At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead crisis management strategies and support clients through complex issues globally.
- Company: Join Burson, a top global communications leader under WPP, known for innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising brands on critical reputational matters.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in crisis management and strong client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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. WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands.
More about the role: 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.
Crisis & Issues Associate Director - Burson in London employer: Burson
At Burson, part of WPP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning. Our collaborative environment encourages professional growth through diverse opportunities in the dynamic field of communications and media intelligence, all while being part of a global network that values creativity and strategic insight. Located in the UK, our team enjoys access to cutting-edge resources and a supportive atmosphere that empowers individuals to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Crisis & Issues Associate Director - Burson in London
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Burson. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Burson, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Burson inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Crisis & Issues Associate Director - Burson in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Burson. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Burson.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burson
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
