Crisis & Issues Associate Director

Burson, part of WPP, 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.

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Sat within Burson London's Corporate Affairs division, the Issues & Crisis team supports clients on a range of complex issues both in the UK and globally. Recognised as one of London's leading Crisis PR firms by Chambers, we advise leading global corporations and brands on reputational matters including geopolitics, societal issues, cyber-crime, product and safety issues and corporate governance. This role reports into the UK Head of Crisis.

What you'll do:

• Take a leading role in developing the global and UK client crisis offer
• Support existing client work and growing revenue organically
• Be a trusted advisor to clients, add value to client relationships, and provide high level strategic counsel
• Prospect for new opportunities, developing pitch responses and growing new business
• Build the visibility and reputation of the team - with a view to winning new business and attracting talent
• Act as a representative for the team in relevant specialist forums or network groups and participate where appropriate in relevant speaker platforms
• Develop crisis management protocols using the latest in thinking and innovation including, but not exclusively, AI
• Manage client teams while nurturing current talent and contributing to the creation of a strong team culture, while building relationships across the agency
• Be responsible for day to budget and forecast management to ensure correct level of profitability
• Support the development and rollout of new tools and services

Experience that contributes to success:

• Proven background in leading crisis and issues management within an agency environment with strong exposure to complex, high-stakes scenarios.
• Commercially driven and entrepreneurial, with a track record of independently identifying and converting new business opportunities, managing client relationships end-to-end.
• Skilled in managing communications across a broad range of stakeholders - including consumers, media, shareholders, suppliers, and employees- during sensitive and high-pressure moments.
• Confident contributing to crisis new business pitches and experienced in contributing crisis expertise to wider corporate or consumer communications proposals.
• Known for calm, strategic thinking under pressure - able to anticipate reputational risks, build proactive response plans, and advise on critical decision-making.
• Trusted advisor to senior communications leaders, with excellent interpersonal skills and credibility at the highest levels.
• Experienced in designing and delivering crisis simulation exercises and media training, alongside wider reputation management initiatives.
• Strong team leader with a collaborative approach to resourcing, commercial oversight, and building high-performing, resilient teams.
• Collaborative and collegiate - able to quickly build networks and relationships across a team to grow opportunities.

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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.

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