Senior Associate Director - Financial & Professional Services London, England, United Kingdom

Burson Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global communications firm in London seeks a Senior Associate Director to join their Corporate Sectors team. This role involves developing thought leadership programmes, managing client relationships, and leading a team to deliver innovative communication strategies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in corporate communications, particularly in complex sectors, and a proven ability to create impactful content. Join a dynamic team dedicated to driving reputation as a competitive advantage.

Benefits

25 days holiday per year

Flexible public holidays

Group life assurance (4x salary)

Discounted dental and travel insurance

Full access to Headspace app

Matched pension contributions

Comprehensive private medical care

Enhanced maternity & paternity schemes

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in corporate communications with expertise in thought leadership.
• Strong track record in creating and leading multi-channel corporate campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of integrated thought leadership programmes.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior clients, building strong relationships.
• Create compelling narratives and content strategies showcasing clients' expertise.

Skills

Client Management

Content Development

Thought Leadership

Team Leadership

Presentation Skills

Job description

London, England, United Kingdom

Who we are:

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.

What you'll do:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Associate Director to join our Corporate Sectors team in London. Our team combines deep sector knowledge with integrated communications capabilities to deliver outstanding results for clients across energy & industrials, financial & professional services, and mobility & transport sectors.

We're proud to provide clients with specialist expertise across corporate communications, public affairs, and thought leadership, working with some of the world's most recognisable brands to navigate complex challenges and opportunities. This role will focus on our client portfolio that has delivered award-winning campaigns for leadership advisory firms, innovation consultancy businesses, and alternative investment firms.

We are looking for a candidate with proven experience in developing and executing corporate thought leadership programmes, with a particular focus on complex sectors and emerging themes such as sustainability, the future of work, technology transformation, and stakeholder capitalism.

Responsibilities:

1. Thought Leadership & Corporate Communications: Lead the development and execution of integrated thought leadership programmes that position clients as industry experts and opinion leaders. Drive innovation in content creation and campaign delivery across multiple channels.
2. Client Leadership: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior clients, building strong relationships and providing strategic counsel on reputation management and thought leadership opportunities.
3. Content Development: Create compelling narratives and content strategies that showcase clients' expertise and perspectives on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.
4. Team Leadership: Serve as a role model and manager to others within a strong, close-knit team of 30+ professionals at all stages of their careers and lead account teams to exemplary delivery for the clients you work with.

Experience that will ensure success:

• 8+ years' experience in corporate communications, with demonstrable expertise in thought leadership
• Strong client management and relationship building skills and experience, ideally from an agency environment
• Strong track record in creating and leading multi-channel corporate campaigns
• Experience working with complex sector clients, particularly in industrial, financial, or professional services sectors
• Excellent writing and editorial skills with ability to translate complex topics into compelling content
• Strong presentation and client counsel capabilities
• Experience in managing and developing teams
• Experience of managing and coordinating across markets
• Understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on corporate communications
• Proven ability to win and grow client relationships

Our London Office

Burson employs over 450 people in the UK, with our stunning Southwark offices located 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, ideal for client meetings and socialising with the wider agency and other WPPOpCos.

DE&I

At Burson, diversity, equity, and inclusion are strategic imperatives that fuel our future. We believe a diverse workforce is essential for inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, and cultivating meaningful experiences that drive innovation and creativity. For more information, visit www.bursonglobal.com.

Application Process

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• 25 days holiday per year, increasing after 3 years of service up to 30 days.
• Flexible public holidays.
• Group life assurance (4x salary).
• Discounted dental and travel insurance.
• Full access to Headspace app.
• Westfield Health Cash Plan.
• Matched pension contributions.
• Comprehensive private medical care.
• Enhanced maternity & paternity schemes after one year of service.

We are committed to an inclusive environment and encourage applications from all backgrounds. We also provide reasonable accommodations during the application process.

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We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are happy to provide accommodations during the application and interview process.