PR & Partnerships Manager

PR & Partnerships Manager

40 million people wear spectacles in the UK alone, but the optical industry hasn’t changed enough in three centuries. Products are tired, standards are mediocre, and the experience is dull. We’re going to change that, and build the world’s most customer-centric spectacles company. We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer and to be B Corp Certified.

The Role

We’re looking for a standout PR & Partnerships leader to amplify Cubitts’ presence through earned media, strategic partnerships, and culturally impactful collaborations. You’ll manage our PR agencies (UK & US) and lead on building meaningful relationships with designers, artists, institutions, and brands.

This high-impact, outward-facing role blends communications, brand storytelling, and growth. You’ll create collaborations that spark conversation and partnerships that expand our cultural and commercial reach.

If you’re a natural storyteller, cultural connector, and strategic doer, this role is your chance to take Cubitts into bold, unexpected places—and bring those stories to life.

Your key responsibilities 

Be the Voice Behind the Brand

Lead Cubitts’ earned media strategy across the UK and US, working closely with top-tier PR agencies to drive standout coverage for our launches, stories, and ideas.

• Develop and execute a proactive PR strategy to build visibility and reputation.
• Manage agency partners, align on priorities, and ensure delivery of impactful coverage.
• Drive media momentum around launches, stories, and cultural moments.
• Oversee press materials to ensure consistency with our tone and visual identity.
• Track and share insights to optimise PR performance.

Forge Iconic Partnerships & Culture-Defining Collaborations
Grow Cubitts' cultural impact and reach through long-term partnerships and creative collaborations.

Partnerships:

• Build strategic partnerships with brands, platforms, retailers, and institutions.
• Explore opportunities across distribution, retail, culture, and joint marketing.
• Manage partnerships end-to-end: pitch, negotiate, activate, report.
• Balance brand value with commercial and audience growth goals.

Collaborations:

• Lead co-branded projects with designers, artists, and cultural figures.
• Deliver culturally relevant, limited-edition products and campaigns.
• Use storytelling to reflect Cubitts' design values and elevate brand perception.
• Create collaborations that spark buzz, media attention, and community engagement.

Requirements

What we’re looking for:

• PR, brand partnerships, or cultural marketing experience, ideally in fashion, lifestyle, or design-led businesses.
• A proven knack for turning great ideas into major moments—whether that is a product drop, a museum partnership, or a magazine cover story.
• Experience leading agencies and teams, with a clear strategic vision and the energy to make things happen.
• Cultural fluency and curiosity: You know what’s happening in design, fashion, architecture, music, and art, and you know who’s shaping what comes next.
• A sharp writer, persuasive speaker, and compelling storyteller.
• A love of good design and a slight obsession with detail.

Our Values 

Pioneers 

We try to improve things, by doing things better or more simply celebrating both innovation and failure. 

• Challenges both themselves and their team to think outside the box
• Innovate, and improve
• Leads by example, using their initiative to keep things moving forward
• Courageous and supportive, urging their team members to take risks and learn from their mistakes
• An infectious, positive force, no matter what challenges they face
• Pushes themselves and their team to learn and grow both personally and professionally

Proud 

We take pride in doing things properly, even when we’re exhausted. 

• Leads by example by being deeply committed to performing to a high standard
• Encourages and supports their team to strive for consistency, quality and attention to detail
• Always goes the extra mile, both in their own work and for their team to ensure things are done properly
• Inspires and supports their team to find the best possible outcomes and to exceed expectations

For all

We treat everyone with the same warmth and respect, and without ego. 

• Humble and empathetic, fostering unity and inclusiveness amongst and across teams
• Shares challenges and encourages their team to overcome them together
• Communicates openly and honestly,listening to and respecting everyone's point of view
• Identifies, develops, and celebrates individuals and team strengths and achievements

Benefits

Some nice things you’ll get

• Complimentary spectacles, eye examinations and generous discounts
• Option to buy and sell holiday
• Paid time away for the important moments in life
• Annual season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Life assurance
• Subscription to Champion Health
• Unlimited You Can Now Business Skills Training

Contract

• Type: Permanent- 40 hours
• Salary: £42K
• Job grade: Manager Lvl 3
• Reporting to: CEO
• Location: Office based in Brewery Road, Kings Cross, London

At Cubitts we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community where employees, customers, and partners all feel respected, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms and recognise that different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our community. Inclusion is at the heart of our operations, we work actively to remove barriers, ensure equitable opportunities, and create a space where everyone belongs.