PR and Influence Manager

As a key member of the Hotel Chocolat PR team, you will be responsible for running all proactive communications campaigns across the Hotel Chocolat portfolio – including The Velvetiser, peak seasonal gifting periods i.e. Christmas and Velvetised Creams.

You will nurture a strong industry network, increasing awareness and building brand affinity by developing and executing effective communication, influencer and media relations programs. We are a brand with so many amazing stories to tell and you will be at the heart of this.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Develop and execute the proactive PR and influencer strategy seeking high level placements in print, broadcast and online media
• Proactively identify emerging trends within the PR and influencer sphere to ensure Hotel Chocolat’s approach remains relevant and appealing

PR

• Create and execute plans to elevate Hotel Chocolat in the consumer press
• Support the Senior Comms Manager in curating crisis management plans and act as a spokesperson and liaison between Hotel Chocolat and the press
• Determine strategic and opportunistic PR initiatives that build the Hotel Chocolat brand whilst thinking commercially
• Support the PR & Comms Assistant to curate content for press releases, send media drops, manage product gifting and manage the press office at busy seasonal times
• Define a measurement framework to monitor, analyze and communicate PR results monthly
• Management of budgets for all live campaigns
• Make wise decisions, even when faced with ambiguity and think strategically and commercially

Influencer Management

• Manage and execute the influencer ambassador program, engaging with existing brand ambassadors, recruiting new and ensuring maximum return on investment
• Build market leading influencer marketing strategies and campaigns which resonate with brand relevant influencers and their followers to create genuine advocacy for the brand, prompting conversation around our products whilst speaking to a variety of new markets
• Work alongside the social and digital teams to execute a successful influencer program that achieves multiple goals
• Discuss contracts with influencers and agents to ensure we are paying a fair price, benchmarked against previous campaigns for consistency

What are we looking for?

• Proven track record of designing and executing successful national PR plans for a well-known consumer brand
• Strong relationships with both local and national consumer and industry media outlets, journalists, and influencers
• Strong problem solving skills: you used data to build and constantly improve your marketing strategy and can prove your capacity to take data-driven decisions
• You’re someone who inspires and motivates others to help champion PR throughout the organization
• Experience in implementing influencer campaigns from start to finish, including event planning, execution and reporting
• The ability to handle multiple partners with strong examples of clear and concise communication
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Event planning experience
• Creative thinker
• Demonstrable commercial acumen and budget management
• BA/MA degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related discipline

What can you expect from Hotel Chocolat?

• We offer a range extending from luxury giftable chocolates to alcohol and our pioneering drinking chocolate system; the Velvetiser™. Our mission is to make people and nature happy through chocolate. Customers, colleagues, cacao farmers and suppliers can all benefit from the success we make together.
• A competitive salary and Incentives based on performance
• 50% unlimited staff discount to treat yourself and your friends and family
• 70% discount off a stay in our Hotel in St Lucia
• We recognize that our employees may wish to balance their work and family/home life and therefore we are open to discussions around flexible working
• A chance to work in an exciting, innovative and expanding company