- Job Title: PR & Communications Manager Belgium & The Netherlands
- Company: AUTO1 Group
- Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
- Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (2 days in the office)
- Category: Marketing & Communications
- Date Posted: April 16, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)
- Remote Status: On-site (Amsterdam or Antwerp)
🚀 Job Overview
- Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing communications strategies for B2B and consumer brands in Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Managing press inquiries and building relationships with journalists and multipliers.
- Planning and executing PR projects, events, and advertorials.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders and business units.
- Monthly travel to Belgium and occasional travel for events.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Shape our communications strategy by identifying relevant corporate topics and industry trends.
- Plan, implement, and localize the international communication strategy of our B2B and consumer brands.
- Establish and expand a network of journalists, multipliers, and cooperation partners.
- Manage and answer press inquiries and support internal stakeholders with communications topics.
- Conceive, plan, and implement communications and PR projects, both locally and on a European level.
- Plan and create content on company news, product updates, and industry topics in various formats.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate our own events and external industry events, including responsibility for event materials.
- Coordinate and create content for advertorials in close cooperation with the B2B marketing team.
- Control, report, and optimize all activities, and manage projects from ideation to execution.
- Manage the budget for communications projects in Belgium and the Netherlands.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent.
- Experience: At least 3 years of relevant work experience in Public Relations, Communications, or in an agency.
- Required Skills:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in Dutch, French (native level), and English.
- Independent and structured way of working, with strong organizational and project management skills.
- Existing network of press contacts in Belgium and/or the Netherlands.
- Ability to keep several projects running simultaneously without losing sight of details.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: €55,000 - €70,000 per year (based on experience and market standards for the role and location)
- Benefits:
- Hybrid work with at least 2 days in the office.
- Competitive salary.
- Non-contributory pension scheme.
- 24 vacation days.
- Discount on fitness subscription and free access to OpenUp for mental health.
- Daily organic fruit, delicious coffee and drinks, and social drinks on Thursdays.
- Opportunity to be part of the digital revolution in the automotive industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Technology, Information, and Internet.
- Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees.
- Founded: 2012.
- Company Description: AUTO1 Group is Europe’s leading digital automotive platform, revolutionizing the automotive industry with its brands wirkaufendeinauto.de, AUTO1.com, and Autohero. The company operates in over 30 countries and offers consumers the fastest and easiest way to sell their cars, while providing merchants with Europe's largest wholesale platform for car trading professionals.
- Company Specialties: Mobility, technology, innovation, startups, fin-tech, automotive, and disruption.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-Senior level.
- Reporting Structure: Reports directly to a Communications Lead in Berlin and works closely with country leadership teams in Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with at least 2 days in the office (Amsterdam or Antwerp).
- Growth Opportunities: Potential for career growth within the international PR & Communications team and across the Group's business units.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid, with at least 2 days in the office.
- Office Location(s): Amsterdam or Antwerp.
- Geographic Context: The Netherlands is a small, densely populated country with a strong economy and a high standard of living. Amsterdam is the capital and largest city, known for its vibrant culture, historic canals, and diverse industries.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, with monthly travel to Belgium (1-2 days) and occasional travel for events (4-5 times a year).
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application submission → Phone/Video screening → In-depth interview with the hiring manager and team members → Final decision.
- Key Assessment Areas: Communication skills, strategic thinking, project management skills, cultural fit, and language proficiency (Dutch, French, English).
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
- Prepare examples of successful PR campaigns or projects you've managed.
- Be ready to discuss industry trends and how you stay updated.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho CRM)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social)
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Innovation, collaboration, customer focus, and excellence.
- Work Style: Fast-paced, dynamic, and international team environment, with a focus on results and continuous improvement.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with AUTO1 Group's company values in your daily work?
- How comfortable are you with traveling monthly to Belgium and occasionally for events?
- How do you ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance in a fast-paced environment?
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing communications for multiple brands and countries simultaneously.
- Balancing the needs of different stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners.
- Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the automotive industry and digital trends.
- Occasional travel requirements for events and meetings.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- PR & Communications Manager (Multinational Corporation): Larger scope, more resources, and a broader range of brands to manage. Less focus on local markets.
- PR & Communications Manager (Local Agency): Smaller scope, more focused on local markets, and a portfolio of clients rather than internal brands.
- PR & Communications Specialist (Start-up): Smaller team, more responsibilities, and a greater impact on the company's growth and success.
📝 Sample Projects
- Belgian Auto Show Press Release: Create a press release announcing the company's participation in the Belgian Auto Show, highlighting key products and company news.
- Dutch Consumer Brand Launch Event: Plan and execute an event to launch a new consumer brand in the Netherlands, including invitations, event materials, and press outreach.
- French Language Media Monitoring: Set up and maintain a media monitoring system to track coverage of the company's brands in French-language media outlets in Belgium and France.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the Group?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the PR & Communications team in the next 12 months?
- How does the company support the professional development of its employees?
- What is the team's approach to collaboration and cross-functional projects?
- How does the company measure the success of its PR and communications efforts?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
- To apply for this position, submit your application through [this link](https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/Auto1/744000054250466-pr-communications-manager-belgium-the-netherlands).
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
- Prepare examples of successful PR campaigns or projects you've managed.
- Be ready to discuss industry trends and how you stay updated.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your application submission.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
