📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: PR Director
🔹 Company: Grayling
🔹 Location: London, London, City of, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days in, 2 days flexible)
🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-08
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading day-to-day delivery of a flagship global account
- Serving as a trusted advisor to senior clients
- Managing delivery across multiple disciplines
- Monitoring macroeconomic, political, and reputational developments
- Collaborating with Grayling teams across UK, Ireland, and international markets
ASSUMPTION: This role requires extensive experience in corporate communications, preferably within a leading agency environment, and strong knowledge of the financial services and fintech landscape.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the day-to-day delivery of the account, ensuring seamless, high-quality service across all workstreams
✅ Serve as a trusted advisor to senior clients, providing strategic insight, challenge, and proactive recommendations
✅ Support team leads in managing delivery across multiple disciplines: earned media, social, digital, content, analytics, and creative
✅ Maintain a strong understanding of the client’s business model, brand priorities, and stakeholder environment
✅ Monitor macroeconomic, political, and reputational developments and advise clients on risks and opportunities
✅ Champion an integrated approach, coordinating with Grayling teams across UK, Ireland, and international markets
✅ Collaborate with central Creative Services and Analytics teams to shape data-informed strategies, develop standout campaigns, and measure success against key KPIs
✅ Ensure accurate scoping, budgeting, and commercial management
✅ Take ownership of talent development and team leadership, actively mentoring junior staff, supporting career progression, and cultivating a high-performance, collaborative culture
ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects and teams, requiring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 10+ years of experience in corporate communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a leading agency environment
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in corporate communications, including recent agency leadership on a complex, multi-market account for a globally recognized brand
- Strong experience and knowledge of the financial services, payments, and fintech landscape
- Commercially astute, decisive, and comfortable operating at C-suite level
- Strategic thinker with a creative, solutions-focused mindset
- Confident communicator, writer, and presenter with strong attention to detail
- Skilled in managing integrated teams and multi-channel campaign delivery
- Calm, authoritative, and composed under pressure, including in issues and crisis scenarios
- Passionate, inspiring team leader who supports and empowers others
- Adaptable and self-aware, with a collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous learning
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience working with global brands
- Proven track record in new business development
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant PR software is expected.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a PR Director role in London)
Benefits:
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working, flexi time, and 4pm Friday finishes
- 25 days’ holiday, increasing by one day every year up to 30 days
- Additional day of leave on your birthday and gifted time off over Christmas
- Monthly cash allowance to use on benefits most important to you
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Free subscription to Calm app
- Free breakfasts and fruit
- Abundance of personal development opportunities through internal training programmes
- New business and employee referral bonuses
- Interest-free season ticket loan and Railcard reimbursement
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme offering a 24/7 confidential advice line
- Life assurance
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9am - 5:30pm with flexibility for hybrid working arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a PR Director role in London. The final salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Grayling is a leading global communications agency specializing in public relations, public affairs, and integrated communications. They work with a diverse range of clients across various industries, including corporate, consumer, and public affairs.
Company Size: Grayling has 32 offices worldwide and an extensive affiliate network, employing around 560 people globally. As a mid-sized agency, applicants can expect a more personal and collaborative work environment compared to larger corporations.
Founded: Grayling was founded in 1980 and has since grown into a global network with a strong presence in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Company Description:
- Grayling is the world's local communications agency, getting closer to insights, influencers, cultures, and communities to create advantage for their clients.
- They offer a full range of communications services, including public relations, public affairs, public consultation, crisis communications, digital marketing, and creative services.
- Grayling is committed to combining employees' unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to build a more diverse and inclusive organization.
Company Specialties:
- Public Relations
- Investor Relations
- Corporate Communications
- Public Consultation
- Crisis Communications
- CSR Communications
- Digital Marketing
- Employee Engagement
- Events
- Executive Positioning
- FDI Communications
- Government Relations
- Public Affairs
- International Campaign Management
- Social Media
- Influencers
- Consumer PR
- Content creation
- Graphic design
- Creative services
- Creative campaigns
- SEO
- Reputation management
Company Website: http://www.grayling.com
ASSUMPTION: Grayling's extensive global network and diverse range of clients provide ample opportunities for career growth and exposure to various industries and markets.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Heads of Corporate and Brand.
