About the organisation:

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Our client is well established in the financial services sector and based in London.

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The opportunity:

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This is a rare opportunity to lead media relations for a well-known UK financial services business, acting as the organisation's primary point of contact with journalists, editors and broadcasters. You’ll be working at the heart of a high-performing Corporate Affairs function and providing senior-level counsel on reputation and issues management.

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Main responsibilities:

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• Lead the organisation's media relations strategy, developing and delivering a proactive media engagement plan.

• Provide senior counsel to leadership on media issues, reputational impact and mitigations.

• Lead the day-to-day management of media interactions, with clear escalation processes for organisational issues.

• Play a central role in the organisation's crisis and issues management process, advising on media response.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, editors and broadcasters.

• Manage third-party media agency relationships to support delivery of the media plan.

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Key skills and experience required:

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• Proven experience in media relations, with established relationships across broadcast, national, regional, trade and specialist media.

• Experience planning, developing and executing media strategies, both proactively and reactively.

• Experience working in and with corporate communications, public affairs and marketing teams.

• Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

• Strong analytical and data literacy skills, able to turn information into clear, compelling media messages.

• Experience managing media during high-pressure or crisis situations.

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How to apply:

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To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.

Application deadline: Thursday 17 September 2026

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

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Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

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