Press and VIP Manager, North America
Paul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies. We champion positivity, curiosity and creativity. These qualities underpin every Paul Smith design, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.
Manager of Press, VIP and Events role based in the New York Paul Smith Office. This position will be responsible for delivering the communications objectives and strategy laid out by Paul Smith HQ. The role will require creative, bold and ambitious future thinking and planning to drive innovative local fashion forward PR results to evolve and define brand awareness in the USA through communication strategies for product, collections, events, campaigns, and talent.
The Role
- Delivering on communications objectives laid out by Global HQ and developing local initiatives in line with direction given by North America strategy.
- Generate positive press and ensure that Paul Smith and key special projects are consistently represented in relevant media in North America.
- Manage Sir Paul Smith’s regional personal press and where necessary his schedule while in the market.
- Pinpoint wardrobing opportunities with talent and VIP brand ambassadors, develop relationships with talent and their representatives with a view to maximising brand awareness and positive positioning in the market.
- Nurture and develop press relations across the market, consistently communicating Paul Smith as a luxury British brand and pinpoint opportunities which will maximise this positioning.
- Organise and host press, influencer & VIP appointments in store, in the showroom and at relevant external locations.
- Be aware of business trends & strategies across the business channels and partner with the relevant teams on key initiatives.
- Launch each season’s new collection via press day presentations or equivalent reflective of global guidelines.
- Lead and oversee 2 x direct reports who will support the with day to day activities such as sample movement, editorial and clippings monitoring and reporting, database updating and other related duties. Mentorship and career development support is expected for all direct reports.
- Oversee and manage the North America Press Showroom, maintaining a high standard of presentation and organisation at all times.
- Monitor all press coverage, compile weekly and monthly press reports highlighting all editorial (including valorisation) for Global Brand and Press Office evaluation.
- Attend, organise and manage the seasonal shows and collection launches ensuring top calibre attendance and a high level organisation throughout. Liaise with the Global HQ and European Press Offices to arrange tickets for North American press to attend the Paul Smith seasonal shows.
- Manage influencer gifting program in the North America market, working alongside Global HQ to deliver seasonal content from key partnerships within set guidelines.
- Manage press samples stock, sending out and receiving samples using the Samples Scanning System.
- Any other related duties, not specified above, as outlined by your Line Manager.
Your Skills And Experience
- 5+ years of work experience
- Bachelor’s degree, preferred
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Office & Adobe Suite
- High-energy and positive self-starter
- Have a vast network of VIP talent, stylists, and top editors
- Budget management experience, required
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, creative and out of the box thinker
- Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills required
- Demonstrate ability to work in a collaborative environment
Who You Are
- High level interest in the Paul Smith brand.
- Ability to be an ambassador for Paul Smith.
- Passion for style and fashion and retail in general.
- Has ability to motivate team; self-motivated & enthusiastic.
- Able to work flexible hours to meet business demands if required.
What’s In It For You
- $110,000 - $125,000 salary
- A generous Clothing Allowance.
- Discretionary discount on Paul Smith goods.
- Basic medical and dental insurance, disability, life insurance at no cost to you.
- 401k with a 3% match.
- Vacation, sick/personal days in accordance with Company Policy.
At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognized and valued.
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
