Role Overview
The Group Account Director, Automotive partners closely with the Group Practice Head, Automotive to deliver exceptional client work that consistently exceeds expectations and delivers best practice automotive PR outcomes. This is a senior leadership role within a dynamic, fast‐paced agency environment. It demands strategic thinking, outstanding written communication skills and high‐level account management expertise to lead product‐focused public relations for a prestigious automotive brand. As a trusted advisor and expert practitioner, the Group Account Director demonstrates autonomy, authoritative judgment, adaptability, and accountability. They will guide teams and clients with confidence, applying deep sector knowledge to shape impactful campaigns. The candidate should have extensive experience in public relations, agency‐side or in‐house, or a strong background in journalism. A genuine passion for the automotive industry and a thorough understanding of its nuances are essential. The role serves as a key source of counsel to senior executives within a major automotive company, their PR team, and our agency leadership.
Personal & Professional Requirements
* Extensive experience working at a senior level in a media, PR or a communications role
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Deep understanding of and passion for the automotive industry
* Strong contacts with motoring media and familiarity with general media
* Outstanding stakeholder management skills
* Have an excellent understanding of crisis communications management
* Exceptional time‐management skills
* Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently
* Demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to thrive in a fast‐paced agency
* Experience working cross‐functionally to deliver holistic communications outcomes
* Understanding and knowledge of the Australian landscape including politics, business, society, news media, influencers and social media
Skills
* Plan and write highly complex texts based on automotive expertise
* Plan and present automotive launch presentations
* Manage complex client engagement
* Lead automotive media relations activity
* Own and direct the development of complex communications plans
* Ensure best practice communications measurement and evaluation practices are applied
Areas of Responsibility
Product PR strategy development and implementation
* Partner with other members of the Havas Red team to formulate and execute relevant strategies, solutions and opportunities
* Manage the development and overall implementation of successful and progressive public relations and communications strategies for clients that meet or exceed the desired results including, but not limited to, the implementation of media relations and issues/crisis management
* Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of the local and international public relations and marketing industries and communicate this knowledge internally and with clients
* Research and identify emerging issues and challenges that are facing the client's business or products
* Favourably position the client and its products by enhancing strong and meaningful relationships with key media outlets and other stakeholders
* Exercise judgment in prioritising media opportunities
* Develop key media partnerships to support campaigns
* Plan, deliver and measure the success of PR campaigns
* Set goals for the PR division and monitor the team's performance regularly
Event management
* Closely involved in the execution of National Media vehicle launches
* Extensive writing, including proposals in the client's preferred formats, executive speeches, media releases and media‐coverage summaries
* Liaising with the agency's production team to plan and deliver photographic, video, graphic design and other services as required
* Assist with the development of budgets for events and other activities
Issues and crisis management
* Work with Group Practice Head, Automotive to respond promptly and efficiently to manage and mitigate communication crises
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Maintain open lines of communication, address concerns, and provide updates to ensure transparency and trust
* Craft clear and consistent messaging for internal and external audiences. Adapt messaging based on the situation, target audience, and channel to effectively address concerns and mitigate reputational risks
* Proactively engage with media contacts to manage media inquiries, provide accurate information
Cross‐functional leadership
* Effectively managing client relationships and projects
* Working cross‐functionally within the agency to ensure alignment with all teams
* Demonstrate and implement high performance benchmarks and a positive and proactive attitude
* Encourage a culture that values integrity, high performance, continuous improvement and a commitment to quality
* Present strong leadership qualities to all cross‐functional team members moving towards the achievement of the organisation's philosophy, mission, strategy, and its performance benchmarks and objectives
* Prepare for and participate in agency meetings including weekly team WIPs and senior management meetings
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds, identities, beliefs, age, and abilities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to apply for this or any role with us.
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