PR & Social Media Director (12-Month Maternity Cover)
Bath, UK | Hybrid Working
SHIFT Active Media is one of the world's leading specialist agencies in cycling, endurance sport and the active lifestyle sector. We work with some of the most recognised brands in the industry, helping them connect with passionate audiences through PR, social media, content and integrated communications.
We are looking for an experienced and commercially-minded PR & Social Media Director to lead our PR & Social team during a 12-month maternity cover period.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who combines strategic communications expertise with strong client leadership, commercial awareness and team management skills. You will lead an established team, oversee key client relationships and help shape the future of our PR and Social Media offering at a time of rapid change across media, influencer marketing and AI-driven communications.
This role reports directly to the CEO and forms part of the agency's senior leadership team.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to step into a well-established department with an excellent client portfolio and a talented team already in place.
You will provide leadership, direction and expertise across the department, ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding work for our clients while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation and continuous improvement.
We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable advising senior clients, developing communications strategy, leading teams, winning business and rolling up their sleeves when needed.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Leading PR & Social Excellence
You will be responsible for maintaining and elevating the quality of our PR and Social Media output across the agency. This includes:
* Driving strategic thinking across client programmes
* Ensuring campaigns are creative, culturally relevant and commercially effective
* Identifying emerging opportunities within media, influencer marketing and AI-enabled communications
* Supporting the development and sell-in of larger, more ambitious campaign ideas
* Championing best practice across PR, social media and earned media
Client Leadership
You will act as a trusted advisor to a number of key clients, building strong senior-level relationships and helping clients navigate an increasingly complex communications landscape. You'll:
* Lead strategic conversations with clients
* Provide senior counsel and communications expertise
* Ensure exceptional service delivery and client satisfaction
* Work closely with account teams across integrated accounts
* Support client retention, growth and long-term partnership development
Commercial Growth
As a senior leader within the agency, you'll play an important role in supporting commercial performance. You'll:
* Contribute to agency growth plans
* Support new business pitches and opportunities
* Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships
* Monitor departmental performance and profitability
* Balance commercial awareness with creative ambition
Team Leadership & Development
You'll lead a talented and experienced PR & Social team, creating an environment where people can do their best work.
This includes:
* Coaching and developing team members
* Providing support on complex client and communications challenges
* Driving accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
* Maintaining high standards while fostering a positive and supportive culture
* Acting as a visible and approachable leader across the agency
Industry Relationships & Profile
You will help ensure SHIFT remains highly connected and respected within the media, cycling and active lifestyle sectors. You'll:
* Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, influencers and industry stakeholders
* Support proactive media engagement and thought leadership
* Represent SHIFT at industry events and within the wider communications community
* Help the team understand how social platforms, creators and AI are changing the communications landscape
About You
We're looking for a senior communications professional who combines strategic thinking with hands-on leadership experience. You'll likely bring:
* Significant experience in a senior PR leadership role within an agency environment or a relevant in-house communications position
* A strong track record of developing and delivering successful PR and communications strategies
* Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
* Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills
* Commercial awareness and experience contributing to business growth
* Strong understanding of the evolving relationship between PR, social media, influencer marketing and AI
* Confidence presenting to senior clients and leading strategic conversations
* A collaborative, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach
Desirable
* Experience within cycling, outdoor, sports, lifestyle or enthusiast sectors
* A genuine passion for cycling, endurance sport or the active lifestyle market
Reporting Structure
Reports to: CEO
Direct Reports:
* PR Managers
* PR Executives
* Social Media Manager
Working Pattern
This role is primarily office-based, with the team currently working four days per week from our Bath office and one day remotely.
Why Join SHIFT?
You'll be joining a specialist agency with a global reputation, a passionate team and a client roster that includes some of the most exciting brands in cycling and active sport.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, lead an established department and help shape the next chapter of our PR and Social Media offering.