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Senior PR Specialist, based Leeds

Avnet
Full-time
On-site
Leeds, United Kingdom
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior PR Specialist, based Leeds

πŸ”Ή Company: Avnet (Farnell Global)

πŸ”Ή Location: Leeds, United Kingdom

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing & Communications

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 17, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading media relations efforts for Farnell’s EMEA marketing communications
  • Partnering with key stakeholders to plan and execute creative PR campaigns
  • Managing ongoing coverage tracking, reporting, and analysis
  • Supporting key communications initiatives, such as product launches and thought leadership programs
  • Working with senior marketing and communications leaders to manage corporate positioning, messaging, and storyline development

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead the media relations efforts for Farnell’s EMEA marketing communications in coordination with marketing leadership.

βœ… Establish and maintain relationships with business, trade, and technology press that cover Farnell’s technology and business in EMEA.

βœ… Manage spokesperson roster and media training, including support for executives.

βœ… Manage ongoing coverage tracking, reporting, and analysis.

βœ… Support key communications initiatives, such as product launches, thought leadership programs, and strategic events.

βœ… Work with senior marketing and communications leaders to manage corporate positioning, messaging, and storyline development.

βœ… Manage agencies and/or contractors as needed.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, as well as the ability to coordinate and align feedback from internal stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.

Experience: Proven experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications, ideally in both in-house and agency settings (enterprise technology experience preferred).

Required Skills:

  • Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
  • Strong collaboration and influencing skills
  • Crisis management skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects
  • Experience working on global teams or managing global media relations and industry analyst relations programs

Preferred Skills:

  • Fluency in additional European languages
  • Experience in the electronics and technology industry

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in media relations and corporate communications, with a strong understanding of the enterprise technology industry.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£45,000 - Β£55,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a Senior PR Specialist role in Leeds)

Benefits:

  • Enhanced Pension scheme (up to 8% employer contribution)
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays with an option to buy an additional holiday
  • Free onsite parking
  • Flexible home/hybrid working
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • EV Car Scheme
  • Reward & retail discount scheme

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility to work from home up to 2-3 days per week.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior PR Specialist role in Leeds. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Avnet is a global technology distributor, providing electronic components, embedded technology, and design chain management services. Farnell, an Avnet company, is a global high-service distributor of technology products, services, and solutions for electronic system design, maintenance, and repair.

Company Size: Avnet has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, with a dedicated team of over 3,300 employees in Farnell Global alone. This size offers a large network of resources and opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: Avnet was founded in 1928, with Farnell established in 1931. The company has a rich history and extensive experience in the electronics and technology industry.

Company Description:

  • Farnell Global is the fast and reliable distributor of products and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair.
  • The company offers a wide range of products, including electronic components, embedded technology, and design chain management services.
  • Farnell Global trades as Farnell in Europe, Newark in North America, and element14 throughout Asia Pacific.

Company Specialties:

  • Electronics
  • Distribution
  • Community
  • and Engineering

Company Website: Avnet

ASSUMPTION: Avnet and Farnell Global offer a large network of resources and opportunities for collaboration and growth, with a strong focus on customer service and innovation.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior specialist level, offering opportunities for growth and development within the global communications team.

Reporting Structure: The Senior PR Specialist reports directly to the Head of Marketing Communications EMEA and works closely with senior marketing and communications leaders, as well as cross-functional teams.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a flexible balance between working from home and the office.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the global communications team
  • Opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with international teams
  • Chance to develop expertise in enterprise technology and gain experience in a large, global organization

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities, both within the global communications team and across the broader organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Leeds office is a modern, collaborative workspace with on-site parking and easy access to public transportation.

Office Location(s): Canal Road, Leeds, LS12 2TU, GB

Geographic Context:

  • Leeds is a vibrant city in West Yorkshire, England, with a thriving tech industry and a rich cultural scene.
  • The city offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, affordable housing, and a wide range of leisure and entertainment options.
  • Leeds is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with easy access to major cities and international destinations.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility to work from home up to 2-3 days per week.

ASSUMPTION: The Leeds office offers a modern, collaborative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and a wide range of amenities.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening with the HR team
  • First-round interview with the hiring manager
  • Second-round interview with senior leadership
  • Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Communication skills and media relations experience
  • Strategic thinking and campaign development
  • Cultural fit and alignment with company values
  • Problem-solving and crisis management skills

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare examples of successful PR campaigns and media relations efforts
  • Research Avnet and Farnell Global to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission

ATS Keywords: Media relations, public relations, corporate communications, crisis management, writing, editing, proofreading, collaboration, influencing, time management, task management, stakeholder engagement, global teams, analyst relations, creative campaigns, reporting

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing communication skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on media relations experience and campaign development.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
  • PR software and platforms (e.g., Cision, Muck Rack)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the PR and communications industry, with a focus on media monitoring, analysis, and project management.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Customer focus
  • Innovation
  • Integrity
  • Performance
  • Teamwork

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Adaptable and responsive to change
  • Results-driven and focused on delivering excellence

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you demonstrate customer focus in your PR efforts?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a PR campaign or strategy?
  • How do you ensure that your PR efforts align with the company's values and mission?

ASSUMPTION: Avnet and Farnell Global prioritize a customer-focused, innovative, and collaborative work environment, with a strong emphasis on integrity and performance.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
  • Working across different time zones and coordinating with global teams
  • Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
  • Dealing with sensitive or controversial issues in a high-profile role

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to time management, global collaboration, and adaptability, as well as the need to handle sensitive or controversial issues with discretion and professionalism.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other PR Specialist roles, this position offers a greater focus on global media relations and enterprise technology
  • In the electronics and technology industry, this role requires a strong understanding of the enterprise technology landscape and the ability to engage with both business and trade press
  • Career-wise, this role offers opportunities for growth within the global communications team and across the broader organization

ASSUMPTION: This role differs from other PR Specialist positions in its focus on global media relations and enterprise technology, with opportunities for growth and development within a large, global organization.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a strategic PR campaign to launch a new product or service
  • Managing a crisis communication effort in response to a negative media story or event
  • Conducting media training for executives and spokespeople to improve their communication skills and messaging

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may include strategic PR campaigns, crisis communication efforts, and media training initiatives, with a focus on enterprise technology and global media relations.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the global communications team?
  • How does this role fit into the broader organizational structure and strategy?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What is the company's approach to work-life balance and flexible working arrangements?

ASSUMPTION: Key questions to ask during the interview should focus on team structure, organizational strategy, role priorities, professional development, and work-life balance.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the following link: Avnet Career Portal
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare examples of successful PR campaigns and media relations efforts
  • Research Avnet and Farnell Global to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission
  • Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

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