Marketing & PR Officer - 12 Month FTC

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing & PR Officer - 12 Month FTC

🔹 Company: Next Plc

🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time, Temporary

🔹 Category: Marketing & PR

🔹 Date Posted: May 12, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Coordinating and implementing marketing strategies for home brands at NEXT
• Supporting PR initiatives, including event planning, press relations, and reporting
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Working on a fixed-term contract covering maternity leave

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive individual who can balance multiple projects and work well under pressure. The fixed-term nature of the role may appeal to candidates seeking short-term opportunities or those interested in gaining experience in a specific area of marketing and PR.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting the Senior Brand PR & Influencer Officer in managing home license brands accounts and relationships

✅ Co-ordinating and delivering marketing activation projects from concept to execution and reporting

✅ Creating press materials, driving coverage, and managing influencer partnerships

✅ Coordinating products and props for press days and events

✅ Tracking and reporting PR coverage, and sharing performance updates with the team

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative execution, and analytical reporting. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, PR, or a related field

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in marketing and/or PR, with a focus on home brands or retail

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and PR tracking tools
• Knowledge of home brands and retail industry trends

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with influencer marketing and event planning
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a relevant field is preferred, candidates with equivalent experience and a strong portfolio may also be considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £25,000 - £30,000 per annum (pro-rated for the 12-month contract)

Benefits:

• 25% staff discount at NEXT
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health cash plan
• Employee assistance programme

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for marketing and PR roles in London. Benefits are typical for a company of Next Plc's size and industry.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail, specifically home brands and fashion

Company Size: Mid-sized (712 employees)

Founded: 1982, with a rich history in the retail industry

Company Description:

• Next Plc is a multinational fashion and homeware retailer
• Known for its trend-led clothing, footwear, and accessories
• Offers a wide range of homeware products, including furniture, bedding, and home textiles

Company Specialties:

• Fashion retail
• Homeware retail
• Online and in-store shopping experiences

Company Website: http://www.nextplc.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: Next Plc is a well-established retailer with a strong brand presence in the UK and internationally. This role offers an opportunity to gain experience in marketing and PR within a large, successful organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry to mid-level marketing and PR professional

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Brand PR & Influencer Officer

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of hybrid working in the future

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to learn from experienced team members and gain valuable insights into the retail industry
• Opportunity to contribute to high-profile campaigns and events
• Possibility of a permanent role upon completion of the fixed-term contract, depending on performance and business needs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in marketing and PR within a large retail organization. The fixed-term nature of the role may also provide flexibility for candidates seeking short-term opportunities or those interested in exploring different areas of the business.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Fully managed office in Alfred Place, London

Office Location(s): Alfred Place, London

Geographic Context:

• London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving retail industry
• Alfred Place is a convenient location with easy access to public transportation
• The office is close to various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and parks

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break

ASSUMPTION: The office environment is modern and collaborative, with a mix of open-plan and private workspaces. The location offers easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and CV screening
• Phone or video interview with the hiring manager
• Face-to-face interview with the marketing team
• Final interview with the head of marketing

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of home brands and retail industry trends

Application Tips:

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your work and be ready to discuss your approach to marketing and PR
• Research Next Plc and the home brands to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role

ATS Keywords: Marketing, PR, home brands, retail, campaign management, event planning, influencer relations, product coordination, reporting, team collaboration, communication, problem-solving, project management, creativity, adaptability, time management, stakeholder engagement

ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess your skills and cultural fit for the role. Being prepared and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position will increase your chances of success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• PR tracking tools (e.g., Meltwater, Readly)
• Mainframe ordering system
• Graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is not required, but candidates with experience using them may have an advantage.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer first
• One team
• Innovation
• Integrity

Work Style:

• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Fast-paced and dynamic work culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Are you passionate about home brands and retail trends?
• Can you balance multiple projects and work well under pressure?

ASSUMPTION: Next Plc values candidates who are enthusiastic, hardworking, and committed to delivering exceptional results. A strong cultural fit is essential for success in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• Adapting to the fixed-term nature of the role and potential changes in responsibilities
• Balancing the demands of supporting both marketing and PR initiatives

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective time management, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Junior Marketing Executive or PR Executive, but with a focus on home brands and retail
• Unlike some marketing and PR roles, this position requires a balance of creative and analytical skills, as well as experience in both marketing and PR initiatives
• Career progression may include roles such as Senior Marketing Executive, PR Manager, or Brand Manager

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in both marketing and PR within a large retail organization. The fixed-term nature of the role may also provide flexibility for candidates seeking short-term opportunities or those interested in exploring different areas of the business.

📝 Sample Projects

• Coordinating a home brands marketing campaign, from concept to execution and reporting
• Planning and executing a press event to launch a new homeware collection
• Managing influencer partnerships to promote home brands products on social media

ASSUMPTION: These projects are designed to showcase your skills in marketing and PR, as well as your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30 days?
• How does this role fit into the overall marketing and PR strategy for home brands at NEXT?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the marketing and PR team?
• How does the team collaborate and support each other in achieving shared goals?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your work and be ready to discuss your approach to marketing and PR
• Research Next Plc and the home brands to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

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