Manager, Consumer PR

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Consumer PR

🔹 Company: Weber Shandwick

🔹 Location: Tokyo, Japan

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site

🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services

🔹 Date Posted: June 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as a day-to-day client liaison and recommending programs to meet client goals
• Managing integrated communications campaigns and providing strategic counsel
• Overseeing account budgets and mentoring junior team members
• Staying ahead of consumer trends and cultural conversations to inform proactive communications strategy

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of client management, campaign execution, and strategic thinking. It's ideal for a PR professional with a strong consumer focus and a passion for storytelling.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop a strong understanding of clients' brands, businesses, and target audiences to deliver campaigns that meet objectives

✅ Stay informed about consumer trends, cultural conversations, and competitor activities to provide insights that inform proactive communications strategy

✅ Create and pitch compelling story angles, draft press materials, and build media relationships to secure earned media opportunities

✅ Assist in financial management of accounts, including invoicing, budget tracking, and activity reporting

✅ Contribute to agency growth through new business support, brainstorms, and proposal development

✅ Mentor and coach junior team members, supporting their career development and day-to-day performance

✅ Participate in team and office-wide training, knowledge sharing, and professional development initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of client-facing, campaign management, and internal team support responsibilities. Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask are essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: 4+ years of relevant experience in public relations or communications

Required Skills:

• Fluency in both Japanese and English
• Passion for consumer brands, trends, and culture
• Curiosity, proactivity, and confidence in voicing perspectives to clients and colleagues
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to craft engaging content tailored to consumer audiences
• Established relationships with lifestyle, hospitality, and consumer media preferred
• Comfortable using digital and social media platforms as part of broader campaign strategies

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with global clients
• Knowledge of the lifestyle, hospitality, food & beverage, consumer devices, and consumer goods sectors

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in consumer PR and a solid understanding of the consumer market in Japan. Familiarity with global clients is a plus.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: ¥7,000,000 - ¥10,000,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Manager-level role in Tokyo)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous vacation and holiday leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts and perks

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (with flexibility for project needs)

ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Manager-level role in Tokyo. Benefits are typical for a mid-sized PR agency in Japan.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Weber Shandwick is a global public relations and communications firm, specializing in consumer, corporate, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Company Size: Weber Shandwick has 51-200 employees globally, with a smaller team in Tokyo. This size offers opportunities for growth and impact but may have less bureaucracy than larger agencies.

Founded: Weber Shandwick was founded in 1980 and has since grown into one of the world's leading PR agencies.

Company Description:

• Weber Shandwick is known for its integrated approach to communications, combining traditional PR with digital, social, and creative services.
• The agency works with a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to startups and nonprofits.
• Weber Shandwick is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity, with initiatives focused on supporting employees from underrepresented backgrounds.

Company Specialties:

• Consumer PR and marketing communications
• Corporate reputation and issues management
• Healthcare communications and medical education
• Technology and B2B communications
• Digital and social media strategy

Company Website: webershandwick.com

ASSUMPTION: Weber Shandwick's global presence and diverse client base offer opportunities for career growth and exposure to various industries. The Tokyo office may have a more local focus but still benefits from the agency's international network.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Manager-level role, reporting directly to the Consumer PR team lead or Director.

Reporting Structure: This role may oversee junior team members, such as Account Executives or Coordinators, and collaborate with specialists in creative, digital, and strategy disciplines.

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position, with flexibility for remote work when needed (e.g., for client meetings or events).

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior Manager or Director role within the Consumer PR team or another practice area.
• Expanding expertise in related disciplines, such as digital communications or creative strategy.
• International assignments or secondments, given Weber Shandwick's global network.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth within the Consumer PR team and the broader agency. Weber Shandwick's global presence also provides opportunities for international exposure and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with open-plan work areas and dedicated meeting rooms.

Office Location(s): 2 Waterhouse Square, 140 Holborn, London, EC1N 2AE, UK (Global HQ) and 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, USA (North America HQ). The Tokyo office is located in the Marunouchi district.

