Salaries and costs
For media roles across Leicester, junior content or social assistants often sit at around £22,000 to £26,000, mid-weight designers or copywriters at £30,000 to £40,000, and senior producers or comms managers at £45,000 to £60,000. Freelance day rates range from £150 to £350 for creatives and £350 to £600 for senior contractors. Temp agencies typically quote an hourly rate plus a margin, and permanent recruitment fees usually fall in the 12% to 20% band, with executive search priced higher for head-of-department briefs. Agree on the salary, pay rates, and recruitment fees upfront, and ask for clarity on agency costs before interviews begin.
Qualifications
Local employers hiring for media and comms often ask for a portfolio first, with Adobe Creative Cloud skills, video editing, or CMS knowledge noted in the brief. PR roles value strong writing, media lists, and stakeholder experience, with CIPR membership seen as a positive. Broadcast and production teams look for camera, lighting, and audio credits, while marketing and digital roles lean on Google Analytics skills and SEO fundamentals. For roles with youth or education content, an up-to-date DBS check can be required.
Regional or geographic variations
Leicester’s Cultural Quarter around the Curve Theatre and Phoenix is a steady source of creative studios and event work. The city centre houses in-house marketing and comms teams for retail, healthcare, and education. Meridian Business Park and Fosse Park link to large brands and suppliers, with comms and e-commerce content roles that benefit from easy access to the M1 at Junction 21. Strong rail links through Leicester Station support contractor commutes from Nottingham, Derby, and Loughborough.
Local hiring challenges
Media recruitment agencies in Leicester often report high demand for mid-weight creatives with motion skills, as well as brand strategists who can work across print and digital. Employers want quick starts for product launches and seasonal campaigns, yet notice periods and portfolio checks can slow things down. A tight brief, clear pay bands, and flexible interview slots help hire staff at pace, and give candidates a smoother process that improves retention.
Key sectors or employers in the region
Leicester’s media jobs sit across retail, sport, higher education, local government, and manufacturing. Retail and e-commerce need product content, photography, and paid media. Sport brings press office and match day content. Universities and colleges add internal comms and student recruitment marketing. Manufacturers and suppliers need technical writers, videographers, and brand guardians who translate complex products into clear, creative.
Common job roles agencies recruit for
Recruitment agencies place content writers, copywriters, designers, artworkers, PR officers, social media managers, PPC executives, SEO specialists, email marketers, videographers, editors, animators, producers, studio managers, and brand or comms managers. Executive search teams handle heads of marketing, creative directors, and senior communications leads. Temp agencies support event staff, studio runners, and short project spikes across campaign seasons.
Hard to fill positions
Motion designers with strong 2D and basic 3D skills are in short supply, as are videographers who can shoot, edit, and grade to a tight turnaround. PPC and paid social specialists with e-commerce experience attract multiple offers. Senior PR and public affairs roles that combine policy knowledge with crisis comms can take longer to fill. Recruitment consultants advise employers to move quickly, keep interviews lean, and make offers within agreed pay bands to avoid losing candidates.
Seasonal trends or themes
Campaign peaks track retail calendars around spring, summer, and Q4. Higher education pushes student marketing through late spring and early autumn. Event-heavy periods drive more temporary, permanent, and contract work, and many studios plan freelancer bookings three to six weeks ahead. Register with an agency early if you want smoother access to briefs.
Quick facts and frequently asked questions
What recruitment fees should I expect for a permanent media hire in Leicester?
Most agencies quote 12% to 20% of salary, with a rebate period linked to the start date and length of service.
Do agencies in Leicester handle both temporary and permanent media roles?
Yes, many cover temporary, permanent, and contract work, with different terms for each.
How fast can media recruiters fill a mid-weight creative role?
Two to four weeks is common when the brief, salary band, and interview slots are clear.
Can I register with more than one media recruitment agency in Leicester?
Yes, job seekers often register with several agencies to widen access to briefs.
What should employers include in a media job brief?
Outline outputs, tools, team structure, pay, location, hybrid policy, and portfolio requirements.
Are executive search services available for senior comms roles?
Yes, employment firms with search capability handle heads of marketing, heads of comms, and director roles.
Do agencies advise on salaries and pay rates for freelancers?
Yes, recruiters can benchmark rates, quote typical day rates, and flag overtime or usage terms.
Where are media jobs clustered in Leicester?
The Cultural Quarter, city centre offices, and business parks near the M1 see steady hiring from local employers and growing businesses.
Can agencies help first-time seekers?
Yes, recruiters guide candidates on portfolios, CVs, and entry-level pay, and can introduce internships or junior roles.
How can employers reduce agency costs without hurting the shortlist?
Share a tight brief, give quick feedback, and agree on interview windows to find employees faster and limit extra rounds.