Head of Public Relations

Virgin Limited Edition is an award-winning collection of unique retreats, chosen for their beautiful locations and magnificent surroundings, each offering a sense of fun, style, luxury and exceptional personal service.

The group includes Necker Island and Moskito Island in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands, Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier, Switzerland, Mahali Mzuri, a tented safari camp in Kenya, Son Bunyola in Mallorca, Spain, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve and Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard in South Africa. This role is based in Hammersmith, London where all our central teams are located. VLE aims to make a credible contribution towards creating a sustainable economy and to meet or exceed the expectations of our customers and stakeholders.

For more information check out www.virginlimitededition.com

What’s the gig?

Here’s what you’d do:

To undertake PR activities on behalf of Virgin Limited Edition (VLE) and all VLE

properties internationally.

• Works closely with VLE Head Office team, regional sales/PR offices, VLE properties and VML
• Carries out off-site client visits on a regular and agreed basis in order to increase awareness of VLE
• Has full product knowledge of entire VLE portfolio
• Generates new ideas for service and products to maintain competitive and leading edge
• Manages workload effectively
• Has absolute discretion
• Ensures appearance is according to company policy
• Shares ideas with the team and encourages their input in helping make decisions where possible
• Has a clear working knowledge of all company policies and operates within them at all times.
• Undertakes any other duties as and when required by Senior Management

Key Responsibilities:

• Devises and executes press relations strategy, for VLE and each of the VLE properties internationally, to meet global and local objectives.
• Disseminates key messages and ensures positive editorial in return.
• Manages PR activities carried out by global representation companies (Asia and Australia) including regular catch up calls.
• Acts as a spokesperson for VLE on a range of issues to promote and protect the collection.
• Works alongside VML’s global PR teams to review, arrange, and manage PR opportunities/ events involving Sir Richard Branson.
• Works jointly with the Group Sales & Marketing Director and VML PR team in crisis situations; creating appropriate statements/Q&A’s and dealing with challenging press angles to mitigate potential negative press coverage.
• Manages Brand integrity- This includes all third-party activities that use, or refer to, the VLE brand including, but not limited to: reviewing press and marketing materials as well as multimedia assets.
• Develops tactical offers and media stories to address all business needs including late availability and need periods at the properties as well as general news stories
• Manages all media interviews involving VLE team members
• Manages the planning and execution of proactive media campaigns, photo opportunities, fashion shoots, product launches and events
• Evaluates filming and photography requests and manages the execution of those that VLE agrees to facilitate. This includes seeking relevant permissions with Tourist Boards and other partners
• Works closely with other Virgin companies and affiliates to maximise opportunities to cross-sell VLE and individual properties
• Regularly contacts key travel media and maintains good working relationships
• Regularly contacts key partners, including but not limited to; Tourist Boards, Airlines, Representation Companies, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, DMCs
• Evaluates and arranges press visits to the properties for key travel journalists
• Manages and participates in group press trips as and where appropriate
• Oversees the production of press releases, press kits & other press collateral with the support of Group Press Officer/ PR Executive
• Handles incoming press requests and enquiries and delegates to the Group Press Officer/ PR Executive where needed
• Monitors all media monitoring services: Traditional news outlets - web, print, radio and TV, Web and blogs, forums for VLE coverage and circulates it to the relevant teams as appropriate
• Attends media events / workshops as requested
• Aims to achieve or exceed VLE financial targets by maximising all PR opportunities and maintaining control over associated costs
• Manages the production of monthly reports in addition to any annual operational review reports and ad-hoc reports for the Executive team
• Manages the annual PR budget commentary & expenditure that is submitted to Group Sales & Marketing Director for approval

Here’s what you need in your toolkit

Qualifications / Experience

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a similar travel PR environment
• Proven experience in managing others
• Excellent administration and organisational skills
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent financial awareness

Behaviours and Skills

• Results and standards orientated             
• Committed to excellence              
• Attention to detail                                 
• Willingness to learn.          
• Works well under pressure                     
• Makes decisions, takes appropriate action
• Proactive, plans and organises effectively
• Team orientated
• Discrete

Here’s the deal

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance based bonus scheme, with criteria, of up to 20% of salary
• Season ticket loans and cycle to work schemes available.
• 20 days paid holiday per year plus public holidays
• Additional day off for birthday
• Tribe Discount Card
• We will contribute 50% towards private healthcare after 12 months service and then 100% after 2 years’ service
• Season ticket loan scheme
• The official office hours are 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday however you would be required to work as and when necessary to fulfil your role. No overtime is payable.
• Fun and relaxed working environment

Notes: All bonuses are payable through payroll and therefore subject to normal deductions and must be authorised by the MD.