Senior Press Officer, Womenswear

Position

Christian Dior Couture offers more than a beautiful brand to our clients; we invite them to be part of the heritage, to share our passion for luxury and to be part of the Dior family. We look for the same desire in our employees, to have enthusiasm and passion about being part of the House of Dior.

The Senior Press Officer will be responsible for implementing the PR strategy for the Women’s and Baby universes and ensuring all related PR activity is in line with the overall global image of Dior.

The main responsibilities will include supporting the Head of Press in the creation and implementation of the strategy for all UK Womenswear collections and product launches, proactively securing maximum editorial exposure, securing covers and pitching qualitative feature stories across Haute Couture, Ready to Wear, Leather Goods & Accessories and Baby Dior. Managing the communications and activities, within company guidelines, for Print, Digital, VIP dressing, influencer activation & Events.

In addition, develop and manage the PR Coordinator, VIP Coordinator, PR Assistants and interns on product management, sample movement and PR communication.

Additional responsibilities

• To carry out any additional duties as directed by the PR Director
• Demonstrate excellent product and range knowledge
• To comply with Dior values
• To maintain the highest standards of housekeeping and retail standards within the Press Department
• To be aware of all Company’s policies and procedures

Job responsibilities

Editorial Duties

• Work with Head of Press to create and implement the print + digital strategy for placement of Haute Couture, Women’s RTW, Accessories and Baby Dior, new product launches and major initiatives as well as leveraging VIP dressing converting placements to print, digital + social opportunities
• Develop the strategy in line with global guidelines and targets as well as specific market requirements aligning with the Merchandising team on product deliveries
• Proactively secure editorial coverage in all key magazines, newspapers and digital outlets aligning with global product focuses, UK strategy and market needs and monitor and report the ROI
• Maintain and develop loyal relationships with editors, stylists and influencers
• Manage the Women’s PR Coordinator to ensure that all UK editorial requests are fulfilled and liaised on with the Paris team
• Send out press releases across all product categories
• Manage weekly and monthly editorial reports and maintenance of editorial archives

VIP & Events

• Implement the press strategy of HC and RTW Dior shows for the UK attendees: press, celebrities and influencers in line with global focuses and targets
• Manage and strategically place the print and digital articles supporting the collections and incorporating key messaging
• Manage inviting of guests and overseeing of itineraries and travel organization
• Oversee organization of runway shows: seating, photographers and backstage confirmations for Paris and International shows
• Attend women’s shows 4x yearly in Paris to manage press as well as other international and national travel as well
• Convert dressing opportunities into editorial and content opportunities
• Align on influencer strategy with global focuses whilst proactively identifying and cultivating new and emerging talent
• Support product launches with a 360 approach collaborating cross departmentally with Marketing, Merchandise, Events and PCD
• Planning and executing PR events world-wide and locally including press days, store openings, exhibitions
• Develop and implement the PR strategy for internal UK & Ireland events, new store openings and Pop-Up locations to support the marketing & sales objectives
• Manage budgets for all PR activities
• Manage seasonal gifting process from identifying list, ordering product and distribution

Sample & Showroom Duties

• Manage collation and submission of the press sample orders
• Manage the PR + VIP Coordinators to ensure maintenance of stock and presentation of UK showroom / organization of stock cupboards
• Manage the PR Coordinator to ensure stock database and contact databases on GPS system are well maintained and kept up to date

Profile

Experience Requirements

• Extensive PR & Communications experience with a minimum of 7 years
• A minimum of 5 years experience in similar roles within the UK Press industry that included managing and building relationships with key editors, stylists and influencers
• Excellent writing, organization, management, negotiating, communication and relationship building skills as well as ability to prioritize needs are essential
• Strong knowledge of the fashion industry, trends and competitors and knowledge of the retail industry
• Team player with initiative to proactively achieve goals
• Ability to multitask and work against tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required
• Hands-on experience with PR management software and media monitoring tools is essential (Launchmetrics, Lefty, Cision)
• Writing skills and ability to articulately communicate essential
• Sound understanding of UK media and retail landscape
• Administrative and office management experience
• Attention to detail and demonstration of initiative

Additional information

• Must be available to work full-time