JOIN OUR TEAM
We deliver results. It’s what we’re trusted to do for our clients. And we are always on the lookout for people with the same mindset as ours to join our team and uphold our values of quality, commerciality, integrity and teamwork in everything they do. So, if you’re ambitious, committed and enthusiastic; embarking on your PR journey or keen to take the next step in your career; looking for an agency that dares to do things differently…
Then we’d love to hear from you.
Work with experts
Find your niche with us — whether that’s in managing clients or honing a specialist skill within our media, content, digital and creative practices. We offer a fast-paced environment with a supportive and inclusive culture and a firm focus on career progression and development. And we’re committed to individual, company and client success.
OUR VALUES
Quality
We recruit it. We consistently deliver it. We reward it. Clients receive it.
Commerciality
We prove it. We are focused on it. Everyone understands and demonstrates it.
Integrity
We’re open. We’re honest. We’re trusted consultants. We challenge. We ensure equality. It’s two-way.
Teamwork
We lead by example. We have common goals. We support one another. Everyone contributes.
Our modern office is in an easily accessible location and offers a great space for collaborative and agile working. Translation: loads of comfy places to work, brainstorm and get some quiet time.
Our kitchen is fully stocked with soft drinks and fresh fruit (and strategically hidden biscuits).
And if you need to work in more familiar surroundings, you will also have the opportunity to work from home.
BENEFITS
Company pension scheme
Excellent holiday allowance
A day off for your birthday
Flexible & remote working with early finish Fridays
Reward & recognition scheme
A range of local and national discounts
Employee assistance programme
Cycle to work & technology scheme
Opportunity to buy and sell leave
Alex E
Content Creator
Name and title
Alex Eve, Content Creator
When did you start working at Whiteoaks?
I started in October 2019
Tell us a bit more about your career progression within Whiteoaks.
I began as a Campaign Executive when I initially joined Whiteoaks, which included responsibilities such as social media monitoring and posting, campaign reporting and content proofing. After almost a year in the role, an opportunity came up to join the content team. I applied for it and was successful! Since September 2020 I’ve written content for a range of our clients across sectors such as retail, broadcast and emerging technologies as a Specialist Content Writer.
How did you get into PR?
Although my work background is primarily in marketing and project coordination after previously completing a marketing-focused business management degree, I’ve always been interested in the media and was impressed by Whiteoaks when applying to work here.
What’s been the highlight of your Whiteoaks career so far?
Probably making the successful switch to Specialist Content Writer. It was a big shift in my day-to-day responsibilities but I’m delighted that I’ve received good feedback internally and from clients on the quality of my written pieces.
What makes you smile at the end of the day?
Knowing that the words I put to paper are being published and read by professionals in a range of sectors.
When I’m not PRing I like to…
Attend football matches and concerts in pre-Covid times, but during the last year watching matches on TV and building my vinyl collection.
Back to the team
Alex S
Account Director
Name and title
Alex Sweeney, Account Director
When did you start working at Whiteoaks?
I joined Whiteoaks in June 2016
Tell us a bit more about your career progression within Whiteoaks.
Landing at a dusty office split across three floors on Farnham high-street almost five years ago turned out to be one of my better life choices. Starting as a media focused Account Executive, I quickly felt at home building up journalist relationships, developing creative media pitches to secure publication opportunities and coverage for a range of technology clients.
From there I began to work my way up the account management ladder, which while demanding was thoroughly enjoyable. My two years in account management was a crucial learning curve to finding ways to prioritise and juggle different tasks, while keeping a close eye on ensuring client campaigns remained on track, and that the team stayed motivated to make sure the magic happened. This coincided with a move to our new office – a heaven sent, new open plan space in Hook, which has been a game changer.
Fast-forward to April 2020 and I was promoted to Account Director, which has been a refreshing step change to help keep the job varied. The role combines client facing work with also the internal focus of being able to impact changes and decisions within Whiteoaks by acting as part of the business’s management team. The client aspect of the role is something I thrive on, delivering impactful and creative PR campaigns that help clients fulfil their communication and business objectives. All of which, leads to strong client relationships and working as an extension of their internal teams. I also play a key role in securing new business for the agency, both from existing clients and supporting the business development team in winning new ones typically through a pitch process.
How did you get into PR?
My lead into PR campaign came through my degree in sports journalism at Sunderland University, which included a few PR modules within it. Previous experience writing for local newspapers such as the Peterborough Telegraph, Cumbria Times & Star has been crucial to developing my skills for spotting and writing news stories, while spending two years as the Press Officer for the Newcastle Diamonds speedway club was perfect for honing my interview skills and writing to short deadlines. Riding a speedway bike was also an absolute bonus!
What’s been the highlight of your Whiteoaks career so far?
My career highlight is the long client retention rate that my team has been able to develop over the last couple of years. Despite the turbulence of 2020, we retained all our clients and have an average client relationship length of 3.5 years, which down to the endless hard work and determination of the entire team.
What makes you smile at the end of the day?
When it’s summertime and the daylight holds out just long enough to squeeze in a game of golf after I clock off. During the winter, playing 5-a-side football after work.
When I’m not PRing I like to…
Watching live sport, I will either be at the football, the races, or the cricket.
Back to the team
Amber
Account Executive
Name and title
Amber Chawner, Account Executive
When did you start working at Whiteoaks?
I started in February 2019
Tell us a bit more about your career progression within Whiteoaks.
I started here not long after I graduated university as a Junior Account Executive in 2019. After a year with the business, I started an Account Executive development plan where my focus became media relations. I then moved into the media stream, where I have continued to specialise in media, and am just over halfway through my Senior Account Executive development plan.
How did you get into PR?
I studied journalism at university and so I knew when I graduated that I wanted to work with the media. When I was researching what that path looked like, PR seemed like the perfect option for me. Working in PR has allowed me to continue building my skillset in a field where no two days are the same. I work across a diverse range of really interesting clients, from broadcast, to cyber security, and I feel like I am always learning more about the technology sector every day.
What’s been the highlight of your Whiteoaks career so far?
As a media specialist, the highlight for me was the day I secured my first national briefing that resulted in two pieces of coverage! The call was with a journalist at The Telegraph, and the client was quoted both online and in the print newspaper the next day. Seeing that was definitely a great feeling and only confirmed that I was in the right career!
What makes you smile at the end of the day?
For me, the thing that makes me smile the most at the end of the day is when I see the results coming in. It is so easy to get caught up in the challenges, that when I see a great opportunity progress, or a fab piece of coverage come in, it makes me smile to see all the hard work pay off, knowing that the client is going to be just as pleased as I am!
When I’m not PRing I like to…
When I’m not PRing, I love spending time with my friends and family. However, if I’m not out and about, you’ll likely find me either with my head down in a book or binging a new TV series!
Back to the team
Jo
Account Manager
Name and title
Jo Elliott, Account Manager
When did you start working at Whiteoaks?
I started working at Whiteoaks in August 2017
Tell us a bit more about your career progression within Whiteoaks.
I joined Whiteoaks back in 2017 as a graduate looking for my first step into the PR industry. My first role was as Junior Account Executive where I learned the ropes and got to see first hand how each of the different roles within an agency work. On my first week, I was tasked with coming up with an article idea for a client and pitching it to relevant editors. It definitely threw me in at the deep end and I loved the process and the buzz of getting an email from an editor who wanted to take the piece. I was given the opportunity to progress to Account Executive where I refined my skills in engaging with the media, and then Senior Account Executive where I led on media campaigns for numerous clients. There was a healthy competition between me and other Account Executives/Senior Account Executives within the agency but also some fantastic mentors which meant I was always driven to secure frequent national coverage and ensure I had the relevant journalist relationships to get my clients in the national, business and technology press they needed to be seen in.
After a couple of years dedicated to the media specialist roles, I was promoted to Junior Account Manager where I supported in managing a team and providing consultation to the clients within that team. This was a significant period of growth for me professionally as I began to lead on client account management and everything that comes with it. After about a year in this role, I was promoted to Account Manager which is my current role.
How did you get into PR?
