Speciality Drinks: Press Officer

Job Title: Press Officer

Department: Marketing & PR / Creative

Line Manager: Liz Lock, PR & Communications Manager

Executive Reporting Line Manager: Chris Maybin, Business Development Director

Contract Term: Permanent, Full-time

Contracted Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm. This equates to a 40 hour working week with great flexibility to meet business needs

Job Description

Overall objective of Role

To assist the PR Manager in delivering all communications with the trade and consumer press for all parts of the business. To build relationships with key journalists and maximise the amount of positive press coverage for each business area, but notably The Whisky Exchange.

Due to business requirements, it is expected that this employee will need to have a high degree of flexibility in order to meet the demands of the role. Therefore, it may be necessary to work out of normal working hours due to the nature of the projects, and in order to meet the necessary demands of the press and our partners. The role holder must be able to adjust to a broad and fluid set of tasks as requirements change in this progressive company. 

Working Relationships

• Executive Team
• Digital Team
• Creative Team
• Events Team
• SDL Customer Service Team

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maximise the amount of positive coverage generated for all business areas via regular contact with trade and consumer media.
• Communicate stories relevant to all business areas. This will include The Whisky Exchange (website and shop), Speciality Brands, The Whisky Show, Whisky.Auction, Speciality Drinks Trade, Elixir Distillers and Scotchwhisky.com.
• Build relationships with key journalists in print, online, TV and radio media channels, and also social media influencers where relevant.

• Drive product placement, and develop and deliver news stories and announcements to press.
• Sending out product samples and gifts to press, working with the warehouse/customer services teams where necessary.
• Raise the profile of the key business areas, notably The Whisky Exchange, and key personalities within the business amongst trade and consumer audiences.
• Work with the Events team to devise unique and press-worthy events both internally and with external partners.
• Press monitoring and collation/distribution of press cuttings to all necessary parties.

Key Skills and Knowledge

Essential:

• A decent understanding of the drinks industry
• A solid understanding of media relations and experience in delivering PR campaigns
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding relationship building
• Equally at home working independently or as part of a team
• Project management skills
• Highly developed presentation skills – written and verbal
• Ability to plan and execute projects to meet required deadlines, while remaining calm under pressure
• Attention to detail
• IT skills; Microsoft office- Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrate a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the whisky and premium spirits business
• Existing relationships with key drinks writers
• Marketing skills

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience in a PR or media role
• Whisky, spirits and champagne knowledge, or interest at the very least, a distinct advantage.
• IT Literate - Excel, Word, Power Point.
• Good presentation skills.

Key Behaviours

• Strong organisational skills
• Self-motivated and results driven
• Flexible, reliable and hardworking
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Well-presented and professional at all times

A training plan will encompass the following to ensure effectiveness of the employee if not already possessed and verified or experienced in:

• Manual handling

Health & Safety Responsibilities:

Act in accordance with the relevant Health & Safety policies and procedures, adhering to legislative compliance and company requirements.

Please apply by sending your CV and covering letter to careers@specialitydrinks.com and ensure that the subject heading is Press Officer.