Wednesday, 08 February 2012 00:00

Job Reference: PR/0212

Location: Blackbushe, Yateley, UK

Contract Type and Hours: Permanent - Full Time

Salary: TBC

Job Purpose:

To provide comprehensive Public Relations and Communications expertise by writing, editing and managing content for printed and online distribution across Sonardyne's global markets.  This will require building and maintaining effective relationships with media and relevant stakeholders.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. To write and publish press releases and feature articles and web content in conjunction with key business contacts and Marketing Manager. The requests for media coverage are generated from product launches, industry events, topics/stories of interest and the requirement to more widely publicise Sonardyne’s presence in new and current markets. Key activities include conducting face-to-face briefings to extract the relevant information for the content, copywriting, finalising the detail, seeking internal and client approval before determining the most appropriate distribution channels.

2. To work collaboratively with the Marketing Coordinator to drive the strategic implementation of social media networks or platforms to enhance the Company’s profile and presence within its global operating markets. This will involve a proactive review and use of social media such as Twitter and LinkedIn and generating relevant content. 

3. To build and maintain the PR distribution list. This includes actively adding new contacts, updating current entries and expanding the existing content to further benefit the Company when deciding a suitable target audiences or channel of communication.

4. To undertake monitoring of key competitors across all Sonardyne’s markets through their chosen communications channels. This will involve reviewing printed and online material and reporting on the findings to ensure Sonardyne is aware of levels of commercial activity and strategic trends.

5. To report regularly to the Marketing Communications Manager on key PR activities providing, weekly and monthly updates on pending press releases and future communication initiatives.

6. Working with the Marketing Coordinator to establish and build strong internal communication methods which support the business needs and fit with the culture. This will encompass the communication of celebrating our successes, promoting our project portfolio, detailing our social events and/or communicating any other topic of interest both from a business and employee perspective.

7. To support with the production of the Company’s magazine, Baseline. Activities will include researching a topic, interviewing a subject expert, writing article content, working closely with the external design team on content, styling and layout.

8. To produce copy for product brochures. This will involve interviewing a subject expert, writing article content, reviewing and editing existing material and working closely with the external design team on content, styling and layout.

Dimensions of the Company and the role:

• The Company employs approximately 250 worldwide

• Company Head Office in Yateley, Hampshire, Regional Sales Offices in Aberdeen, Brazil, Singapore and Houston, Sea Trials Centre in Plymouth and Wavefront (associated Company) in Sherborne, Dorset

• This role is part of a team of 3 who report to the Marketing Communications Manager. Other roles include; Marketing Coordinator and Technical Author

• Some international travel to organise and support Company Marketing events and activities may be required.

Competency Requirements:

Knowledge/Experience

• Educated to degree or equivalent level in a relevant topic/discipline for example Public Relations Marketing, Communications, English etc
• Strong written English skills
• Experience of constructively using social media for/in the working environment 
• Proven copywriting skills
• Relevant PR/Communications experience, within a technically orientated industry environment/business to business
• Excellent proofreading skills
• Interviewing skills
• Knowledge of Sonardyne’s product range and market sectors is desirable

Personal Characteristics

• Attention to detail
• Planning and organising
• Tenacity
• Creativity
• Influence
• Ability to meet tight deadlines under pressure
• Self starter with drive and motivation
• Interest in social media