Hours: Full-time or 4-day week considered for the right candidate
ABOUT SHEPHARD COMMUNICATIONS
Shephard Communications is a boutique communications consultancy specialising in luxury travel, hospitality, wellness and lifestyle brands. We work with some of the world's most exciting and ambitious brands, delivering impactful media relations, thought leadership, partnerships and brand positioning campaigns.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced Head of PR to join Shephard Communications on a 12-month maternity cover contract from September 2026.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a growing agency, taking ownership of an established portfolio of luxury, travel, hospitality and lifestyle clients, while helping drive new business and agency growth. The successful candidate will work closely with the Founder and serve as the senior day-to-day lead across a diverse client portfolio spanning private aviation, luxury hotels, wellness brands, restaurants, members' clubs and exclusive VIP events.
As a boutique agency, this role requires someone who is equally comfortable developing strategy, leading client relationships and delivering high-quality execution. It would suit a highly organised and entrepreneurial communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys having genuine influence over client and agency success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Act as senior lead across a portfolio of luxury travel, hospitality, wellness and lifestyle clients
* Develop and implement strategic communications plans aligned with client objectives
* Lead client meetings, monthly reporting and ongoing counsel
* Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders
* Ensure delivery of agreed KPIs and commercial objectives
Media Relations
* Lead proactive media outreach across print, online and broadcast channels
* Secure high-quality editorial opportunities and coverage
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, editors, broadcasters and industry contacts
* Develop creative story angles, campaign concepts and thought leadership opportunities
* Manage media visits, press trips, events and product launches
Content & Communications
* Draft and oversee press releases, media pitches, briefing documents, reports, award submissions and strategic communications materials
* Provide editorial direction and messaging guidance across client communications
* Ensure all agency output meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy
Agency Operations & Team Management
* Manage and coordinate agency freelancers and consultants
* Allocate responsibilities and oversee delivery across external support teams
* Maintain strong internal processes and project management systems
* Ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high standard
* Support resource planning across the agency
New Business & Agency Growth
* Play a leading role in agency growth and business development
* Develop new business proposals, pitch presentations and agency credentials
* Attend prospective client meetings and contribute to pitch strategy
* Identify new business opportunities through industry contacts
Events & Partnerships
* Lead the planning and execution of press events, launches, partnerships and influencer activations
* Manage guest lists, media attendance and event logistics for client events
ABOUT YOU
* 10+ years' experience within PR and communications
* Agency experience preferred, ideally within luxury travel, hospitality, wellness, lifestyle or luxury consumer sectors
* Exceptional media contacts and relationship-building skills
* Proven experience managing multiple clients simultaneously
* Confident presenter and communicator
* Excellent writing and editing skills
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail
* Self‑motivated, proactive and comfortable working autonomously
* Experience developing proposals and pitch decks
WHAT WE OFFER
* Significant autonomy and responsibility
* Direct access to agency leadership and decision-making
* Diverse portfolio of leading luxury brands
* Flexible hybrid working environment
To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover note outlining your relevant experience to Chloe at chloe@shephardcommunications.com.
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