Senior PR & Communications Manager

Job summary

Due to exceptional growth, 50 Best are looking for an experienced in-house Senior PR & Communications Manager . The role will involve managing our communications operations with our network of international PR agencies, assisting in managing our global communications plan, and executing effective programmes to increase awareness and develop a positive, credible and influential brand image amongst the media. You will generate creative ideas for media engagement, manage project coordination, support and mentor a team, and liaise with internal teams to ensure smooth rollout of communication plans. Reporting to Director of PR, you will become an integral part of the 50 Best organisation, which as of 2026 will run more than 11 major events a year globally, coordinating a multi-channel, multi-sponsor communications plan. The role will include international travel and would therefore suit candidates with interest and wide experience in international communication. You will be based in the UK and be required to work in person at the Gatwick office 1 day a week, and the London office 2 days a week. What you will be doing: Engaging in autonomous decision-making and leadership in meetings, approvals, agency management and cross-team communication Providing senior counsel on sensitive or complex matters, including high-stakes partner enquiries, reputational risks and media narratives Surfacing risks, insights and opportunities early, bringing proactive thinking and forward planning into brand PR strategy Establishing good working relations with all contracted PR agencies Overseeing and maintaining the global PR timeline across all brands, ensuring clarity, consistency and high-quality execution Providing senior editorial oversight, feedback and sign-off for agency-drafted materials, messaging frameworks, FAQs and media kits Driving agency briefings, event PR management, and asset distribution (on-site or remote) Working with the PR Director to set KPIs for agencies, aligning measurement with brand and partner requirements Leading on the development, writing and refinement of high-quality press materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity and brand voice consistency Owning specific non-event PR workstreams (e.g. strategic storytelling, brand reputation work, discovery content, thought leadership) to strengthening brand visibility Reviewing and approving press materials, messaging and partner communications Maintaining and building senior relationships with global media, identifying opportunities, managing enquiries and driving proactive outreach Overseeing media lists and distribution processes for announcements where agencies are not contracted Supporting on crisis planning and response, including early risk identification, drafting of holding statements, scenario planning and cross-department coordination Acting as a senior point of contact for urgent media queries and sensitive partner situations, with support Acting as a senior contact for partner-related communications, drafting responses to complex enquiries Liaising with chefs, bartenders, hoteliers, sponsors and their PR teams Developing and delivering brand-first publicity initiatives Generating proactive ideas and media opportunities Identifying and executing storytelling opportunities that maximise partnership value Working closely with Partnerships and Brand teams to ensure integrated communications planning and strong visibility for partners within 50 Best-owned narratives Bringing a creative, ideas-driven approach to year-round brand storytelling Helping to support a team of 3 Overseeing management of the Media Centres Attending team meetings and reporting What you will bring: 6-7 years previous experience working in communications and publications (agency or in-house). Exposure to international communication including international PR, knowledge of media landscape outside the UK, managing PR events outside the UK. Experience in PR event communication with significant attendance. A proven track record in developing and delivering consumer-facing brand PR campaigns both at local and international level which deliver results. Experience and an understanding of media needs and relationships on an international basis. Strong communication and presentation skills – written and verbal. Excellent collaborative team-working skills; a positive and professional attitude. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well and forge strong relationships. An ability to thrive under pressure and to work at speed. Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and forward plan. A sense of responsibility and accuracy and excellent attention to detail. A keen interest in the world of restaurants, bars and hotels. Excellent knowledge of Cision (or equivalent), PowerPoint, and Adobe packages is desirable. An ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally. Fluency in other languages would be a distinct advantage. Company Benefits and Initiatives Include: 25 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays - increasing by one additional day after 6 years, up to a maximum of 30 days An additional day of leave for you to take on a cultural celebration day or on your birthday if you like - A “MeDay” A volunteer day to take for supporting a chosen charity Opportunity for hybrid working Contributory Pension Life Assurance Scheme Group Income Protection Enhanced family-friendly leave pay entitlements Wellbeing benefits Cycle to Work Scheme Electric Car Scheme Why work for us We provide a supportive work environment and are committed to maintaining a healthy work/life balance for all of our employees. Working for William Reed means that you will be joining a stable organisation that is committed to developing its employees. We warmly welcome and encourage applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds and characteristics. If you need any support in accessing this opportunity, please do not hesitate to discuss this with us.