Interim PR & Communications Manager Contract: Interim Location: Hybrid (2 days per week in Birmingham) Rate: £30 per hour Start: ASAP About the role We're hiring a seasoned Press & PR Manager to protect and enhance the organisation's reputation, drive proactive storytelling, and manage media handling across multiple portfolios. You'll lead a small press team, deliver 24/7 responsive coverage for breaking news, and provide confident counsel to senior officers and Members in a politically sensitive environment. Key responsibilities Develop and deliver a comprehensive media strategy and handling plans; secure high‑impact regional/national coverage. Lead a press team providing 24‑hour cover for incidents; coordinate with partner press offices during crises. Build and maintain senior media relationships; prepare spokespeople; deliver media training and counsel to Members and officers. Monitor and report media performance; ensure robust governance, audit readiness and budget stewardship. Essential experience Proven delivery of regional and national coverage from proactive stories; crisis/issue management with political sensitivity. Senior‑level stakeholder management; excellent news/feature writing; ability to perform calmly to tight deadlines in high‑profile contexts. Team leadership and budget management; strong understanding of governance, data protection and equalities in public sector communications. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk