Media Relations Manager

About the role

It's an exciting time to join the Marketing and Communications team here at AXA UK, with significant investment planned in all UK&I businesses to transform, deliver new digital services to our customers and streamline and automate our business processes. To support the delivery of the Media Relations strategy for AXA Partners, we're looking for a talented person to join the team.

As Media Relations Manager, you'll form part of a strong press office whose function is to deliver an around-the-clock press office service, which promotes the reputation of AXA Partners and the wider AXA brand.

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least 40% of your week away from home, either at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events.

What you'll be doing:

• Create and execute a Media Relations programme which supports the AXA Partners strategy. Liaise directly with the senior stakeholders to ensure PR strategies are in place.
• Manage media enquiries related to customer complaints which have the potential to adversely affect the reputation of the business.
• Work with the Head of Media Relations and wider team to manage the AXA UK and AXA Partners press offices.
• Manage the reputation of AXA Partners and the wider AXA brand, guiding the business on any issues that could attract press interest.
• Work closely with the Customer Complaints team to promptly respond to complaints from Elected Representatives.
• Maintain a strong working relationship with the business to unearth and develop stories that could be pitched to the media.
• Proactively identify and advise on media opportunities across trade and national press.
• Co-ordinate with public affairs, internal communications and marketing teams to exploit potential media opportunities.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders, journalists and senior members of the business, to deliver the Media Relations strategy.
• Monitor the media for industry developments , advising stakeholders where necessary.

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we're able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you're interested in joining us at AXA, please don't hesitate to apply.

About you

What we’re looking for:

• Significant Media Relations and communications experience.
• Experience in briefing spokespeople for media engagements.
• Experience in monitoring media coverage in key publications.
• Expertise in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Consumer campaign development and delivery experience.
• Ability to meet journalist deadlines consistently.
• Confident in liaising with external parties such as the national press, broadcast media, trade publications, regional media and industry bodies.
• Experience in the successful delivery of key messages in target media.
• Experience of working with stakeholders to ensure all governance standards are adhered to.
• Involvement in managing reputational risks and supporting with crisis communication.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

What we offer

At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

• Competitive annual salary up to £60,000 dependent on experience
• Annual company & performance-based bonus
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
• AXA employee discounts
• Gym benefits

To apply, click on the ‘apply for this job’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long term health condition or disability and require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to adi.stapletonberry@axa-uk.co.uk.

About AXA

With a presence in over 60 countries, and 165,000 employees serving the needs of 107 million customers, AXA is big.

But never too big to care for every single person who works here. So when you join us, we promise to put our collective might behind you and your career.

You’ll work in an open and supportive environment where you’ll be developed, challenged and encouraged to move around to achieve even bigger and better things – nationally and internationally. You’ll learn directly from senior leaders, from the best in our business. And you’ll enjoy real responsibility, really early on.

Every large company today talks about supporting diversity and inclusion. But at AXA UK, these values form an integral part of everything we do. For us, it’s about bringing together the best talent, helping people to realise their full potential by being 100% themselves at work and delivering outstanding service to everyone – regardless of difference.

AXA UK Support Functions power AXA’s three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.