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Head of PR and Communications
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Head of PR and Communications – Škoda
Location: Milton Keynes
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Function: Public Relations, Communications and Brand Marketing
Overview
Volkswagen Group UK is seeking an experienced Head of PR and Communications to lead the development and delivery of the UK public relations, internal communications and events strategy for Škoda.
Reporting to the Škoda Brand Director, you will be responsible for strengthening the brand’s visibility, protecting its reputation and ensuring clear, consistent communications across internal and external audiences. You will shape media messaging, lead proactive and reactive communications activity, and provide trusted strategic counsel to senior stakeholders across Volkswagen Group UK and the wider international organisation.
This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to influence the reputation and direction of Škoda in the UK while contributing to the wider ambitions of Volkswagen Group UK.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement an integrated UK PR and communications strategy for Škoda, aligned with Volkswagen Group UK and wider brand objectives.
- Increase positive visibility for Škoda across national, consumer, trade and automotive media.
- Protect and enhance the brand’s reputation through proactive, reactive and crisis communications.
- Lead communications strategies across product, brand, corporate and business activity.
- Shape brand, corporate and product messaging for media, employees and external stakeholders.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior journalists, editors, media partners and industry contacts.
- Act as a senior communications adviser to the Škoda Brand Director, leadership team and wider Volkswagen Group UK stakeholders.
- Lead the planning and delivery of product press launches, VIP events, media activity and brand-led PR campaigns.
- Provide strategic oversight of internal communications, ensuring employees and dealer networks remain informed and engaged.
- Support organisational change through clear, timely and coordinated communications.
- Oversee internal, dealer, media and consumer events across physical, hybrid and virtual formats.
- Manage internal communication channels, collaboration tools and virtual event platforms.
- Ensure alignment between Škoda communications, Volkswagen Group UK activity and wider cross-functional priorities.
- Lead, mentor and develop the PR and Communications team, creating an inclusive, productive and high-performing culture.
- Manage departmental budgets, external agencies, suppliers and commercial partnerships.
- Maintain effective supplier governance and ensure compliance with Volkswagen Group policies and procedures.
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Requirements
- Extensive senior-level experience across public relations, media relations, brand communications, internal communications, events and crisis management.
- A proven track record of developing and leading successful PR and communications strategies.
- Strong experience advising and influencing executive-level and senior stakeholders.
- Established relationships with key UK journalists and senior media contacts.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong editorial judgement, news awareness and the ability to identify compelling stories.
- Experience delivering product launches, press events, VIP engagements and high-profile brand activity.
- Demonstrable expertise in proactive, reactive and crisis communications.
- Strong influencing, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build trusted relationships across complex, international and cross-functional organisations.
- Experience managing departmental budgets and external suppliers in a changing commercial environment.
- Proven people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring and team development.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style that motivates others and supports high performance.
- High levels of personal and professional integrity.
- Confidence in making decisions, managing sensitive issues and driving action.
- Automotive, mobility, retail or consumer brand experience would be advantageous.
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Benefits
Volkswagen Group UK offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Company car schemes, with options available for eligible family members.
- Fuel card.
- Discretionary bonus.
- Enhanced pension contributions.
- Private healthcare.
- 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Life assurance at four times annual salary.
- Health and wellbeing support.
- A broad range of flexible benefits to suit different lifestyles and personal circumstances.
- Agile working, with employees typically spending a minimum of 60% of their working time at an office or business location.
- Access to extensive digital learning resources, professional development programmes, mentoring and coaching.
- Opportunities for internal career progression across Volkswagen Group UK.
- The opportunity to lead communications for Škoda during a period of significant automotive industry transformation.
Application Process
Applicants should submit an up-to-date CV outlining their senior communications leadership experience, media relations expertise, strategic achievements and experience managing teams, budgets and senior stakeholders.
Early application is recommended, as the vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a high volume of applications is received.
Volkswagen Group UK is committed to creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory workplace. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds who meet the requirements of the role.
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