Geographic Context:

• Tokyo is a major global city with a vibrant consumer market, offering ample opportunities for client work and industry networking.
• The Marunouchi district is a central business hub, close to public transportation and major landmarks.
• Tokyo's diverse cultural scene and consumer landscape provide ample inspiration for creative communications campaigns.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for project needs and client time zones. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for events or campaigns.

ASSUMPTION: The Tokyo office offers a dynamic work environment, with easy access to public transportation and a central location for client meetings and events. The city's vibrant consumer culture provides ample inspiration for creative campaigns.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the HR team to discuss qualifications and fit.
• First-round interview with the Consumer PR team lead or Director to discuss experience, skills, and cultural fit.
• Second-round interview with a panel of team members to assess communication skills, strategic thinking, and team dynamics.
• Final interview with the Japan Country Manager or another senior leader to discuss career aspirations and fit within the broader organization.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and media relations experience.
• Understanding of consumer trends, cultural conversations, and the Japanese market.
• Strategic thinking and ability to develop creative campaign ideas.
• Leadership and mentoring skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements in consumer PR and the Japanese market.
• Prepare examples of successful consumer campaigns you've worked on, demonstrating your ability to secure earned media and drive results.
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of Weber Shandwick's clients, values, and culture, and how you can contribute to the team's success.

ATS Keywords: Consumer PR, media relations, consumer trends, campaign management, strategic counsel, client service, mentoring, Japanese market, lifestyle, hospitality, food & beverage, consumer devices, consumer goods

ASSUMPTION: Weber Shandwick's interview process is designed to assess candidates' communication skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Being prepared with relevant examples and a strong understanding of the agency's clients and culture will help you succeed.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Cision or other media database platforms
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)

ASSUMPTION: These tools are commonly used in PR agencies and will be essential for managing client campaigns, tracking media coverage, and collaborating with team members.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work.
• Innovation: Embracing creativity and continuous learning to drive better results for our clients.
• Collaboration: Working together across disciplines and geographies to deliver exceptional client service.

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge.
• Adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of clients and the broader communications landscape.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and are you comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously?
• Are you passionate about consumer trends and cultural conversations, and do you enjoy staying up-to-date with industry developments?
• Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with clients, media, and colleagues?

ASSUMPTION: Weber Shandwick values a dynamic, collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and continuous learning. Candidates who are adaptable, proactive, and passionate about consumer communications will thrive in this culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client campaigns simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management.
• Adapting to the unique needs and preferences of diverse clients, from startups to global brands.
• Staying current with consumer trends and cultural conversations in a rapidly evolving market.
• Balancing client service and campaign management responsibilities with internal team support and mentoring.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent in a consumer PR role and can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a passion for consumer communications.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to Account Executive or Senior Account Executive roles, this position offers more strategic input, mentoring responsibilities, and client leadership opportunities.
• Compared to Senior Manager or Director roles, this position has less strategic oversight and focuses more on day-to-day client management and campaign execution.
• Career progression from this role could lead to a Senior Manager or Director position within the Consumer PR team or another practice area, or an international assignment within Weber Shandwick's global network.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a balance of strategic input, client management, and campaign execution responsibilities, with opportunities for career growth within Weber Shandwick's global network.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a media relations campaign to launch a new consumer product in the Japanese market.
• Managing a team to create and implement a social media strategy for a hospitality client, driving brand awareness and engagement.
• Collaborating with creative and digital teams to develop an integrated communications campaign for a consumer goods client, supporting a product recall and rebuilding brand trust.

ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning and media relations to team management and collaboration with creative and digital disciplines.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Consumer PR team, and how this role fits into the broader agency organization?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing the Consumer PR team currently, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does Weber Shandwick support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly within the Consumer PR team?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does Weber Shandwick approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to support employees from underrepresented backgrounds?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the team's dynamics, the role's impact, professional development opportunities, and Weber Shandwick's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: Weber Shandwick Careers
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements in consumer PR and the Japanese market.
• Prepare examples of successful consumer campaigns you've worked on, demonstrating your ability to secure earned media and drive results.
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of Weber Shandwick's clients, values, and culture, and how you can contribute to the team's success.
• Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.