PR Manager, Europe

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: PR Manager, Europe

🔹 Company: Illumina

🔹 Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (2-3 days in the office)

🔹 Category: Biotechnology Research

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-19

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with hybrid option)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategic public relations plans to support company news and other milestones
• Engaging with the media to secure coverage, place feature stories, and build relationships with journalists
• Collaborating with global communications teams and serving as the operational coordinator for the Europe PR team
• Working with business leaders, marketing colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders to identify and build newsworthy stories

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Executes with excellence on objective-based assignments, including research projects, writing, material development, copy editing

✅ Develops and executes strategic public relations plans to support company news and other milestones and measures and reports results

✅ Engages with the media to secure opportunities, generate trade media coverage, place feature stories, and build relationships with journalists to drive storytelling on a broad level

✅ Collaborates closely with members of the global communications team to ensure cohesive, aligned messages across multiple channels

✅ Engages with business leaders, marketing colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders to identify and build newsworthy stories that support the Company’s strategy and communications objectives

✅ Serves as the operations coordinator for Illumina’s public relations function, including project tracking and editorial calendar maintenance, as well as media list management

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working across multiple time zones and requires strong communication and presentation skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Experience: Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in public relations, preferably in the biotech, life sciences, or healthcare industry
• Strong writing skills – including experience writing press releases, pitches, op-eds, backgrounders, FAQs and other media tools
• Native-level proficiency in English with working proficiency in Spanish language
• Strong operational mindset – ability to maintain and organize databases, project trackers, and utilize project management software
• Ability to identify, track and report relevant PR metrics
• Clear and proactive communicator with ability to manage the needs of multiple stakeholders, including C-Suite
• Precise attention to detail
• Highly collaborative
• Strategic thinker and proactive problem solver
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and agile environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working both in-house and in an agency setting

ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role, candidates with experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment will likely be more successful.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a PR Manager role in the UK with 8+ years of experience)

Benefits:

• Flexible Time Off
• Private Medical Insurance
• Compassion and Care Time Off
• Leisure Travel Insurance
• Pension
• Employee Stock Purchasing Program
• Volunteer Time Off

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with flexibility for hybrid workers)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Illumina is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function

Company Size: Illumina has 5,001-10,000 employees globally, providing a large, established environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 1998, with a rich history in the biotechnology research industry

Company Description:

• Illumina is committed to applying innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function
• The company aims to make personalized medicine a reality by providing innovative, array-based solutions for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis
• Illumina prioritizes collaborative interactions, rapid delivery of solutions, and prioritizing the needs of its customers

Company Specialties:

• Genomic sequencing and analysis
• Biomedical research
• Clinical diagnostics
• Life science tools and integrated systems

Company Website: http://www.illumina.com

ASSUMPTION: Illumina's large size and global presence offer candidates the opportunity to work on diverse projects and collaborate with international teams.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, offering significant responsibility and the opportunity to drive strategic communications initiatives

Reporting Structure: The PR Manager reports to the Sr. Director, Head of Communications, Europe

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring 2-3 days in the office and the remainder of the week working remotely

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a more senior communications role within the company
• Expanding responsibilities to include additional regions or functional areas
• Developing expertise in specific areas of interest, such as investor relations or employee communications

ASSUMPTION: Given Illumina's size and global presence, there are ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Illumina's Cambridge office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities

Office Location(s): 19 Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6DF, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• Cambridge is a thriving city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong biotechnology industry
• The city offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, affordable housing, and a wide range of recreational activities
• Cambridge is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with easy access to London and other major cities

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with flexibility for hybrid workers)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers candidates the best of both worlds, allowing for face-to-face collaboration while also providing the flexibility to work from home.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
• Final interview with the Sr. Director, Head of Communications, Europe

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely
• Writing skills and ability to craft compelling narratives
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Understanding of the biotechnology industry and relevant trends

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide specific examples of your PR experience, demonstrating your ability to secure media coverage, develop strategic plans, and manage projects
• Demonstrate your understanding of Illumina's mission and values, and explain how your background and skills make you a strong fit for the company

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Engagement, Strategic Communication, Project Management, Writing Skills, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Business Acumen, Stakeholder Management, Operational Coordination, Research, Copy Editing, Metrics Tracking, Agility, Creativity

ASSUMPTION: Illumina's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best possible match for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project)
• Media database and monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions, or Cision)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's role and responsibilities.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Quality
• Diversity

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on results and execution
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
• Data-driven and metrics-focused, with a commitment to continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and can you manage multiple projects simultaneously?
• Are you a strong communicator, able to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely?
• Do you have a proven track record of securing media coverage and developing strategic PR plans?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing face-to-face collaboration with remote work?

ASSUMPTION: Illumina's culture values innovation, collaboration, and a strong work ethic, with a focus on driving results and continuous improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working across multiple time zones and collaborating with global teams
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Balancing the need for strategic thinking with the demands of day-to-day tactical execution

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other PR Manager roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in the biotechnology industry and drive strategic communications for a global leader in genomics
• Illumina's size and global presence provide candidates with exposure to a wide range of projects and the opportunity to work with diverse teams
• Career progression may be faster at smaller organizations, but Illumina's size and global presence offer ample opportunities for growth and development

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their personal preferences and career goals when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic PR campaign to launch a new genomics product, including media outreach, event planning, and collateral development
• Managing a crisis communications situation, including media monitoring, messaging development, and stakeholder engagement
• Conducting a competitive analysis of the genomics industry, including an assessment of key competitors' PR strategies and tactics

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives the PR Manager may be responsible for, but the specific projects will vary depending on the company's priorities and the candidate's role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Europe PR team, and how this role fits into the broader global communications organization?
• How does Illumina support the professional development and growth of its PR team members?
• What are the most pressing communications challenges facing Illumina in the coming year, and how does this role contribute to addressing those challenges?
• How does Illumina approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its communications strategies and initiatives?
• What is the typical career path for a PR Manager at Illumina, and what opportunities exist for growth and development within the company?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company, and to assess their fit for the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your PR experience, demonstrating your ability to secure media coverage, develop strategic plans, and manage projects
• Demonstrate your understanding of Illumina's mission and values, and explain how your background and skills make you a strong fit for the company
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application

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