PR Assistant

Company Description:

The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour’s wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.

Position Overview:

We have an exciting opportunity for a PR Assistant to join our Global Marketing Team here at our Head Office in South Shields. This role will be key in supporting the Global PR Team and will manage specific projects related to assist the PR and Marketing Department.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Day to Day Management:

• Collate and distribute press release and imagery packs and manage image/sample requests from global markets.
• Manage all in bound press requests with the PR student to enhance coverage and ensure the brand is being represented correctly across publications.
• Management of the Global Marketing Calendar with the PR Manager
• Management of the Global Gifting Calendar, overseen by the PR Manager
• Management of all free of charge (FOC) orders, ordering products and liaising with sales to order and dispatch products with support of the placement student.
• Management of seasonal lookbooks
• Management of PR samples, liaising regularly with global PR teams and global agencies.
• Co-ordinate products for press days/events/fashion shows as requested.
• Oversee, manage and develop the PR student to ensure they complete their daily tasks including PRU and coverage filing.

Reporting:

• Management of weekly global press round up with the support of the PR student
• Management of the monthly global press report with the support of the PR student
• Management of seasonal recap reports with the support of the PR student and PR Executive
• Compilation of PR reports to send to business as required.

Events:

• Assist PR team on all aspects of press events including invitations, booking venue, menus, photographers as required.
• Attend press events as required.
• Responsible for producing itineraries for UK/ overseas journalists visits and booking hotel, restaurants, taxis and liaising with factory and design re requirements for visit.

Other:

• Contribute and write articles for Material Matters (internal publication)
• Pulling together adhoc presentations and general admin assistance for senior management team.

Skills and Experience:

• An interest passion and understanding of the Barbour brand
• Experience in visual merchandising planning within a global or multi market fashion retail environment.
• Industry knowledge – strong understanding of fashion apparel, footwear and accessories including seasonal trends and consumer behaviour.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects across global markets.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, In design, illustrator, Canva, Microsoft Office Power point, Excel other VM planning tools such as mock shop are an advantage.
• Analytical Mindset; Ability to interpret data to drive VM guideline and strategy.
• Communication – Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience in training and influencing teams.
• Flexibility to travel when needed internationally for VM training, rollouts and store visits.
• A team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multitask and manage deadlines effectively.
• A creative thinker with a strong eye for visual aesthetics and commercial appeal.

Benefits:

• Discretionary Company bonus scheme
• Staff Discount
• Staff Shop
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
• Length of service awards
• Access to training and development activities to support your career development
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen
• Operate hybrid & flexible working
• 4pm finish on a Friday
• Wellbeing support
• Reward & Recognition scheme
• Refer a friend bonus scheme

Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.