Reporting Structure: The PR Director will oversee the day-to-day delivery of the account, managing team leads across multiple disciplines and collaborating with Grayling teams across UK, Ireland, and international markets.
Work Arrangement: This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with 3 days in the office and 2 days flexible working from home or another suitable location.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within Grayling, such as Head of Corporate or Brand
- Expanding the client portfolio and taking on additional accounts
- Developing expertise in specific industry sectors or service areas
- Gaining experience working with global brands and international markets
ASSUMPTION: Grayling's commitment to talent development and career progression makes this role an attractive opportunity for ambitious professionals looking to advance their careers in communications.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Grayling's London office is located in the Chancery Lane area, offering a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 26 Southampton Buildings, Holborn Gate, London, England WC2A 1AN, GB
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global city with a thriving communications industry, providing ample networking and professional development opportunities.
- The Chancery Lane area is well-connected by public transportation, with easy access to major train stations and the London Underground.
- The office is located near various amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as cultural attractions such as the British Museum and the Royal Opera House.
Work Schedule: The hybrid working arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with core hours typically between 9am and 5:30pm.
ASSUMPTION: Grayling's London office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and CV submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Heads of Corporate and Brand
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Relevant experience and industry knowledge
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Grayling's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead complex, multi-market accounts and manage integrated teams
- Research Grayling's clients and industry focus to show your understanding of the business and its priorities
- Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experience, skills, and career goals
- Follow up with the HR team or hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
ATS Keywords: Corporate Communications, Agency Leadership, Financial Services, Payments, Fintech, Strategic Thinking, Creative Solutions, Communication, Writing, Presentation, Integrated Team Management, Multi-Channel Campaign Delivery, Crisis Management, Team Leadership, Collaboration, Continuous Learning
ASSUMPTION: Grayling's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for both the candidate and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- PR software (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions, Cision)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
- Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: Grayling provides the necessary tools and technologies for its employees to perform their jobs effectively, with opportunities for professional development and training to enhance skills and knowledge.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Expertise
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Accountability
- Innovation
- Diversity
- Inclusivity
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on client success
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Supportive and empowering of employees
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with senior stakeholders and providing strategic counsel?
- Can you manage multiple projects and teams effectively, with a strong attention to detail?
- Are you committed to continuous learning and professional development?
- Do you embrace diversity and inclusivity, and are you comfortable working in a multicultural team?
ASSUMPTION: Grayling's culture is characterized by its dynamic, collaborative, and empowering work environment, with a strong focus on employee growth and development.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and teams simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Working with senior stakeholders and providing strategic counsel, which may involve challenging conversations and decision-making
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with changing priorities and tight deadlines
- Balancing the demands of client work with internal team management and development responsibilities
- Navigating a large, global organization with multiple stakeholders and reporting lines
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, time management, and leadership skills, as well as a proactive and adaptable approach to work.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to in-house PR roles, this agency position offers exposure to a broader range of clients and industries, as well as opportunities for career growth and development
- Compared to other agency roles, this senior leadership position provides the chance to manage a flagship global account and work closely with Grayling's Heads of Corporate and Brand
- Compared to other PR Director roles, this position offers a competitive salary range and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and industries
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of challenges, opportunities, and rewards, making it an attractive choice for experienced PR professionals looking to advance their careers in communications.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a global financial services client, including earned media, social media, and digital campaigns
- Managing a crisis communications response for a fintech client facing a data breach, ensuring minimal reputational damage and maintaining stakeholder confidence
- Launching a brand awareness campaign for a payments client, targeting key industry publications, influencers, and events to increase market visibility and share of voice
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the PR Director, requiring strategic thinking, creativity, and strong leadership skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and reporting lines for this role?
- How does Grayling support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Grayling approach work-life balance, and what support is available for employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead complex, multi-market accounts and manage integrated teams
- Research Grayling's clients and industry focus to show your understanding of the business and its priorities
- Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experience, skills, and career goals
- Follow up with the HR team or hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
