PR Account Managers; B2B and B2C

Thanks to some sensational new client wins and an ambitious growth period ahead, we have an exciting opportunity for a new PR Account Manager (B2B and B2C) to join our ambitious and fast-paced Manchester team.

If you are a dynamic and creative individual with a passion for building strong client relationships and delivering world‑class PR campaigns , then this could be the role for you!

As an Account Manager you will be the driving force behind developing and implementing strategic PR plans for some of the UK’s most well known brands. You will serve as the primary point of contact, building and nurturing strong relationships with clients, understanding their goals, and delivering exceptional results.

The right fit

Over the last 16+ years, we’ve worked hard to achieve a fantastic culture at Smoking Gun. There are no egos here. It’s a truly collaborative team that is passionate about delivering award-winning work.

Smoking Gun’s values (nurture, aspiration, accountability, courage, adaptability and rigour) are embedded into the agency’s day to day operations, and we regularly recognise and reward staff for demonstrating these values within their roles.

It’s really important that whoever joins our team fits these values and will match our passion, positivity and supportive culture, whilst delivering world class work.

More about the role

The role is full‑time and on a permanent basis. You will be responsible for –

• Develop and implement strategic PR plans to achieve KPIs
• Driving the PR programme for all clients as laid out in the agreed programme of activity with your account director
• Serve as the main liaison between clients and the agency, ensuring effective communication and understanding of client objectives
• Conduct thorough research and analysis to identify media opportunities, trends, and industry insights to achieve results
• Creating compelling press releases, media pitches, and other written materials ensuring they’re delivered to the highest standard
• Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and industry professionals to leverage partnerships and secure media placements
• Monitor and analyse media coverage, providing impactful reports to clients, demonstrating the value of our work
• Plan and manage the organisation of events ranging from workshops, photo calls, media and influencer events, round‑tables etc. on behalf of clients.
• Assist the senior team in supporting clients during crisis situations – helping to develop crisis communication plans and monitoring media coverage and social channels
• Stay up‑to‑date with industry trends, emerging PR techniques, and new media platforms, continuously bringing fresh ideas to enhance clients’ PR strategies
• Lead meetings. Ensuring that preparation for the meeting is well organised and that account directors or seniors are fully briefed on meeting contents.
• Motivating and guiding the team of execs to provide the utmost level of client service
• Promoting our range of services and the expansion of business with existing clients
• Working with the senior team on new business briefs and pitches
• Ensuring projects are completed to a specific schedule and within an agreed budget
• Staying up‑to‑date with industry best practices and emerging trends to continually enhance PR strategies

Essential experience required

• Approx. 2-3 years experience working on big consumer brands or B2B clients within an agency
• Strong understanding of PR strategies, media relations, and digital PR practices
• Demonstrated experience of developing and implementing multi‑channel creative campaigns across PR, social and influencer marketing to achieve desired outcomes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging content and deliver compelling presentations
• Complete understanding of how the media works in the particular areas in which you operate – the opportunities available and building relationships with journalists etc.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge and experience in PR for SEO – ability to generate backlinks from online coverage and optimise content, using search tools to…