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. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com
For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
More about the role:
This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior industry leader and growth driver to build and lead Burson's UK Influence & Social Centre of Excellence - the central hub for our EMEA region and one of three global hubs alongside the US and Singapore. Sitting on the UK Strategic Leadership Group, you will execute our regional and global strategy to realise ambitious commercial growth over the next three years.
In this role, you will hold P&L accountability for the capability, shape our go-to-market Total Influence proposition across all practices, advise senior clients, and lead high-profile integrated pitches. Working within a multi-disciplinary ecosystem (creative, strategy, data, and intelligence), you will put in place the operating model, toolsets, and measurement frameworks that enable the UK market to deliver client work disruptively, consistently, compliantly, and at scale.
Reporting to the UK CEO with a matrix link to the EMEA Head of Influence & Social, you will partner closely with practice leaders and WPP network counterparts across three core pillars:
- Commercialise & Grow (establishing the UK Centre of Excellence, high-priority new business, thought leadership, award-winning creative output)
- Enable & Operationalise (total Influence model rollout, practice upskilling, platform partnerships, AI & tech stack integration)
- Transform & Innovate (WPP network integration, sector-tailored offers, modernised measurement, market horizon scanning)
What you'll do:
- Build and lead the UK Influence & Social Centre of Excellence - our EMEA hub - developing the operational plan, strategy, and team structure to drive 3-year growth ambitions.
- Lead high-priority new business pitches and organic growth opportunities across UK practices and EMEA markets, establishing Burson's Total Influence proposition in the market.
- Drive agency elevation and thought leadership, curating best-in-class social and influencer campaigns, marketing assets, and credentials to showcase industry-leading creative output.
- Implement the Total Influence operating model across the UK, capturing feedback, tracking adoption, and continuously refining cross-practice delivery workflows.
- Upskill practice teams on cultural trends, influencer strategies, and AI capabilities, leveraging both Burson's proprietary AI suite and WPP Open tools.
- Manage strategic relationships with key social platforms (TikTok, Meta) and core tech stack partners (CreatorIQ) to keep Burson ahead of emerging feature developments.
- Collaborate with sector leads (Healthcare, Corporate, Brand, Tech, Sports) to create tailored Total Influence offers that unlock growth across all client practices.
- Transform influencer measurement and strategy in partnership with Insights & Intelligence, leveraging WPP network opportunities and horizon scanning to capture unique whitespace.
Experience that contributes to success:
- Proven senior leadership in an influence and social role within a major agency or enterprise, with a track record of driving significant revenue growth and breakthrough creative work.
- Deep expertise in influencer marketing strategy, platform dynamics (TikTok, Meta, CreatorIQ), cultural trends, and UK regulatory compliance.
- Strong commercial mindset with a history of leading and winning high-priority new business pitches, expanding organic accounts, and articulating commercial value to clients.
- Demonstrated capability building and inspiring high-performing teams, establishing scalable operating models, clear workflows, and a culture of accountability.
- Strategic platform & tech savvy, including hands-on experience integrating AI tools, creator platforms, CRM strategies, and modernised measurement frameworks.
- Exceptional cross-practice collaboration, with experience partnering across multidisciplinary teams (creative, strategy, data) and C-suite stakeholders.
- Strong executive presence and client advisory skills, with the ability to build trusted C-suite relationships and guide clients through complex social transformation.
- Network & stakeholder management experience within large agency networks (e.g., WPP), leveraging cross-border opportunities and regional hub dynamics.
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Head of Influence & Social 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.
