Group Practice Head (AUTOMOTIVE)

Agency : Red Agency Job Description : About HAVAS Red:
We are powered by a team with undeniable passion, fearless ambition and incredible ideas.
As pioneers in earned-first communications we believe our best work happens when we shape a singular creative idea to live in any owned, earned, social and paid channel
Our 80+ Redsters across offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are smart, hungry, and creative, bringing together a chorus of integrated comms functions including media relations, content creation, social media, influencer marketing, activations, and issues management. We’re trusted by clients ranging from global brands to Australian icons, to some of the fastest growing companies around.
We are part of the HAVAS PR Network, the PR and communications arm of the HAVAS Group that comprises over 40 agencies in over 25 markets worldwide. In Australia, HAVAS Red sits within the HAVAS Village, a brilliant group of agencies and specialisms across communications, advertising, media, and public affairs This role reports to the Managing Partner and Chief Client Officer Direct reports are a team of Group Account Directors PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Extensive experience working at a senior level in a media, PR or a communications role.
• Proven experience in successfully raising an organisation's public profile.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Senior client stakeholder management.
• Have an excellent understanding of crisis communications management
• Deep understanding of and passion for the automotive industry.
• Strong contacts with motoring media and familiarity with general media (especially finance, environment, trade).
• Exceptional time-management skills.
• Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced agency.
• Understanding and knowledge of the Australian landscape including politics, business, society, news media, influencers and social media.
• Proficiency in social networks.

JOB DESCRIPTION This person will be a trusted source of advice to a large Automotive company’s senior executives, their PR team and the agency

• Work collaboratively with the clients Public Affairs Manager and other executives as required.
• Serve as a senior media contact and representative for the client.

• Lead the development, implementation and integration of strategic communications plans that advance the brand identity and reputation of the clients business and vehicles.
• Develop public relations (PR) strategies and manage the execution of product publicity through pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases.
• Promote the client and its products through regular communications, including speeches, interviews and press releases.
• Provide counsel to the clients leadership team.
• Handle sensitive matters to maintain a good corporate reputation.
• Manage product issues including development of comprehensive Q&A documents.

Leadership

• Lead the Havas Red client PR team:
  • Setting goals and objectives
  • Establishing priorities
  • Role delegation
• Effectively managing staff, client relationships and projects
• Personal development, including annual reviews of Group Account Directors.
• Promote a culture that values integrity, high performance, continuous improvement and a commitment to quality.
• Mentor junior PR personnel (including social and consumer/lifestyle) using supportive.

Product PR strategy development and implementation

• Partner other members of the Havas Red team to formulate and execute relevant strategies, solutions and opportunities.
• Research and identify emerging issues and challenges that are facing the client’s business or products.
• Favourably position the client and its products by enhancing strong and meaningful relationships with key media outlets and other stakeholders.
• Exercise judgment in prioritising media opportunities.
• Develop key media partnerships to support campaigns.

• Plan, deliver and measure the success of PR campaigns.
• Set goals for the PR division and monitor the team's performance regularly.

Issues and crisis management

• Respond promptly and efficiently to manage and mitigate communication crises.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Maintain open lines of communication, address concerns, and provide updates to ensure transparency and trust.
• Craft clear and consistent messaging for internal and external audiences. Adapt messaging based on the situation, target audience, and channel to effectively address concerns and mitigate reputational risks.
• Proactively engage with media contacts to manage media inquiries, provide accurate information, and shape the narrative during crises.

Event management

• Closely involved in the execution of National Media vehicle launches.
• Extensive writing, including proposals in the clients preferred formats, executive speeches, media releases and media-coverage summaries.
• Liaising with the agency’s production team to plan and deliver photographic, video, graphic design and other services as required.
• Assist with the development of budgets for events and other activities.

#LI-BN1 At Havas, we are committed to building a future that is inclusive to all, where you can bring your whole self to work and feel valued, respected, and supported to succeed. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds, identities, beliefs, age, and abilities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to apply for this or any role with us Contract Type : Permanent Here at Havas across the group we pride ourselves on being committed to offering equal opportunities to all potential employees and have zero tolerance for discrimination. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants irrespective of age, sex, race, ethnicity, disability and other factors that have no bearing on an individual’s ability to perform their job.