At school and college, I was always strongest in creative thinking and content-based subjects, such as Philosophy, Media and English. I soon realised getting a job as a philosopher might be a little difficult so whilst I was at college I arranged some work experience with a London PR Agency, which at the time was working on a big launch with BT. Although I was mainly just supporting with admin tasks (and tea-making) it was really exciting and I decided it was a definite career opportunity for me. I studied a degree in English Language and Media at University which helped me develop some skills including writing press releases.
I wouldn’t say a degree in a relevant subject is essential to a career in PR; what is essential is a genuine interest in current affairs, a problem-solving attitude, and a drive to succeed.
What’s been the highlight of your Whiteoaks career so far?
There have been many amazing moments, many of which centre around putting in a lot of hard work and generating outstanding results for my clients. One that particularly stands out was when I was an Account Executive and was responsible for securing journalists to attend a large event my client was putting on in central London. Months of preparation went into the event and the week of the event I spent each evening in the office working hard to secure those final few attendees. It was the first event of its size I had worked on and I vividly remember nervously waiting in the lobby of the hotel where the event was taking place to greet the journalists, many of whom arrived late which made me all the more nervous.
The event was a fantastic success and we had journalists from across national, broadcast and technology press attend, including a well-known technology journalist who was recording a series for audible interviewed my client at the event.
The hard work paid off and I learnt some hugely valuable lessons in the process.
What makes you smile at the end of the day?
Recently, getting outside for a walk or a run (although running doesn’t usually make me smile until it is over!).
When I’m not PRing I like to…
Cook! I absolutely love cooking and experimenting with food. I’ve been vegan for six years and certainly had to learn how to make food taste nice when it’s absent of cheese and meat! Cooking has become my favourite way to relax and ground myself.
Back to the teamSNAPSHOT OF #WOILIFE
CURRENT VACANCIES
Senior Account Executive
You will build a strong foundation in B2B PR account management, media communication, digital, and content strategies, working alongside the AM/AD to glean an understanding about the requisite skills to be successful in PR and be a crucial member of the team, ensuring all campaigns are executed on time and on target. You will also work alongside colleagues in the content, digital and creative streams to gain understanding and knowledge of tasks relating to the streams.
Job Purpose
You will build a strong foundation in B2B PR account management, media communication, digital, and content strategies, working alongside the AM/AD to glean an understanding about the requisite skills to be successful in PR and be a crucial member of the team, ensuring all campaigns are executed on time and on target. You will also work alongside colleagues in the content, digital and creative streams to gain understanding and knowledge of tasks relating to the streams.
Key Responsibilities
– Builds, maintains and develops productive relationships with journalists, bloggers, influencers and analysts across broadcast, national, trade and vertical media channels
– Utilises networks to create and maximise client coverage
– Has full understanding of how the media works and the differences between trade, broadcast, national, international and social media.
– Is confident in making verbal approaches and pitches – as well as written/email – to journalists, freelancers, analysts and influencers of all levels
– Confidently facilitates national, broadcast and top tier vertical media telephone and in-person media interviews and briefings with all clients
– Runs forward feature programmes for all clients, identifies opportunities, liaises with client on suitable approaches and secures results
– Is proactive in all media areas for clients, constantly looking for opportunities where additional media coverage could be achieved,
– Executes a range of tactics including article placement, media briefings, round-tables, exhibition support or product demonstrations
– Devises and manages effective industry analyst campaigns
– Understands and follows the news agenda with the intention of positioning clients and their products/services within the wider news narrative
– Possesses sound understanding of current affairs relevant to the industry and the wider news agenda
– Deploys rapid response to breaking news on behalf of clients, reacting quickly to emerging stories in line with client profiles
– Generates accurate and informative top-tier media briefing documents and materials
– Acts a strong mentor and motivator to junior members within the team offering coaching, supervision and assessment alongside the account manager
– Provides thoughtful, creative and relevant media initiatives and ideas to support the Media Practice Lead
Account management
– With support of the AM/AD, lead on providing some updates and consultancy on a number of client calls and meetings
– Undertakes media and administrative desk research for current client programmes as required
