Senior Public Affairs Director, London

Hanson Search; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An award-winning global communications agency is seeking an exceptional senior leader to spearhead the growth of its public affairs offering in London. This pivotal role involves crafting strategic campaigns for high-profile clients, driving business development, and fostering team leadership. The ideal candidate will possess sharp strategic thinking and a deep understanding of stakeholder communications in today's complex political and media landscape. Join this dynamic company and play a key role in shaping its future while working with major global brands.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-level corporate communications with strong strategic capabilities.
• Proven track record of leading significant client accounts and driving profitability.

Responsibilities

• Drive the growth and vision of the public affairs offering in London.
• Lead the development of integrated, insight-driven campaigns for clients.
• Cultivate and expand client relationships while securing new business opportunities.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Commercial Acumen

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership Skills

Critical Thinking

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Job description

Senior Director/EVP

An award-winning global communications agency is seeking an exceptional senior leader to lead the growth of its public affairs offering in London. This pivotal leadership role involves developing strategic, earned-first campaigns for high-profile clients, while steering business development and team leadership. The ideal candidate will bring sharp strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of stakeholder communications in today’s complex political and media landscape.

Senior Director Key Responsibilities:

1. Drive the growth and vision of the public affairs offering within the London office.
2. Lead the development and execution of integrated, insight-driven campaigns that meet client business and communications objectives.
3. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior clients across major global brands, delivering informed counsel and bold, creative recommendations.
4. Translate client needs into actionable strategies with measurable impact, leveraging a mix of earned, paid, and owned channels.
5. Cultivate and expand client relationships, deepening existing partnerships and securing new business opportunities.
6. Promote inclusive, collaborative ways of working within the team and across the agency.
7. Inspire thought leadership internally and externally through speaking engagements, writing, and mentorship.
8. Work closely with UK leadership teams in corporate, public affairs, and social impact to align strategic goals.

Key Requirements:

1. Demonstrable experience in high-level corporate communications, with strong strategic and creative capabilities.
2. A proven track record of winning and leading significant client accounts.
3. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage cross-functional teams.
4. In-depth knowledge of stakeholder engagement, policy, media, and commercial pressures faced by modern businesses.
5. Highly developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to distil complex data into powerful strategic insights.
6. Commercially astute, with experience in driving profitability and sustainable growth at scale.
7. Excellent communication and presentation abilities, comfortable operating at C-suite level.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead the expansion of a dynamic and growing company. Apply now to be part of this exciting new chapter! Please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV via the form below. Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialize in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, and C-Suite recruitment.

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