attract guests and maintain high occupancy.
• Identify and prioritise key opportunities to drive growth of our active customer base.
• Oversee and deliver implementation of strategic marketing projects and campaigns.
• Measure and report on strategic marketing and Comms KPIs.
• Coordination with the relevant stakeholders across the business to ensure each department receives fair representation and promotion.
• Support the CEO and other departments with internal comms as necessary.
• Manage, nurture, and retain a team of content creators.

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% of Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Discover exclusive perks with our Discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• The opportunity to ensure your views are heard and shape the future of the business via our Employee Engine Room.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme "Newt Awards" with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including monthly Gather and Grow Motivational Speakers and our regular fun squad events, which include activities such as Go-Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team

• A bachelors degree or higher qualification in a relevant subject.
• 5+ years management experience in a B2C communications or marketing role.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, partnership and influence management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Customer-centric view
• Broad understanding across all disciplines of modern digital marketing mix including paid search, email, social, influencer, affiliate, editorial content creation.
• Proven track record of planning and implementing PR and Comms strategy.
• Experience in participating and leading successful implementation of large-scale projects and marketing campaigns.
• Be equally comfortable operating at a strategic level and to get into the detail and execute at a tactical level to help and inspire your reports.
• A proactive self-starter with a 'can-do' attitude and collaborative nature.

The department is responsible for communicating everything The Newt in Somerset presents to the public, providing brand, marketing, and communications services to each operational department, whilst conveying and protecting our overarching brand messaging.

Relationships are built and maintained with partners and press to secure coverage and other opportunities; drive traffic to the website via multiple channels; guide and influence the business offer according to market research and trends; act as liaison with media; champion team talent; engage global audiences with estate news and activity; and always protect the brand's reputation and image.

We are connectors. We are collaborators. We are storytellers, with one of the most exciting texts to read from.

Who are we? - The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.