Description of Position

The Director of PR UK will be responsible for implementing and managing PR programs and tactics for the Samba Brands Management restaurants in the UK including SUSHISAMBA and Duck & Waffle. This will require a thorough understanding of our business and brands, our marketing and PR strategy to date, and the ability to clearly communicate, in a friendly and articulate fashion, with restaurant staff, vendors, the media and the community. Strategic vision, excellent project management skills and attention to detail are a must, and problem solving in a fast-paced environment should be second nature. The right candidate will grow with us should we open additional restaurant locations in the UK and Europe.

Why work with Samba brands?

• Recently closed on a large round of funding and on trajectory for rapid growth internationally
• Dynamic environment and frequent challenges
• Working with proven hospitality visionaries 
• Growing team including executives from worldwide leaders in different industries
• Opportunity to innovate and contribute your unique hospitality expertise
• Globally recognized brands that are expanding into new and existing markets (Europe, Middle East, US)

Reporting Structure

The Director of PR reports to The NYLA Group, in close coordination with the US-based Director of PR, property General Managers, Head Chefs, Restaurant Managers and Event Managers.

Core responsibilities

•  Create and implement PR strategies and tactics in conjunction with corporate PR and marketing
•  Update master positioning documents for SBM, Duck & Waffle and SUSHISAMBA
•  Create and update master PR plan with goals, initiatives, awards, events, byline opportunities and 
• media strategies all implemented
•  Drive and manage PR agencies representing our brands in both the food and lifestyle arenas
•  Work in tandem with marketing department on overall strategic initiatives
•  Work with internal events team on marketing and PR needs supporting specific events
•  Strategize with Chefs, mixologists and other key in-house talent on their PR initiatives and goals
• ensuring they are aligned with corporate and overall brand strategy
•  Manage relationships with key media and influencers including regular media outreach
•  Collect and analyze data to improve PR programs
•  Feed social media (corporate) with relevant material for exposure across all social platforms
•  Be the “face/voice” of the brands to both media and influencers in the UK and act as an enthusiastic 
• and knowledgeable brand ambassador at all times

specific duties

PR/Social 

• Develop and maintain a consistent voice and image across locations in all areas of PR
• Develop and maintain current PR kit and relevant PR materials
• Research restaurants, industry happenings and food trends
• Research and activate relevant content marketing opportunities (e.g. subject matter expert columns for SBM talent in high-quality blogs)
• Schedule and staff film and photo shoots
• Oversee management of PR agencies and foster active relationships
• Develop Fact Sheets, Memos and Recap Reports for all PR activities Media reservations: oversight and attendance 
• Correspond with corporate and PR agencies on behalf of team, e.g. act as liaison to busy chefs and other talent who are rarely in front of their computers
• Oversee social media in tandem with corporate and/or agency ownership, providing assets and information for all social channels
• Assist in writing/editing/boosting releases and media briefs
• Oversee charitable giving events and endeavors and leveraging PR opportunities from our participation
• Coordinate PR events at the restaurants, distribute fact sheets, communicate with influencers in the field
• Oversee and maintain UK-based PR budget

In-House Events and Special Events 

• Liaise with the events team on coordination and promotion of in-house events: theme, décor, menus, etc.
• Vet all media events and provide pro/con analysis of SBM participation for each opportunity
• Represent restaurants at media and/or high-profile influencer events with a member of the culinary/cocktail team (oversees all details including flowers, table, collateral displays and photos/graphics as indicated/approved by corporate-level/approved design)
• Create event fact sheets; work closely with store management to ensure preparedness
• Assist with establishing contracts for entertainment (Samba groups/DJs/contractors)
• Work with events team as needed
• Oversee and manage event budgets

qualifications

•  8-10 years professional experience in Public Relations preferably in hospitality, lifestyle or industries
• Excellent organization, problem solving, written and verbal communication skills
•  Strong writer/editor with keen attention to details
•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office
•  Social media lifestyle brand experience preferred
•  A passion for high-end dining preferred

Interested in learning more or know the right person? Please fill out the below information and we will get in touch within 24 hours. 

About the Company

SUSHISAMBA restaurants are operated by Samba Brands Management (SBM), which was founded by Shimon Bokovza, Matthew Johnson and Danielle Billera. In addition to the new location in London, Samba Brands Management oversees SUSHISAMBA locations across the United States, as well as SUGARCANE raw bar grill in Miami and Duck & Waffle in London’s Heron Tower. With over 13 years of experience, the company continues to expand their cutting-edge concepts. Their projects are unpredictable, their venues are impressive and their visions set trends in the industry for years. As the most sought after destinations for cuisine, culture, music and design, their restaurants have garnered great critical acclaim, attracting vivacious crowds and appealing to culinary aficionados, critics and media alike.

About the Concepts

SUSHISAMBA is a unique concept where will you find a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, music and design born of the energy and spirit of these three distinct cultures.  This tri-cultural coalition that took root in the early 20th century when thousands of Japanese emigrants traveled to South America’s fertile soil to cultivate coffee plantations and find their fortune. In bustling cities like Lima in Peru and São Paulo in Brazil, the integration of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cultures flourished. This cultural phenomenon launched a culinary coup. Hearty moquecas and colorful seviches found a place at the table along side simple miso soup and tender sashimi.

Located atop a 40-story skyscraper at 110 Bishopsgate in the city of London, Duck & Waffle made its debut in the restaurant scene in the summer of 2012. Inspired by broad European and British influences and spirit, the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere encourages a convivial experience for guests through its array of dishes designed for sampling and sharing. Duck & Waffle places emphasis on local, rustic, seasonal and sustainable British ingredients, manifested in daily inspirations created from the market’s freshest offerings. Keeping pace with a city that’s always on the move, Duck & Waffle welcomes guests 24/7, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night menus.

instant interview

If you are excited about the position and know that you are right for the role, the easiest way to get to the top of the list is to submit a video interview. By clicking on the link below, you will be taken to a series of questions that will take less than 15 minutes to complete. It is a great way to stand out beyond your resume!