📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Manager
🔹 Company: Canada Life and Irish Life
🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
🔹 Category: Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-22
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing proactive and reactive public relations activities
- Supporting the development and delivery of integrated public relations strategies
- Building and maintaining strong media relationships
- Monitoring the external and media environment for opportunities and reputational issues
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders and teams to ensure joined-up PR activities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting the development and delivery of proactive and reactive public relations activities aligned to Canada Life's public relations, external communications, and business objectives.
✅ Working with the business to deliver proactive PR content including press releases, research and insight, articles and comment opportunities.
✅ Managing Canada Life's press office – responding to journalist queries and working with the business to craft content and responses to requests.
✅ Working collaboratively with relevant teams to ensure that PR activities are joined up and complementary, and maximised both internally and externally.
✅ Monitoring Canada Life's external and media environment to identify opportunities and manage any reputational issues.
✅ Managing and developing Canada Life's media relationships and building strong, positive relationships across the Canada Life business.
✅ Ensuring that PR activity is tracked against relevant metrics and reported upon in line with the wider function.
✅ Managing the PR team's third party providers.
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on sensitive issues and managing crises, requiring strong judgment and discretion.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) in a similar role within an agency or in-house team, with a strong understanding of media and public relations
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong influencing, negotiation, and networking skills
- Ability to operate in a dynamic and uncertain environment
- Self-motivation, well-organised, and able to perform tasks independently
- Drive, creativity, and energy to get things done
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working within the financial services sector
- Track record of successfully delivering strategic public relations activities in support of business objectives
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it's assumed that candidates should have a solid understanding of the financial services industry and be comfortable working in a corporate environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum (pro-rated for the 12-month contract)
Benefits:
- Generous pension and bonus scheme
- Income protection
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Competitive salary and comprehensive reward package
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Public Relations Manager role in the UK financial services sector.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Insurance and Financial Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (global, including Irish Life)
Founded: 1939 (Irish Life), 1903 (Canada Life)
Company Description:
- Canada Life UK looks after the retirement, investment, and protection needs of individuals, families, and companies
- Part of Great-West Lifeco, a global leader in life assurance
- Committed to building better futures for customers, intermediaries, and employees
Company Specialties:
- Pensions
- Life Insurance
- Investments
Company Website: http://www.irishlife.ie
ASSUMPTION: Canada Life UK operates as a modern, agile, and welcoming organisation, with a focus on recognising and rewarding employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Public Relations
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for flexible working arrangements
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior role within the public relations team
- Broadening of responsibilities to include additional business lines or functions
- Development of leadership and management skills
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the organisation.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, agile, and welcoming
Office Location(s): London, City of, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global financial hub
- The City of London is the historic heart of the UK's financial services industry
- The office is located in a vibrant and multicultural city with excellent transport links
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and CV screening
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and a member of the HR team
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and media relations experience
- Strategic thinking and planning abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- Problem-solving and crisis management skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of successful public relations campaigns or projects you've worked on
- Research Canada Life UK and Irish Life to demonstrate your understanding of the business and industry
ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Relations, Communication Skills, Strategic Planning, Content Creation, Stakeholder Management, Influencing Skills, Negotiation Skills, Networking Skills, Adaptability, Self-Motivation, Organizational Skills, Creativity, Team Collaboration, Reputation Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process may involve assessments or tests to evaluate the candidate's skills and fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (e.g., Salesforce)
ASSUMPTION: The role may require the use of additional tools and technologies specific to the financial services industry or the company's internal systems.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Doing the right thing for customers, colleagues, and the community
- Building better futures through expertise, innovation, and collaboration
- Recognising and rewarding colleagues for their contributions
Work Style:
- Agile and modern, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on internal communication
- Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on delivering results and meeting business objectives
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to ethical and responsible business practices?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and uncertain environment?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and team-oriented work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to adapt to changing priorities.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
- Working in a dynamic and uncertain environment
- Adapting to changing business needs and priorities
- Meeting tight deadlines and managing workloads during high-pressure periods
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on sensitive issues and managing crises, requiring strong judgment and discretion.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Account Executive or Account Manager role in a public relations agency, but with a focus on in-house communications and a broader range of responsibilities
- Compared to other in-house public relations roles, this position has a greater emphasis on strategic planning and stakeholder management
- Career progression may involve moving into a senior leadership role within the public relations function or transitioning into a related field, such as corporate communications or marketing
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, stakeholder management, and hands-on execution, providing a strong foundation for a career in public relations or a related field.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive public relations strategy to launch a new product or service
- Managing a high-profile crisis or issue, including media monitoring, messaging development, and stakeholder engagement
- Conducting a media audit and developing recommendations to improve the company's media presence and reputation
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of responsibilities and initiatives the role may involve, but the specific projects and priorities may vary depending on the business needs and context.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader public relations and communications strategy for the company?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the public relations function and the wider organisation?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, context, and potential for growth and development, as well as the company's culture and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://life-careers.com/canadalife/job/London-Public-Relations-Manager/1206319801/
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills, using the ATS keywords provided
- Prepare examples of successful public relations campaigns or projects you've worked on, demonstrating your ability to deliver strategic and impactful results
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
