Media Relations Executive

Description:

M&G, an international savings and investment firm with a 170-year heritage, is looking for a Media Relations Executive to support its Life business. This role is part of the Media Relations team within the Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, and Brand function, reporting to the Media Relations Manager. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping M&G’s external reputation, supporting strategic communications, and strengthening the company’s presence in the media.

This is an exciting time to join M&G, particularly as the firm is advancing its ‘Reframing Retirement’ thought leadership campaign, challenging outdated perceptions of retirement and bringing powerful case studies to life. The role will involve close collaboration with journalists, acting as an external spokesperson, and driving forward campaigns that support M&G’s ambitions for growth in pensions, retirement, and related financial services.

About the Life Business:

• Serves around 4.6 million UK policyholders.

• Manages the £128 billion Prudential With-Profits Fund, the largest of its kind in the UK.

• Oversees the £64 billion PruFund, supporting 500,000 individual policyholders.

• Recently re-entered the Bulk Purchase Annuity and retail annuity markets, with strong growth ambitions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development and implementation of M&G’s integrated external communications strategy.

• Collaborate with the Media Relations Manager on campaign ideas to proactively promote M&G’s expertise.

• Draft high-quality content including press releases, speeches, Q&As, briefings, articles, and presentations.

• Act as spokesperson and strengthen relationships with personal finance and trade journalists.

• Respond to media enquiries promptly, advising on risks and opportunities while protecting M&G’s reputation.

• Identify media hooks, develop storylines, and advise internal stakeholders on communication approaches.

• Organise and attend press briefings, conferences, sector events, and educational workshops.

• Deliver media training to employees and provide guidance to ensure accurate reporting of announcements.

• Collaborate with digital, public affairs, and internal communications colleagues to ensure integrated messaging.

• Manage out-of-hours duties as press officer on a rota basis.

• Monitor and evaluate media activity, tracking KPIs and coverage to measure impact.

• Ensure projects are managed efficiently, on time, and within budget.

Key Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Strong background in media relations, including daily journalist liaison and media handling.

• Excellent writing and oral communication skills across multiple formats.

• Ability to assimilate complex financial and organisational information and present it clearly.

• Highly organised with strong time management skills; capable of handling multiple priorities.

• Creative and strategic thinker with proactive problem-solving abilities.

• Experience in spokesperson duties and representing organisations at external events.

• Knowledge of media monitoring and evaluation tools.

• Strong relationship-building skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Adaptable, detail-oriented, and comfortable in fast-changing circumstances.

Additional Information:

• Recruiter: Martyn Jack

• Work arrangements: Hybrid, London-based

• M&G is a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees interviews to candidates meeting minimum criteria who opt into the scheme.

• Flexible working arrangements and workplace accommodations are available.