Senior Account Executive – Planning and Built Environment

PLMR is a successful, fast-growing communications agency with a dynamic, talented team that works with high-profile clients and sectors to deliver corporate communications, planning comms, public affairs, public relations, and digital solutions for its clients. The business operates across the UK, with offices in Birmingham, Coventry, London, East of England, and Scotland. We are a PRWeek UK Top 50 communications agency and a Global Top 200.

We want to recruit an ambitious and driven Senior Account Executive to our Planning and Built Environment team based in the Midlands. This is an exciting time to join our successful team, with many opportunities in the sector and a new Head of Planning and Built Environment bringing fresh ideas and dynamism to an already thriving practice. Our Planning and Built Environment team supports a range of clients including nationally recognised housebuilders, Local Authorities, elite professional sports clubs, and blue-chip brands to achieve planning success and positive stakeholder relationships at local, regional and national levels.

We are seeking a proactive, committed team player who wants to develop the next chapter of their career and our team. There are no limits on the opportunities for the successful candidate, and we hope to support them to develop their career in the industry.

If you understand planning consultations, can’t help discussing local politics and easily build relationships wherever you go, we want to hear from you – you will be a great fit for PLMR and will be successful. In return, you will receive a great salary, a range of benefits, ongoing training that is among the best offered by any agency in the UK, and the opportunity to build an exciting career and move forward quickly at a firm which prides itself on its great culture, values and purpose. PLMR has the perfect combination – we have the scale, strength and reach that come with being a national player ranked in PRWeek’s Top 50; and also the agility, autonomy and freedom we retain as a truly independent agency.

In this role, you will hit the ground running in a hands-on position, working within an energetic team where you will look after a range of clients in the Midlands and beyond.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in planning communications, stakeholder engagement and/or local government. They will be client focused, results orientated, highly organised, calm under pressure, and a great team player. Experience within a PR agency or in-house communications role is desirable, and the candidate should have a strong understanding of managing multiple clients and stakeholder groups, know how to craft engaging copy, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Travel within the UK, from time to time, is an important part of the role. You may also be required to work evenings and weekends on occasion. A full driving licence whilst not essential, is desirable.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Good written skills, with experience producing writing political briefing materials, press releases, stakeholder letters, and other consultation materials
• Producing clear, engaging communications which require minimal review by senior colleagues
• Accurately presenting and adapting client messaging for different audiences, including digital channels
• Developing excellent client relationships – ensuring that the client are well serviced, able to call for advice at any time, and maximising the opportunities for account development
• Competent identifying and liaising with a range of key stakeholders at any given time, including politicians at all levels, and any relevant interest groups
• Capable of delivering events, as part of the team
• A commitment to professional development and a genuine interest in planning, built environment and local government, remaining well informed in relevant policy
• Able to respond to requests for information from clients which may be at short notice
• Experience using social media and digital channels to help promote key messaging for clients and PLMR
• Great interpersonal skills, able to build a rapport with clients, stakeholders and members of the public
• Ability to draft appropriate responses to community consultation enquiries, if required
• Attending client meetings and writing up meeting reports
• Assist in the development of new business proposals including generating creative and impactful campaign ideas
• Proactively contribute to PLMR’s own marketing through regularly attending and networking at events in Birmingham and the region to engage with local businesses, drafting blog and social media content and issuing e-newsletters

Key Skills and Competencies:

• At least 12 months relevant work experience in an in-house or agency communications role
• A strong knowledge of current affairs, the UK political system and knowledge of consultation and engagement techniques
• Experience and interest in planning, built environment and local politics
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with the ability to conceptualise, analyse, and write persuasive arguments
• Experience in executing messaging on social media and other digital channels to support strategic communications goals
• A can-do attitude and a focus on delivering results
• A confident personality with the ability to contribute new ideas to a team environment
• A proactive team member and team player who contributes to a positive working environment
• Well organised and reliable, able to prioritise your workload and deliver high quality work in a busy environment

We will offer you:

• A competitive salary and access to additional benefits, which includes (but is not limited to):
• Vitality Healthcare Scheme
• Gym Allowance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Eye Test Voucher
• Team Away Days
• Sports Leagues
• Book Club
• Enhanced Pension
• Working in our office in central Birmingham and/or Coventry

Activities may vary from the above and may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. 

Please submit a CV and Cover Letter, outlining why you’d be a good fit for this role, to support your application.

At PLMR we are committed to reflecting and representing the diversity of the UK and to equal opportunities in employment. The policies and practices of the agency aim to promote an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity and inclusion of all people. At the heart of our policy, we seek to treat people fairly and with dignity and respect. We therefore encourage and welcome applications from people with a diverse variety of backgrounds; age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, social background, religion and/or belief.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

Apply here