Associate Director - Brands

Burson; Mumbai; Hybrid; INR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship programs

Job summary

Burson is seeking an Associate Director – Brands to lead client relationships within the Brands, Sports & Entertainment team in Mumbai. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in strategic media relations for consumer-lifestyle brands, alongside a postgraduate qualification in public relations or marketing communication.

This role includes managing key client accounts, developing integrated communication programs, and supporting team development in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in media relations, content management, and communications.
• Experience in consumer-lifestyle brands is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee client portfolios and ensure profitable growth.
• Provide strategic insights on media and cultural trends.
• Manage account teams to deliver high-quality service.
• Identify growth opportunities with existing clients.
• Lead talent management and development initiatives.

Skills

Client relationship management

Media relations

Strategic counsel

Leadership

Business development

Education

Postgraduate degree in public relations or marketing communication

Job description

We are seeking an Associate Director – Brands to join the Brands, Sports & Entertainment client servicing team in Mumbai. The role involves leading client relationships, developing integrated communication programs and driving business growth in the consumer‑lifestyle sector.

Responsibilities

Client Service

• Oversee a significant portfolio of clients, leading profitable growth and long‑term relationships.
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing strategic counsel and insights on media, business, political and cultural trends.
• Resolve major client concerns to achieve outstanding results with a long‑term perspective.
• Manage and motivate account teams, ensuring delivery of superior client service and innovative creative concepts.
• Own high‑level media relationships to secure strategic media outcomes.
• Source creative ideas and leverage Burson’s proprietary tools (Creative Studio, BAV, Decipher, etc.) to build brands and achieve client objectives.
• Collaborate with the digital team and network resources for an integrated digital strategy.
• Apply knowledge of generative AI tools across communications programs.

Business Development

• Identify organic growth opportunities with existing clients and monitor market changes for new business.
• Lead new‑business development process, cultivating professional contacts and exchanging ideas.
• Introduce existing clients to other Burson offices to support regional/global growth.

Talent Management

• Coach, mentor and delegate responsibilities to junior staff, supporting career development.
• Foster teamwork, morale and recognition of performance.
• Create an inclusive environment that engages all individuals without bias.
• Provide continuous constructive feedback beyond performance reviews.
• Lead learning and development programs and staff retention initiatives.

Financial Management

• Manage revenue targets and ensure accounts are profitably managed.
• Serve as conduit between finance and client servicing team for budgeting and contract management.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasts and scopes of work.
• Develop business plans to increase market share and profits.
• Execute practice plan supporting corporate strategy.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree or professional qualification in public relations or marketing communication.
• Ten or more years of professional experience in media relations, content management and communications for consumer‑lifestyle brands.

Benefits and Working Environment

• Hybrid work model – teams are in office around four days a week, with flexibility as needed.
• Professional development opportunities, mentorship programs and career growth support.
• Inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation.