European PR Officer

Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V. (KME) is the European head office representing Kawasaki Motors Ltd of Japan, a company which forms part of one of the most versatile and successful Japanese industrial conglomerates in the world, Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The head office of KME is located in Hoofddorp, near Amsterdam.

This is a rare chance to join one of the world's most exciting, innovative and successful motorcycle companies and truly make a difference. As a “next step” in your already established career, this is a chance for you to gain genuine corporate experience, immerse yourself in a demanding yet diverse multi-layered role and grow as a business professional. If you think this is the role that can truly fuel your potential, read on and let’s see if we can help you accelerate.

Main Purpose Of The Role:

Manage European PR operational matters.

Reporting Structure & Communication:

Reports to: European PR Manager
Internal communication: All Kawasaki Motors Europe (KME) Departments and, when required, KME management.
External communication/interaction: European Branches and affiliated Distributors’ PR Officers and Management, suppliers, KMC (Japan HQ) and AKM (Kawasaki USA).

Main Tasks:

• Support the creation and execution of the yearly PR plan in line with the company business objectives and budget.
• Manage/Distribute new product information (including guiding translations) for the KME territory.
• Present new products and projects at pan-European marketing meetings.
• Share press release creation with European PR Manager.
• Organise European Press Introduction events (new products) including briefing retained agency and subsequent project management/reporting.
• Organise pan-European PR activities to support visibility of carry-over models.
• Organise yearly Marketing/PR Meetings and events including any third-party supplier/agency involvement.
• Manage and monitor the assigned suppliers’ performance and provide input regarding supplier selection.
• Survey press, customer and market trends. Survey competitors’ PR trends and strategies.
• Issue reports regarding KME main PR events against targeted KPI’s.
• Aspire to be a point of reference within the Corporate Marketing team regarding product knowledge – Kawasaki and competitors.
• Manage the KME PR website (including back office) and contribute to KME social media activities in a timely, newsworthy and relevant manner.
• Support European PR Manager with Racing PR administration and activities.
• Support KME Marketing Communications, Retail Development and Digital teams as a product specialist.
• Maintain close communication lines with the Kawasaki PR community across Europe.

Whilst this role necessitates regular and extensive travel throughout Europe and occasionally further overseas throughout the year, the position is based at Kawasaki Motors Europe HQ in the Netherlands. However, it can also be based at any other European Kawasaki branch but there must be a regular presence at Kawasaki Motors Europe - minimum 40% which will likely necessitate relocating to the Netherlands.

Essential

• An unquenchable passion for motorcycles together with a deep interest in other Kawasaki products and services.
• Relevant PR and/or marketing experience within the motorcycle/automotive or allied industry.
• Active and enthusiastic motorcycle rider.
• A good knowledge of the motorcycle industry and market.
• Demonstrable organisational and project management skills plus a strong attention to detail.
• Sensitive to corporate organisation, culture and processes.
• Creative and resilient, strong presentation and negotiations skills, able to build trust and buy-in with multi-cultural and multi-level stakeholders.
• Pro-active and with a desire to accumulate and exploit current and acquired knowledge and skills.
• Fluent in English language, spoken and written (including copywriting).

Desirable

• Experience in dealing with different cultures is a plus.
• Command of additional European languages would be an advantage.

Benefits

A very competitive salary package will be awarded to the successful candidate which will fully reflect your qualifications, experience and the importance of this role within our organisation.
A working week of 37.5 hours from Monday - Friday. On Friday though we work 5.5 hours, so we always have a long weekend!
25 days holiday per year increasing with service.
Annual holiday allowance 8% paid in May each year.
Bonus scheme of up to one month's salary.
The office is closed between Christmas and New Year each year.
Use of motorcycle demo fleet.
Health insurance.
A commuting allowance of €0.23 per km or 100% of the cost of public transport.