At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-stakes corporate communications for iconic brands and manage crisis situations.
- Company: Join Burson, a global leader in communications and part of WPP.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior colleagues and contribute to business growth.
- Why this job: Shape reputations and influence key audiences while driving impactful campaigns.
- Qualifications: Experience in crisis communications and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € 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. 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.
More About the Role: Are you a communications professional with the ability to lead complex corporate communications campaigns for some of the world’s most renowned brands? At Burson, we’re looking for a Senior Account Manager to join our Corporate and Public Affairs team. This is your opportunity to work with iconic clients such as Red Sea Global and HCLTech, shaping their reputations, influencing key audiences, and leading creative campaigns that drive results.
As a Senior Account Manager you’ll be at the forefront of client relationships, managing a portfolio of high-profile accounts, delivering strategic counsel, and leading projects that impact business outcomes. With a focus on corporate affairs, you’ll drive both proactive and reactive communications strategies, ensuring clients’ voices are heard across media, industry, and stakeholder landscapes. You’ll have a hands-on leadership role, guiding teams, fostering creative problem-solving, and mentoring junior colleagues. You’ll also actively contribute to business growth, identifying new opportunities and driving integrated communication solutions for clients.
What you'll do:
- Act as a senior day-to-day contact for clients, building trusted relationships through sound judgment, empathy, and clear counsel.
- Lead client conversations during high-stakes situations, offering calm, strategic advice under pressure and guiding them through complex reputation challenges across markets.
- Provide strategic oversight of crisis preparedness and response programmes, including scenario planning, escalation frameworks, and real-time media handling.
- Lead reactive and proactive issues management across fast-moving, high-risk environments – from reputation threats and regulatory scrutiny to activist pressure or internal crises.
- Support clients with media, stakeholder and employee communications during crises, maintaining trust and consistency of messaging.
- Oversee and guide press office teams through high-volume and sensitive media landscapes.
- Shape media narratives, protect client reputations, and proactively manage journalist relationships, especially during periods of scrutiny or change.
- Provide clients with a steady stream of proactive, strategic recommendations that demonstrate strong news judgment and business understanding.
Experience that contributes to success:
- Significant experience in crisis and corporate communications within an agency environment, ideally working with high-profile or highly regulated brands.
- Proven ability to lead on sensitive, business-critical situations with clarity, confidence, and discretion.
- Strong background in media relations and narrative management, particularly under intense scrutiny.
- Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills – able to lead teams through challenging situations while maintaining morale and quality.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complexity into clear, actionable messaging.
- Commercially minded, with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and resource planning across complex accounts.
- Comfortable working with data and insights to shape strategy, measure impact, and refine recommendations.
- Experience supporting new business efforts, from identifying opportunities to leading pitches and developing strategic proposals.
Senior Account Manager - Crisis employer: Burson
At Burson, part of WPP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning. As a Senior Account Manager, you will not only lead high-profile corporate communications campaigns but also benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth and mentorship. With access to industry-leading resources and the opportunity to work with iconic brands, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment that empowers you to make a significant impact in the world of communications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Account Manager - Crisis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. We want to see you shine, so understand their values, recent projects, and how you can contribute to their mission. It’ll show you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to communicate your experience and skills clearly and confidently. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out in the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Account Manager - Crisis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in crisis and corporate communications, especially with high-profile clients. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at Burson!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about communications and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle high-stakes situations.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Account Manager, you'll be leading teams and guiding clients through complex challenges. Make sure to highlight any leadership roles you've had and how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burson
✨Know Your Clients Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Burson's client portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their key accounts like Red Sea Global and HCLTech. Understanding their reputation challenges and recent campaigns will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can add value.
✨Showcase Your Crisis Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully navigated crisis situations in the past. Highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure and provide strategic counsel. This is crucial for a Senior Account Manager role, so be ready to discuss your approach to crisis preparedness and response.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Teamwork
Burson values strong leadership and collaboration. Be prepared to share instances where you've led teams through challenging projects or mentored junior colleagues. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and how you foster a positive team environment, especially during high-stakes situations.
✨Be Data-Savvy
Since the role involves shaping strategies based on data insights, brush up on your experience with data analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your communications strategies and measure impact. This will show that you're commercially minded and can contribute to business growth.
