PR Account Director New United Arab Emirates - METIA

Burson Group; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global communications agency is seeking an experienced Account Director for their Mobility & Transport practice in Abu Dhabi. The role involves leading client campaigns, developing innovative strategies, and mentoring junior team members. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in client management and storytelling, with a passion for driving results and enhancing brand reputation.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship programs

Inclusive company culture

Qualifications

• Experience leading integrated communication strategies.
• Ability to manage client relationships and deliver innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of retainer and project campaigns.
• Develop multi-channel content strategies for clients.
• Oversee budget monitoring and fee negotiations.

Skills

Leadership

Storytelling

Client Management

Job description

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 looking for an accomplished Account Director to join our fast paced Mobility & Transport practice based in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi. You'll be working on a range of clients from aviation, transportation, airports and so on

Account Directors are active leaders in their practice, team and office. You will be a role model for your team and a ‘trusted consultant’ to your clients.

At this level, you have the experience and autonomy to independently lead a portfolio of

retainer and project campaigns across practices and publishing channels (traditional and social; earned, owned, shared and paid). Your creativity has ample chance to shine as you look for opportunities to retain and grow clients, and deliver award‐winning work.

Our Account Directors are passionate and proactive about storytelling, developing knowledge, championing Burson standards and converting new business opportunities in your primary sector or service specialty area, whilst supporting the strategic business objectives of the regional leadership team.

CLIENT

• Independently counsel with confidence, maturity and professionalism on integrated

communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, digital and social media plans

and content strategies

• Understand and apply the central question model and articulate Burson’s new creative model to clients and prospects.
• Be a trusted advisor, adding value to client relationships, assisting clients in achieving

their business objectives and building incremental business

• Confidently articulate and apply the 4C approach to existing and potential clients; train teams on how to actively apply this narrative
• Be bold; pitch and deliver innovative ideas to clients and develop creative solutions

that boost their brand’s reputation

• Fluently and confidently discuss social and digital strategies with client, with an
• understanding of the role of SEO, website build, app development within an integrated marketing plans
• Demonstrate understanding of earned, owned, shared and paid channels, and

recommend approaches for each

• Deliver strategic senior counsel on content marketing, including how the content is
• Collaborate with teams where necessary to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and exceed client’s expectations in terms of results and professionalism; manage resources, review and approve client deliverables
• Be confident in managing and resolving challenges with clients around scope,

performance, results and similar issues

• Act as a leader in storytelling and propose innovative multi‐channel content strategies for clients that generate new revenue streams
• Develop and discuss an appropriate and transparent reporting, review and insight

model that will demonstrate successes and identify failings of activity with clients in a

positive and productive environment

• Lead in understanding, addressing and seeking positive resolution to client issues
• Understand the central question model and use it in practice
• Create, lead and deliver presentations with impact
• Lead and facilitate effective brainstorms internally
• Analyse an online digital and influencer audit and deliver recommendations
• Act as the brand guardian and quality control for clients
• Thought Leadership & Business Development : Establish industry thought leadership by contributing to publications, speaking engagements, and client workshops. Actively participate in business development, identifying and pursuing new opportunities.
• Draw from the Burson network and industry contacts to bring in the right internal and
• external expertise to add value

COMMERCIAL

• Identify new opportunities and play a leading role in proposal development, pitching, and conversations.
• Oversee fee recommendations, budget monitoring, job bags management, revenue forecasting. Handle fee negotiation, control over-servicing levels, staff planning, and align team hours with client revenues for profitability.
• Have a solid overview of all Burson’s offering, strategic services, META and Global network and WPP Group to be able to identify areas of partnership and growth within the existing client portfolio
• Attend new business pitches and make active contributions, understanding and articulating Burson’s new creative model.
• Develop relationships with regional professional bodies
• Ensure completion of timesheets weekly for both you and your team.

PEOPLE & BEHAVIOURS

• Consider Burson values and think about how you actively demonstrate these in your role
• Undertake line manager responsibilities, including goal setting, performance management, and career planning.
• Ensure direct reports are effectively onboarded to the agency’s creative agenda and fully understand Burson processes.
• Uphold agency vision and foster a culture of collaboration within teams.
• Inspire, motivate, and mentors junior team members to enhance their expertise.
• Support recruitment efforts and participates in Inclusive Interview training.
• Collaborate and connect with individuals across teams, sectors, practices, and specialisms.
• Manage conflicts and difficult client issues professionally and calmly.
• Deliver powerful presentations and facilitates internal idea generation sessions.
• Participate in relevant L&D opportunities, applying acquired knowledge daily and championing learning by example for junior team members.
• Stay informed on AI training; explores AI applications in their role while adhering to WPP guidelines and best practices.
• Focus on developing complementary skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence alongside AI proficiency.

LI-RS1

At Burson, diversity, equity and inclusion are not just values; they are strategic imperatives that fuel our future in an industry built on the art of understanding, connecting and developing relationships. We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue and cultivating meaningful experiences that drive innovation and creativity. It also enables our agency to thrive and deliver brilliant work.

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.

When you click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add below to Burson. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through ourRecruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read ourCalifornia Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

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When you check the box and click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add above to Burson.

We think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

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