Who We Are:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.
JOB MISSION:
We are seeking a Public Relations (PR) & Communications Manager to lead the development and execution of communication strategies for the UK & Ireland market, ensuring brand consistency and impactful messaging across all channels. The role focuses on shaping consumer perception, directing media relations, and strengthening community engagement. It requires strategic leadership of the PR plan, agency management, and accountability for measurable results aligned with regional and global objectives. This role reports directly to the Senior Brand & Communications Manager, UK & I.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Strategy Development and Brand Alignment
Develop and implement the PR strategy, ensuring alignment with market and regional PR vision and business objectives.
Lead PR and communication strategies in collaboration with EMEA Central PR, to reflect consumer behavior, sports culture, and media landscape.
Communications, Brand messaging and Storytelling
Position New Balance as a leading sports and lifestyle brand by leveraging heritage and innovation.
Direct and oversee experiential, PR-led events and activations to drive earned media, create product and local hype, and strengthen consumer engagement.
Act as the brand spokesperson, developing and pitching compelling stories to secure impactful coverage and managing all media inquiries.
Local PR Agency Management
Manage and evaluate local PR agency and partners, providing clear briefs, KPIs, and performance reviews to ensure delivery against New Balance’s objectives and standards.
Collaborate with the agency to adapt global strategies for local execution, maintaining creativity, impact, and timely delivery.
Community and Key Opinion Leader Engagement
Develop and manage relationships with KOL, athletes, tastemakers, and the Run catalysts team, ensuring continuity in community leadership and maximizing brand exposure.
Lead PR-driven activations across all categories to engage running and lifestyle communities, amplify brand storytelling, and maintain a consistent New Balance voice in the market.
Oversee the seeding program, ensuring strategic placement of New Balance products with KOL/tastemakers to fully enhance brand exposure.
Measurement, Market Insights and Analytics
Monitor and analyze media coverage, PR campaign effectiveness, and industry trends specific to New Balance's target demographics.
Provide regular reports and actionable insights to optimize PR performance and inform future strategies.
Budget Management
Plan, allocate, and manage provided Communication/PR budgets to ensure efficient use of resources.
Conduct budget reviews and track performance in partnership with the UK and central marketing team to ensure transparency and alignment.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
Relevant number of years’ experience in a fast paced, brand environment.
Ability to lead a strategic plan and have long term vision.
Experience of media planning, social media, PR and Comms, and creative delivery essential.
Full funnel understanding with a commercial outlook.
A clear understanding of working across multiple agencies is essential.
Sports and/or retail background is desirable.
Highly organized and able to work across multiple campaigns.
Creative & analytical approach.
Budget management, tracking, and reporting experience.
Consumer first approach with a clear understanding of customer profiles and 360’ journey.
Experience of Event driven marketing and activations.
Agency-management experience.
Strong attention to detail.
Great teammate.
Ability to work weekends and unsociable hours when required.
Interest in running, fashion, and culture.
BENEFITS:
Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
Private Medical Insurance
Dental Scheme
Pension Scheme
Flexible Working Hours
Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
25 days Annual Leave per year
Life Insurance
On Site Gym
Employee Discount
Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year
Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)
Equal Opportunity Employer:
New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.
If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.