– Working with the content creators to build understanding of how to give briefs in order to develop unique, accurate content, as required and takes lead, with support from AM/AD, to manage smaller projects
Content
– Able to take briefs and develop unique, accurate content, as required (for example synopses, article reworks or short press releases)
– Working with both media specialists and content creators to develop relevant and compelling synopses for own sell ins
Continuous Professional Development
– Undertakes training across all Whiteoaks specialist skillsets to ensure foundation knowledge that spawns continuous professional development to enable progression to account management or practice lead roles
Behavioural Competencies
– Values and consistently delivers a high quality and innovative service to all customers, colleagues and partners
– Commercially aware and maintains up to date knowledge of trends in the technology PR and marketing sectors, and/or areas of specialism, and adds value to the business and our clients
– Acts with integrity and demonstrates sound moral and ethical principles that align with our values
– Works as a team by encouraging cooperation, collaboration and partnerships with colleagues and clients
– Is straightforward, communicates honestly and frankly and ensures interactions with clients and colleagues is clear and consultative
– Builds trust with clients and colleagues through sound decision-making and by sharing knowledge and skills in area of expertise
– Is responsive to often multiple requests from clients and colleagues by reacting quickly and positively
– Demonstrates commitment through dedication to clients and colleagues
– Supports and positively encourages clients and colleagues to achieve individual, team and company goals
Essential functions of this job role are described above. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required by the position. The job requirements and features may be subject to change from time to time due to business demands.
- Location:
- Hook, Hampshire RG27 9XA
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Salary:
- £25,000 to £29,000 per annum
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER AND WELCOME APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS, GENDERS, ABILITIES AND ETHNICITIES. STRICTLY NO AGENCIES.
Apply nowPR Account Manager
You will take the lead in driving the success of your team’s client campaigns by excellent, regular client communication and delivery of agreed tactics across PR, digital, social, content and creative achieving the agreed, associated results. Working with the Account Director, you will clearly understand your clients’ objectives and requirements, and translate quick but creative thinking into decisive action to ensure long-term retention and growth of clients.
What we would like you to do:
– Build and maintain strong client relationships and mange all communication to ensure deadlines and service agreements are met.
– Schedule, organise and run client meetings and calls, providing consultative PR advice on tactical communications activity.
– Work with Account Director to define PR KPIs, deadlines and service agreements.
– Provide detailed PR reports on account performance with insight and analysis of activity and results.
– Ensure the on-going achievement of all deliverable client objectives.
We would like to hear from you if you have:
– PR experience in a role with account management responsibilities.
– Strong understanding of content, digital and social media services with PR.
– Ambition, and are commercially focused and looking to make a big impact in fast growing market.
– Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
– Experience of working in a fast paced, target driven environment and are results orientated.
– High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
About Whiteoaks International:
At Whiteoaks, we provide a complete range of PR, digital and content services to technology clients in the retail, fintech, enterprise IT and security industries, to name just a few. We guarantee better results from our clients’ tech PR investment.
As well as offering a competitive salary, we offer 24 days paid leave each year, with the option to buy or sell up to five days, 4% company pension contributions, flexible working, a range of salary sacrifice schemes and access to a variety of high-street discounts. When we return to the office, we will be restocking our fridge with soft drinks, refilling our coffee machine and restarting our weekly deliveries of fresh fruit and croissants!
We are currently working remotely, and we intend to remain that way until social distancing measures are withdrawn in the UK. When we return to the office, we will take the best bits of remote working but also foster face to face collaboration, with the intention that you will be in the office for a minimum of 60% of your working week.
- Location:
- Hook, Hampshire RG27 9XA
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Salary:
- £34,000 to £40,000 per annum
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER AND WELCOME APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS, GENDERS, ABILITIES AND ETHNICITIES. STRICTLY NO AGENCIES.
Apply nowSPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS
We are always keen to hear from both graduates and seasoned PR professionals who are interested in working for Whiteoaks International. Please send us your CV and we will keep your details on file with a view to making contact when a suitable position arises. You can also register for job alerts.