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Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.
Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
More about the role:
Fuelled by unique insights, creativity, and deep expertise, the Burson International and Public Affairs team is the UK’s most dynamic force of bright, inquisitive, and bold communications consultants.
When the stakes are highest, we're the trusted advisers organisations turn to. We don't just handle today's complex challenges – we anticipate and shape tomorrow's conversations. From growth-stage disruptors to established giants across tech, energy, financial services and beyond, we move minds and drive change through every available channel.
Our 34 strong team unites political campaigners, journalists, agency specialists and corporate leaders – a powerful mix that generates breakthrough thinking and flawless execution. We pride ourselves on rigorous analysis, agile response and genuine partnership with clients. And we deliver serious results while having serious fun.
As WPP's flagship Public Affairs consultancy, we're redefining the field – fusing classic political engagement with AI-powered insights and creative campaign execution. At our core: razor-sharp political strategy that cuts through the noise.
What you'l bring:
We're seeking a Senior Account Director with the ambition and ability to lead flagship accounts and hunt major new opportunities. You'll drive exceptional client delivery – from granular tactics to visionary strategy.
- Devise and deliver creative and award-winning public affairs strategies for our clients, with a focus on tech, energy or financial services clients, some of these working across borders
- Lead UK stakeholder engagement programmes across national and local stakeholders (including politicians, advisers, civil servants, press, think tanks etc and potentially media and social media too)
- You may either be a generalist practitioner or specialist in a particular sector – we are open to hearing from a wide range of candidates, although tech sector expertise especially useful
- Continually bring fresh ideas to the team in terms of new business and marketing initiatives, and help support the team on our political insight notes shared with clients globally
- Engage with senior leaders both internally and in client situations
- Play a leading role in supporting on new business proposals, in some cases drafting them from scratch
- People and team management – line managing employees and leading on resourcing planning for client account
- Responsible for financial success of accounts; ensuring effective service levels and PO / contract management
Experience that contributes to success:
The following elements will support your application:
- Passionate about politics and the media
- Exceptional understanding of the integrated nature of public affairs - taking a broad interest in and understanding of the impact of media and social media in shaping political opinion
- Experience working across consultancy, government, parliament, or an in-house public affairs position.
- Journalism with a public policy angle also welcome
- Tech sector expertise welcome but not essential.
OUR LONDON OFFICE
Burson employs over 450 people in the UK, and our stunning Southwark offices run over two floors as part of the larger WPP Campus, Rose Court. We have access to a beautiful roof terrace with panoramic views across London and a bar/restaurant area, which is a great spot for client meetings and socialising with the wider agency and other WPP OpCo’s.
For more information, visit www.bursonglobal.com.
#LI-SF1
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
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