Associate Director (Internal Comms) - Burson in London

Who we are: 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.

More about the role: This role sits within Burson London’s Corporate and Public Affairs division, a team of eighty plus problem solvers who partner with brands, organisations, and governments to navigate complex reputational, policy and regulatory challenges. As an Associate Director / Senior Associate Director, you will play a leading role in shaping and delivering high-impact internal communications and employee engagement programmes for global and UK clients. Operating as a trusted advisor, you will translate complex business challenges into clear, compelling strategies that drive engagement, support transformation and strengthen organisational culture, championing creativity and challenging accepted norms to reimagine how employee engagement is done.

You will lead client relationships and take ownership of key programmes, overseeing everything from strategic development through to execution and evaluation. This includes designing integrated employee engagement campaigns, advising senior stakeholders, managing content and channel strategies, and ensuring all work is delivered to the highest standard, on time and on budget. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced agency environment, juggling multiple clients and priorities while maintaining quality and attention to detail. You will also play an active role in growing the business by identifying opportunities, contributing to new business pitches and helping to expand existing client relationships.

Internally, you’ll lead and mentor teams, contribute to the development of the practice, and take a proactive role in shaping our employee engagement offer. A key part of the role is being willing and able to lead employee engagement initiatives end-to-end, bringing energy, creativity and strategic rigour to everything you do.

What you'll do:

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic counsel on internal communications and employee engagement, across both proactive programmes and transformation-led initiatives.
• Lead the design and delivery of end-to-end employee engagement programmes, owning projects from strategy through to implementation and evaluation.
• Develop clear, compelling strategic narratives and campaigns that engage employees and support organisational change.
• Manage multiple client accounts in a fast-paced agency environment, ensuring delivery is on time, on budget and to a high standard.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and driving internal communications across the Corporate & Public Affairs team.
• Play a leading role in growing existing accounts and supporting new business, including identifying opportunities and contributing to pitches.
• Contribute to building the profile, capability and offering of the internal communications and employee engagement team.
• Lead and develop junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Apply the latest thinking and innovation, including digital platforms and AI, to enhance employee communication and engagement.

Experience that contributes to success:

• Experience in an agency environment (essential), with a strong foundation in internal communications, employee engagement or change communications.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver employee engagement or internal communications programmes, ideally in complex or global organisations.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple clients and priorities with confidence.
• Strong strategic and creative thinking skills, with the ability to translate business challenges into engaging communication strategies.
• Comfortable acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, with strong influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders including HR, internal communications, digital and leadership teams.
• Demonstrable contribution to new business and organic growth, including supporting or leading pitches.
• Excellent writing, storytelling and presentation skills, with a focus on employee-centred content and experiences.
• A proactive, hands-on approach, with the confidence to take the lead on employee engagement initiatives and programmes.
• Experience managing and developing teams, alongside an understanding of commercial and operational delivery.