External Communications Manager - 12 month FTC

The External Communications Manager is responsible for initiating, managing and evaluating proactive PR initiatives and campaigns as well as dealing with crisis and issue incidents for Allianz Holdings in the UK.,

• Initiate, plan, manage and evaluate proactive PR initiatives and external communications campaigns that support the broader communications strategy.


• Work closely with the Head of External Communications, and relevant business stakeholders, including senior management, Internal Communications, Marketing & Digital Communications.


• Research, write and distribute press releases, editorial, statements and blogs to the media that deliver strong results.


• Follow current affairs and news stories, and proactively seek opportunities in national, broadcast, and trade to raise the profile of the organisation, in support of its objectives.


• Respond quickly and accurately to breaking stories and issues in order to limit potentially damaging media coverage, providing guidance and support to senior stakeholders within Allianz.


• Build strong relationships with journalists and external partners.


• Occasionally be on call to deal with urgent media enquiries during evenings or weekends.
  
  The candidate should be comfortable working in a busy team, able to cope well with pressure, and have good organisational and prioritising abilities. Excellent writing and editing skills and a strong news sense are essential.


They should be adept at building strong relationships with journalists across national, trade and vertical media, coordinating responses to media enquiries and identifying opportunities which support the business strategy. They should be able to offer a high level of strategic advice to senior stakeholders and to think creatively to ensure effective, targeted PR initiatives.,
• Strong news sense and media handling skills, including understanding the news agenda, effectively pitching stories and managing media enquiries.


• Excellent written, verbal and oral communication skills.


• Ability to offer high level of strategic advice across media relations.


• Creative thinking combined with strong judgement to ensure effective, targeted PR initiatives.


• High level of interpersonal skills to be able to build relationships with influential journalists.


• Comfortable dealing with all levels of management and employees.


• Flexible approach, able across multiple business areas to tight deadlines with complex subject matters.


• Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.


• A positive 'can do' attitude with the ability to work as part of a team or independently.


• Analytical thinking, able to identify trends through data and break down complex information to appeal to the media.


• Experience working in an external communications role that has focused on PR and media relations.


• preferably degree educated.


• Experience in media relations, preferably in financial or professional services, whether 'in house' or with a PR agency. Experience in the insurance industry would be advantageous but is not essential. Prior experience as a journalist is also of interest.


• Experience in identifying trends through data and translating complex information to appeal to the media.


• Experience as a trusted, expert advisor to senior management and offering strategic counsel.


• Experience working with other departments to create integrated PR plans, including social media, internal communications, and marketing.


• Skills and experience in managing material of a sensitive nature in relation to crises and incidents.
  
  Allianz is a global insurance company serving across 70 different countries, but from the very first day you join our team you'll know that your contributions are valued. We offer world class learning and career development opportunities, while we celebrate an inclusive culture., At Allianz, we encourage our people to advocate for what they need, we listen, and we act - this could include providing assistive technology, ergonomic specialist equipment, mentoring and coaching, or flexibility in the way you work, among a wide range other adjustments.
  
  Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from- so you can pick a package that's perfect for you. We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group, and fantastic career development and training. That's on top of enjoying all the benefits you'd expect from the world's number one insurance brand, including:


• Flexible buy/sell holiday options


• Hybrid working.


• Annual performance related bonus


• Contributory pension scheme


• Development days


• A discount up to 50% on a range of insurance products including car, home and pet


• Retail discounts


Our Ways of Working

Do you need some flexibility with the hours you work? Let us know as part of your application and if it's right for our customers, our business and for you, then we'll do everything we can to make it happen.

Here at Allianz, we are signatories of the ABIs flexible working charter. We believe in supporting hybrid work patterns, which balance the needs of our customers, with your personal circumstances and our business requirements. Our aim with this is to help innovation, creativity, and you to thrive - Your work life balance is important to us.