Purpose of the Post:
- To create and implement a strategy which promotes the UK motor industry at home and abroad, helping attract inward investment and export opportunities and positions the UK as one of the leading destinations for automotive activity
- To develop and implement an effective media strategy to promote the UK automotive industry and raise its image and profile across all media sectors.
- To promote and improve the reputation of the Society to ensure it maintains a highly respected and visible public profile on behalf of the industry both in the UK and abroad.
- To liaise with member companies and internal departments to coordinate an industry position on issues and legislation and work proactively and reactively to deliver key messages to the relevant media audience.
- To advise the Chief Executive and Directors of SMMT on PR and communications issues
- To act as spokesperson for the industry as required deputising in this role for the Chief Executive.
- To oversee the PR and communications function for Motor Codes Ltd, promote the activities of SMMT Industry Forum and work with colleagues in Government to deliver the Automotive Council’s communication agenda.
- To devise, manage and coordinate all aspects of SMMT’s public events and exhibitions.
- To develop an international network of stakeholders to maximise the opportunities for UK automotive business abroad
- To devise and direct a programme of international activities which offers maximum business benefit to SMMT, SMMT members, and the UK automotive industry.
Qualifications/Skills/Attributes required:
- Education to degree level or beyond.
- Experience at a senior level managing teams of people, projects and agencies.
- Experience as a media spokesperson able to deal with controversial issues in a sensitive manner.
- Experience of presenting to large, multi-stakeholder audiences
- A strong understanding and experience of media requirements and the national news agenda.
- Knowledge and experience of the international business environment and the skills required to operate professionally and diplomatically abroad
- Strategic understanding of business and of the role of the department within the broader business.
- Ability to work in a challenging environment, managing conflicting demands from member companies whilst maintaining harmony within the organisation.
- Ability to grasp issues and deal with them as they arise, without supervision and support, for the benefit of the organisation.
- Ability to coordinate complex multi-stakeholder projects while maintaining SMMT’s position.
- Ability to work confidently and effectively with all levels of management within the Society and industry.
- A creative approach to developing news stories and events and the ability and willingness to drive the continuous development and improvement of the Society’s communications function.
- Ability to devise and manage events and sponsor relationships.
- First-class written and verbal English skills.
- Strong interpersonal abilities and the ability to forge and maintain relationships across the industry.
- Strong decision-making abilities.
- Knowledge of financial procedures and experience of developing and managing a budget, both at department level, project level and whole business level.
- Proven ability to develop staff from basic ability to professional level as part of the Investor in People.
- Competent IT skills – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet Explorer essential.
Main duties include:
Strategic Development
- Devise and coordinate an international communication programme of events, activities, material and messages which helps position the UK as the forefront of the global automotive industry
- Integrate UK and International communication activities – especially within the EU – to ensure the UK is seen as a significant contributor to key issues and regulatory challenges
- Work with UK stakeholders including the Department for Business, UKTI, FCO, AIO to promote the UK as a centre for automotive investment and export growth
- Develop close and regular communication with other International Automotive organisations such as ACEA, CLEPA and OICA to align global industry messages and activities.
International Activities
- Devise, plan and deliver a viable programme of international business development activities
- Act as an Ambassador for the UK automotive industry promoting the UK automotive industry in markets around the world
- Develop and maintain close links with organisations and industry contacts in key global markets
- Develop and maintain good relations with DTI, FCO, UKTI and other government and regional agencies
- Maximise government/regional funding to support international business development projects for the automotive industry
Communications strategy
- Develop and implement a communications strategy for the SMMT – with associated budget – that promotes the industry, the Society and actively contributes to the broader business objectives.
- Management of the Communications department to deliver the departmental plan and respond to breaking news affecting the industry.
- Design and implement creative ad hoc media campaigns and events to promote SMMT and industry issues and activities.
- Work with all sections of the SMMT to support and promote the work of all departments and represent the interests of all members.
- Measure, track and evaluate performance against objectives and utilise media monitoring to identify emerging industry issues and new media opportunities.
Media relations
- Act as a spokesperson for the organisation in print and broadcast interviews, including out-of-hours calls and media appearances where required.
- Build and maintain key media relationships across core news and trade outlets while continuously seeking to expand SMMT’s reach.
- Work cross-departmentally and with member companies to develop key messages and responses to industry issues and ensure consistent delivery across all channels.
- Manage the Communications department to ensure the continuous delivery of an effective and efficient press office service to all media.
Stakeholder management – UK and International
- Work with member companies to develop positions on key issues in UK, Europe and beyond.
- Advise member companies on industry issues, responses and opportunities in UK and abroad.
- Represent SMMT on relevant stakeholder groups and committees.
- Manage the relationship between SMMT and other organisations on communication matters to ensure best value and return on investment in these areas.
Crisis management
- Respond quickly and effectively to any breaking news item to ensure a robust industry position, minimising any long-term impact on the sector.
- Deliver an effective internal communications process to coordinate colleagues and members.
Management of SMMT events
- Devise a programme of events in the UK and abroad to promote UK automotive industry, our members and the SMMT in general
- Oversee the planning and activation of all SMMT events and activities to ensure they are delivered to a consistently high professional standard.
- Manage and deliver key SMMT events including Automechanika, the International Automotive Summit, Annual Dinner and Test Day.
- Support SMMT’s role in the CV Show LLP especially PR, promotion and event operations.
Digital presence and profile
- Editorial and day-to-day management of www.smmt.co.uk.
- Drive SMMT’s digital engagement and content strategy ensuring a strong online profile for all sectors of the business.
- Develop and build SMMT’s online and social media profile.
Brand identity
- Ensure the consistent delivery of SMMT’s brand identity across the business.
- Encourage a consistent tone of voice and house style across all communications including reports, presentations, promotional materials etc
Motor Codes and SMMT Industry Forum
- Advise on the PR, marketing and communications strategy for Motor Codes Ltd.
- Oversee the delivery of the Motor Codes communications plan.
- Work with SMMT Industry Forum colleagues to deliver a communication plan in support of their activities and marketing ambitions
Automotive Council
- Work with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Automotive Council member companies to support and activate the communications function for the Automotive Council.
- Through the Chief Executive, advise the Automotive Council on communications activity.
- Editorial and day-to-day management of www.automotivecouncil.co.uk.
Other duties include:
- Acting as ambassador for the Chief Executive and members at industry events as required.
- Managing the SMMT’s the Public Affairs Committee.
Please note, the role may require out of hours work including media calls, interviews and event attendance.
Salary and benefits package:
The package includes private medical insurance, company pension scheme, flexi time, 25 days annual leave, childcare vouchers, interest free season ticket loan (after 6 months).
Deadline for Applications:
08 August 2014
Method of Application:
Prospective candidates should e-mail jobsweb@smmt.co.uk with a CV and covering letter quoting your salary expectations.
Early applications are encouraged as interviews will take place and the position offered before this date if a suitable candidate is found.
