Public Relations Specialist

Diversity matters … 

We are building a brand that represents the people of the world. It’s what you do that counts, and we are always looking to expand perspectives and voices to shape our future.

Who we are …

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are purveyors of good, clean fun. We offer luxurious and ethical skincare, haircare, and bath products made with fresh fruits and vegetables, and the finest essential oils that are ethically and sustainably sourced. Creators of pioneering beauty products such as the fizzing bath bomb, shower jellies and solid shampoo bars, Lush has been driven by innovation and ethics since its inception 29 years ago. A beauty company with a campaigning heart, Lush’s mission is to create a product for every need and a cosmetic revolution to save the planet.  The ultimate goal is to leave the world Lusher than we found it.  Lush operates a strict policy against animal testing and can often be found supporting grassroots activist groups campaigning for social justice.  Today Lush operates in 50 countries with over 900 shops, 38 websites shipping worldwide and a global network of native apps and digital communities in over 30 languages.

The Role

It’s an exciting time for the brand, with growth and new customer acquisition being key business goals - PR has never been more important to reach new and current Lush customers, drive brand awareness and create brand affinity and loyalty.  We are driving a cosmetic revolution and creating pioneering firsts within the cosmetics industry, ranging from game-changing product inventions; opening large stand alone anchor stores and spas; developing our own ethical technology for good; and leaving the world lusher than we found it through regenerative buying practices and sourcing.  

Reporting to the Public Relations Lead, the Public Relations Specialist will be responsible for executing a strong PR strategy tailored to Canada, to help achieve business goals – building the brand reputation and generating exciting opportunities with top press outlets to drive and maintain consistent buzz and conversation around the brand. You will be responsible for ideating, crafting, and executing impactful media pitching and activations to deliver earned coverage - in top tier media outlets - across brand campaigns, product launches, corporate stories and thought leadership pieces on our business, values and ethics.  You lead with a great attitude, bring creativity and a fresh perspective to Lush with team spirit and a can-do attitude to undertake the below responsibilities.

In this role, your core RESPONSIBILITIES will include: 

• Work with the PR Lead and other US PR specialists in strategy planning and execution in generating earned media coverage across print and broadcast channels for product and campaign launches, business, values/ethics and thought leadership - with a focus on your region.
• Set clear and measurable objectives for PR initiatives and campaigns for Canada 
• Collaborate with the wider PR, Marketing and Retail teams, plan and execute regional PR activations to elevate awareness and brand love across Canada while hitting target KPIs (with a focus on the 20 top shops identified by the business).
• The Lush Spa is being rolled out across NA - one full Spa currently in Vancouver, and treatment rooms in NYC - drive awareness of how special and unique these treatments are, establish Lush’s expertise in the Spa arena and consistently book media in for appointments to establish and maintain buzz.  
• Lush’s NA manufacturing operations sit in Toronto - plan and execute a PR strategy for elevating Lush’s reputation as a manufacturer in Canada; along with planning and hosting regular media and influencer trips to the factories, to showcase the handmade element of the brand.  
• Seek creative ways to amplify and extend brand and product reach through on-trend and culturally relevant tactics and newsjacking moments
• Contribute to the department’s editorial calendar including identifying story opportunities (reactive as well as long-form) to pitch to media around products and the expertise in the business, the corporate brand, leadership, values and ethics
• Contribute to media lists and develop press releases, opinion pieces and other related materials
• Prep spokespeople for interviews such as reporter/outlet bio, anticipated questions and key messages
• Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new ones locally, regionally and nationally 
• Support, and as needed, lead the development of responsive messages that can be unpredictable around fast-moving issues with tight deadlines
• Support in crisis communications as and when needed for Canadian specific crisis situations. 
• Seek out and develop awards submission opportunities that honour Lush brand values, products, campaigns, workplace and its people
• Stay in close contact with colleagues in PR, Retail, Digital Marketing and other disciplines to uncover opportunities for external amplification
• Participate in regular updates and roundtable meetings with colleagues
• Assist in the management of assigned PR budget including monthly updates with PR Lead
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by the Head of PR and PR Lead

You bring the following QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

• 4-5 years of proven experience in Public Relations
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Advertising and/or Marketing or equivalent work experience
• Outstanding track record of cultivating successful relationships with traditional and digital media
• Proven media list development and story pitching to deliver high quality media coverage and engagement
• Successful track record of PR pitches or campaigns that embrace corporate brand messaging with demonstrated ability to align and position to reach and engage target audiences
• Creative thinker with an ability to be agile, bringing fresh ideas to the table and action timely concepts
• Natural storyteller with a genuine interest in Lush, its values and ethics and its people
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail while simultaneously managing multiple projects
• Demonstrated comfort level with public speaking and presenting
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally

Preferred:

• Agency experience is strongly preferred
• Corporate communications for a consumer product or consumer PR agency experience preferred as well as experience in the beauty industry.
• Ability to travel 
• Strong broadcast experience 

Job Type: Regular, Full Time

Job Location: Remote - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Thriving with a diverse company culture, celebrating the uniqueness of our staff and committed to inclusion. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.

We thank all interested applicants; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

We’re 10% Employee Owned - all colleagues play a role in protecting our ethics, our independence, contributing ideas for the future and share in the rewards of success when the company is doing well.

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