Sky
Lead - PR Agency & Sky Acquisitions
Want to do the best work of your life? With 24 million customers in 7 countries, make your mark at Europe’s leading media and entertainment brand. A workplace where you can proudly be yourself; our people make Sky a truly exciting and inclusive place to work.
As a key member of Sky’s Content PR Team, you will help to drive awareness of TV content coming to Sky in the UK and deliver best in class work, as part of an in-house team and with the support of a retained agency.
What you'll do:
Agency Management
Our retained agency is an extension of the Sky UK PR team, and this role will see the Agency Lead be the conduit between them and internal business colleagues at Sky, ensuring plans are pitched and supported by key stakeholders (e.g. Commissioning, Production, Sky Studios), as well as Go-To-Market teams (Social, Influencer, Marketing, Internal Comms, Events)
The lead will work closely with Content HODS and Directors to agree shows that will require agency support throughout the year and work with the agency team to devise a content PR strategy for these shows.
The Agency Lead will take responsibility for, and manage, the agency resource and annual budget and will ensure projects are funded adequately. It is expected that the Agency Lead will negotiate fees, as appropriate, and ensure each campaign generates significant ROI for Sky and set KPIs are met
Draft briefs for the agency; by gathering the required information so agency can best respond and ensure each project is appropriately resourced / staffed by the agency team.
Work closely with agency throughout the amplification of the PR plan, setting clear scope of work and R&Rs in collaboration with the agency team at the start of each project to ensure effective working and that campaigns are set up for success.
Act as a brand guardian for Sky; it is the Agency Lead’s role to oversee and approve all communications e.g. press releases, Q&A scripts, event invitation design, talent briefing documents etc. to ensure they are aligned with the proposition of the content, as well as the brand values of Sky
It is expected that the Agency Lead will take an active role in leading crisis and brand reputational challenges and will work in partnership with the agency to carefully manage these with external partners e.g. press, talent reps
Draft LAEs as required, sourcing relevant information and context from within Sky to manage any issues or risk
Support the agency in ensuring that they abide by Sky’s internal approval processes and systems, ensuring that communications activity remains compliant and in line with Sky and Comcast’s policies.
Responsible for the delivery of the editorial media campaign, it will be the Agency Lead’s job to foster positive relationships with key partners such as talent reps and independent production teams, as well as with Sky’s key international partners such as Peacock, Sky Showtime, AMC, HBO etc.
Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to project manage various projects, across different genres. The candidate will have excellent co-ordination, communication and negotiation skills
Acquisitions
Working with the HOD PR Sky/NOW Acquisitions set the strategy for Platinum and Gold acquired content campaigns and develop an annual plan of support for all tiers of acquired content.
Lead the Acquisitions team on delivery of all UK Market TX publicity campaigns for non-Sky original TV shows acquired from major studios including HBO, Peacock, NBC Universal and others.
Lead the PR team delivering Platinum & Gold level campaigns, which could include major screenings, stunts, experiences and work with the PR Manager to coordinate these executions teams across the comms disciplines – influencer Sky and NOW, Product, Corp Comms, Internal Comms etc.
Build leadership relationships and positive inter-team relationships with key PR counterparts at all major studios that Sky buys from, working with them to facilitate media requests around key shows.
Become the genre expert and go to PR consultant for Sky’s key acquisitions with key internal stakeholders including the acquisitions team, CET colleagues in PR, social, influencer and corporate comms.
Lead the team delivering against content plans, leading weekly updates with internal colleagues, delivering campaigns on time and to budget.
Work closely with the PR Manager to lead the team delivering against media and talent strategies, press releases, media alerts and agency briefs to the highest standard.
Oversee local market release of acquired content assets and work with the team to balance access for Sky markets, including Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland.
Oversee team delivery of junkets and talent schedules HMU, Styling, Travel, Solo talent interview requests and pitch feature opportunities, supporting with studio facing interactions on these asks.
Support the team as they build a network of strong media contacts across national, consumer and entertainment media.
Ensure team report back on all key campaigns and showcase results to the business and key studio stakeholders.
What you'll bring:
Experienced PR professional, including senior level experience (e.g. Account/Associate Director or equivalent) in a relevant role, either in-house or agency.
Experience managing a large, retained agency budget of over 1 million
Experiencing leading large-scale integrated campaigns with PR, social and influencers.
A strong network of key media contacts and a great understanding of the media landscape/news cycle, with the ability to leverage both for the benefit of the business.
Proven ability to think long-term and plan effectively – whilst also championing creativity and the development of big, bold ideas.
The ability to thrive when working at real pace, coping with an extremely varied and complex workload – and cut through it to focus on the work which matters most.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Project management expertise - the ability to move between different projects at pace and a flexibility in how work is approached
Highly organised, self-starter, an eye for detail
A team player, who can engage both the external agency team but also secure the support of Sky colleagues
The Rewards:
There's a reason people can't stop talking about #LifeAtSky. Our great range of rewards really are something special, here are just a few:
- Sky Q, for the TV you love all in one place
- A generous pension package
- Private healthcare
- Discounted mobile and broadband
Where you'll work:
Our Osterley campus is a 10-minute walk from Syon Lane train station. Or you can hop on one of our free shuttle buses that run to and from Osterley, Chiswick Park, Gunnersbury, Acton Town and Ealing Broadway tube stations. There’s also plenty of parking, bike shelters and showers.
On campus you’ll find six subsidised restaurants and a Waitrose. You can keep in shape at our subsidised gym, catch the latest shows and movies at our cinema, get your car washed and even get pampered at our beauty salon.
Inclusion:
Recognised as an ‘Inclusive Top 50 Employer’ and a ‘Times Top 50 Employer for Women’, we’re working hard to ensure we’re a truly inclusive place to work. This means we don’t just look at your CV. We’re more focused on who you are and the potential you’ll bring to Sky. We also know that everyone has a life outside work, So we're happy to discuss flexible working.
And we'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our recruitment team who will be happy to support you.
Why wait?
Apply now to build an amazing career and be part of a brilliant team. We can’t wait to hear from you.
To find out more about working with us, search #LifeAtSky on social media. A job you love to talk about.
Just so you know: if your application is successful, we’ll ask you to complete a criminal record check. And depending on the role you have applied for and the nature of any convictions you may have, we might have to withdraw the offer.