Communications Manager

At AKQA, we believe in uniting imagination, design, craft and technology to create new forms of value. For more than three decades, we've helped brands imagine what’s next and make what matters, from pioneering digital to defining the next era of AI. Operating across 19 countries and 30 locations, we work with organisations to build intelligent systems, digital products, connected ecosystems and immersive experiences that shape culture, deepen brand relevance and unlock growth.

The Communications Manager helps build AKQA's reputation by bringing our work, ideas, people and expertise to the attention of clients, media and the wider industry.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications, the role is responsible for delivering external communications activity across markets, working closely with AKQA's leaders, studios and wider Marketing & Communications team as well as collaborating with the wider WPP Marketing & Comms teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Media relations: Build and maintain relationships with relevant media, proactively pitch stories, manage enquiries and secure coverage that strengthens AKQA's reputation.

• Story development: Identify compelling stories across AKQA's work, capabilities, people and partnerships, developing press releases, pitches, messaging and other communications materials.

• Communications planning: Support the development and delivery of communications plans aligned with AKQA's business priorities and marketing activity.

• Executive visibility: Coordinate media interviews, speaking opportunities and thought leadership activity, preparing briefing materials and supporting spokespeople.

• Reputation building: identify and support the creation and entry to relevant awards, lists and rankings (people and agency), as well as maintaining relationships with the right editorial teams as part of campaigning.

• Reputation management: Support the handling of sensitive communications and ensure external messaging is accurate, consistent and aligned with AKQA's positioning.

• Collaboration: Work with studios, client teams and Marketing & Communications colleagues to identify opportunities, gather information and coordinate communications activity.

• Measurement: Monitor media coverage and communications performance, providing regular reporting and recommendations for improvement.

What You Bring

• Experience in PR, media relations or corporate communications, ideally within the creative, marketing, design or technology industries.

• Strong media relationships and a natural instinct for a good story, knowing how to develop an angle, spot an opportunity or jump on a conversation at the right moment.

• Curiosity about emerging platforms, non-traditional channels and new ways to earn attention beyond conventional media.

• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to make complex ideas compelling and accessible.

• Experience delivering communications campaigns and supporting executive visibility.

• Good judgement, cultural awareness and a strong sense of timing, knowing when to act quickly and when to hold back.

• Energy, initiative and a proactive approach, with the confidence to bring ideas forward and make things happen

• A collaborative mindset and the ability to navigate multiple stakeholders and priorities without losing momentum.