Head of Public Relations

Job title:
Head of PR, Passenger Cars

Department:
International Motors UK & Ireland - Sales and Marketing

Reporting to:
Managing Director, Passenger Cars

Location:
Solihull – onsite

Founded nearly 50 years ago, International Motors (IML) is a distributor and service provider for a number of highly respected vehicle brands across the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe. Additional services include the operation of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) franchise in China on behalf of the UK government.

As a result of the rapidly evolving automotive industry landscape, an opportunity has arisen for the role of Head of PR to support the growth of our Passenger Car division in the UK and Ireland.

IM Group Values

Respect

Commitment

Togetherness

Integrity

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly astute, experienced Head of Public Relations to lead our PR and corporate communications function across the UK for our passenger car brands – Subaru, XPENG, GWM and Mitsubishi (the latter being Aftersales only). As a key figure in the leadership team, you will be responsible for (in some cases creating), shaping and protecting each respective brand's public image, creating compelling storytelling, and managing strategic relationships with media, influencers, and key stakeholders.

This is a pivotal role in elevating each brand's visibility, reputation, and relevance in a fast-evolving automotive landscape. Your line manager will be the Managing Director, Passenger Cars, but you will support the Managing Director, GWM & Mitsubishi also.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the UK PR strategies to build brand awareness, advocacy and value, revenue growth, market share, and profitability for the respective manufacturer brands. For Subaru and GWM this responsibility extends to the Republic of Ireland also.
• Direct the planning and execution of high-profile brand positioning, media campaigns, content, events, product launches, motor shows, factory visits, media briefings and press materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with automotive, lifestyle, tech, business, and sustainability journalists and influencers, representing the brands at industry events and driving proactive and reactive media engagement across traditional, digital and social platforms.
• Maintain an intimate knowledge of the media /industry landscape, proactively identifying and addressing emerging risks and opportunities for International Motors and our brands.
• Lead crisis communication planning and response, ensuring timely, accurate, and aligned messaging.
• Lead and inspire your team and agency partners, promoting a culture of accountability, excellence, and customer focus.
• Working closely with the Head of Brand, collaborate with the marketing, product, experiential and digital teams to ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on brand reputation, executive messaging and media positioning.
• Oversee departmental budget planning, asset utilisation and key KPI reporting.
• Foster cross departmental collaboration to ensure a collective effort in growing the business and synergies with other IM Group brands.

Competencies/Skills required:

• 10+ years' experience in senior PR or communications roles, preferably within the automotive, mobility, or tech industries - experience working in-house at a vehicle manufacturer or leading automotive agency or publication is highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of the automotive media landscape both in the UK and globally - knowledge of sustainability and electric mobility communications is a strong advantage.
• Experience of working with, and an appreciation of, niche / start up / successful challenger brands.
• Proven experience building and managing the PR strategy for highly respected brands - including the delivery of major PR campaigns, product launches, press events, content delivery, executive messaging and high-profile media relations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; confident spokesperson when required.
• Track record of working cross-functionally within global or fast-moving organisations.
• Strong crisis communications experience.
• Excellent commercial acumen and experience of successfully managing budgets and agency partners.
• Ability to successfully lead and nurture a diverse team of talented individuals.
• Able to travel as needed nationally, with occasional international travel also.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• An unparalleled work ethic and be willing to go the extra mile.
• Dedicated, creative and believe and love the brands you will represent.
• Confident, persistent, energetic and enthusiastic.
• Highly agile with the ability and tenacity to successfully navigate the rapidly evolving automotive industry landscape.
• Strong cultural awareness – ideally with prior experience of interacting with Japanese and / or Chinese OEMs.
• Able to demonstrate excellent attention to detail whilst retaining the ability to see the wider business picture.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic workplace; must be able to manage multiple projects at one time.
• Outstanding project and stakeholder management; excellent negotiation and influencing skills at all levels.