Salaries And Costs
Typical Leeds salaries track below London, yet have moved upward with demand. Account executives sit around £22,000 to £28,000, account managers £30,000 to £40,000, senior account managers £40,000 to £50,000, and account directors £50,000 to £65,000, with head of communications roles ranging from £60,000 to £85,000 depending on size and sector. Day rates for contract work vary, with junior press office cover at £120 to £180, experienced managers at £200 to £300, and senior counsel from £250 to £400. Recruitment fees for permanent hires in Leeds often fall between 15% and 22%, with executive search for director level roles priced higher, and temp agency margins set against pay rates and holiday accrual. Agree the salary band early, confirm recruitment fees, rebate periods, and payment terms, and ask for clarity on agency costs before interviews begin.
Roles And Career Paths
Agencies and employment firms in Leeds recruit across press officers, account executives, account managers, content leads, digital PR managers, social media specialists, media analysts, public affairs officers, and communications directors. Candidates often move from agency to in house in their third or fourth year, or step up through client leadership into strategy. Strong writing, media pitching, stakeholder engagement, and measurement are core, with added demand for SEO awareness, influencer outreach, and issues planning. Recruiters who understand this mix can help jobseekers register with an agency that suits their goals, and help local employers find employees who can land coverage and protect reputation.
Qualifications And Training
Most hiring managers look for strong portfolios and sector fit, with many candidates holding degrees in communications, journalism, or English. CIPR membership is common in the city and supports ongoing learning, and newsroom experience or brand side internships strengthen early applications. For public sector posts, DBS checks may apply, and for regulated work, approvals experience and sign off knowledge matter. Good recruitment agencies will flag training gaps and suggest quick courses in metrics, spokesperson coaching, or crisis playbooks, so new starters hit the ground running.
Temporary, Permanent, And Contract Work
Leeds PR teams often need short notice cover for product launches, campaign peaks, or maternity leave. Temp agencies supply press office support or content help within days, with weekly pay and agreed day rates. Contract roles suit change programmes or fixed campaigns, with three to six month terms common. Permanent hiring remains the backbone for team growth, and executive search comes into play for heads of communications and director roles where culture fit and stakeholder reach carry extra weight.
Regional And Geographic Variations
City centre offices near Leeds Station attract candidates who use the fast commuter links, the M1 and M62 corridors bring in talent from the wider West Yorkshire area, and sites at White Rose Business Park and Thorpe Park appeal to drivers with parking. Creative clusters near Holbeck Urban Village and The Calls draw agency applicants who like studio settings, while roles in Headingley and Chapel Allerton can be popular with candidates who want shorter commutes. Recruiters who know these micro patterns can widen shortlists without losing time.
Hard To Fill Positions
Crisis communications leads, corporate affairs managers with PLC experience, and PR account directors with integrated campaign delivery remain the toughest briefs. Public affairs with regional policy knowledge can be tricky too, and technical B2B roles in healthtech or engineering need careful search. PR recruitment agencies Leeds with strong referral networks and up to date media contacts will shorten the hunt, filter for proven outcomes, and protect interview time for hiring teams.
Market And Trend Snapshots
Hybrid remains the norm, with most Leeds employers offering two or three office days. Candidates look closely at progression, training budgets, and benefits such as wellbeing support and time back after events. Measurement has sharpened, so familiarity with analytics suites and earned media benchmarks is now a regular interview topic. The labour market is steady, and retention improves when managers set clear objectives, give line support, and keep pay reviews aligned with local rates.
Quick Facts And FAQs
Do Leeds employers use recruitment agencies for PR hires?
Yes, many local employers use PR recruitment agencies to save time, compare candidates, and understand current pay rates.
Are temp options available for short campaigns?
Yes, temp agencies place press officers and content staff on day rates, with fast onboarding and weekly pay.
What do recruitment consultants need in a brief?
They need the role goals, core skills, salary or day rate, location and hybrid set up, and interview steps.
Can jobseekers register with an agency and get alerts?
Yes, candidates can register with an agency, share their CV, and get matched to temporary, permanent, or contract work.
Do executive search firms handle director posts?
Yes, executive search teams focus on communications leadership, managing longer campaigns and discreet outreach.
If you are ready to hire staff or want to map salaries and pay rates, talk to PR recruitment agencies in Leeds, and if you are a candidate, register with an agency to hear about roles first.