Partner, Crisis Communications, Independent Communications Agency, Paris

Hanson Search Ltd; Paris; On-site; EUR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanson Search Ltd. is partnering with an independent communications agency to appoint a Partner to grow its crisis communications practice in Paris. The role involves advising boards through crises, building a preparedness offer, and expanding the practice internationally from a Paris base.

You will join the partner group, work with founders and leadership, and shape the firm’s strategy with direct influence on growth and client mandates.

Qualifications

• Significant crisis communications experience advising boards and executives.
• Strong network across French media, lawyers and advisers.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build and scale a practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth of the crisis communications practice in Paris.
• Define and deliver the strategy to expand the practice internationally.
• Advise CEOs, boards, general counsel and heads of communications in high-pressure situations.
• Lead crisis response on litigation, investigations, cyber incidents, social conflicts, and reputational attacks.
• Develop the preparedness offer including risk mapping, crisis manuals, simulations and media training.
• Originate and win new mandates with French and international clients.
• Build relationships with law firms, investment banks, insurers and other advisers in France and abroad.
• Develop partnerships or alliances with firms in other markets where relevant.
• Take ownership of commercial performance as the client portfolio grows.
• Recruit and develop a high-performing team as the practice grows.

Skills

Crisis communications

Business development

Leadership

French & English

Job description

Hanson Search is partnering with an independent communications agency to appoint a Partner to grow its crisis communications practice in Paris. The agency advises leading companies and institutions on their reputation and their most sensitive situations.

About the Crisis Communications Partner Role

The agency has built a strong position in France across corporate and financial communications. Crisis and issues management is now a strategic priority, with the ambition to develop the practice in Paris and extend it internationally.

As Partner, you will take ownership of this growth. You will advise boards and executive teams through crises, litigation, investigations, cyber incidents, social conflicts and reputational attacks, often under intense media and stakeholder pressure. You will also build the firm's preparedness offer, helping clients anticipate risks before they become crises.

You will join the agency's partner group and work closely with its founders and senior leadership on the direction of the business.

Why This Crisis Communications Partner Role Stands Out

This is an entrepreneurial role with the independence to build. You will have a direct say in strategy and a visible impact on the firm's growth, without the layers of a global network.

The agency offers a strong platform for crisis communications in France. The international development of the practice is yours to shape, whether through cross-border mandates or partnerships with firms in other markets, supported by new hires.

Crisis Communications Partner Responsibilities

• Lead the growth of the crisis communications practice in Paris.
• Define and deliver the strategy to expand the practice internationally.
• Act as a trusted adviser to CEOs, boards, general counsel and heads of communications in high-pressure situations.
• Lead crisis response on litigation, investigations, cyber incidents, social conflicts, activism and reputational attacks.
• Develop the preparedness offer, including risk mapping, crisis manuals, simulations and media training.
• Originate and win new mandates with French and international clients.
• Build relationships with law firms, investment banks, insurers and other advisers in France and abroad.
• Develop partnerships or alliances with firms in other markets where relevant.
• Take ownership of commercial performance, including revenue and margin as the client portfolio grows.
• Recruit and develop a high-performing team as the practice grows.

Crisis Communications Experience and Skills

• Bring significant crisis communications experience from a leading agency, an in-house role or a related advisory role.
• Show a record of advising senior leaders through high-profile crises and sensitive situations in France.
• Bring experience of cross-border crises or international mandates.
• Draw on a strong network across French media as well as among lawyers and other advisers.
• Demonstrate business development success and the ability to originate significant mandates.
• Show an entrepreneurial mindset and the drive to build a practice.
• Keep calm, sound judgement under pressure and advise confidently at board level.
• Work fluently in French and English.

What's on Offer in Paris

This is a chance to join the partner group of an independent agency and build an international crisis communications practice from a strong base in Paris. The package includes a competitive salary and a performance-related bonus, alongside benefits.