Senior Director (Partner), Consumer & Lifestyle

This is a role for someone who wants to build something. You will lead client relationships, drive new business and, critically, set a creative standard that wins industry recognition and unlocks new briefs. The mission is to make FINN Partners one of the most creatively exciting consumer PR agencies in the UK.

Primary Responsibilities

• Grow the Practice
• Develop and grow senior level client relationships across lifestyle sectors
• Personally lead and drive new business activity, from prospecting and credentials through to pitch and close
• Counsel and build relationships with peers in industry and with other FP practice areas
• Maintain and grow existing client business, and manage profitability and financial aspects of accounts
• Represent FINN Partners at industry events, trade bodies and sector networks to build profile and generate leads
• Play an active role in talent identification and recruitment for the practice
• Provide creative leadership
• Lead creative concepting across the Consumer & Lifestyle practice, developing campaign ideas from a blank page
• Serve as the creative lead in new business pitches, developing and presenting original creative platforms to prospective clients at CMO and board level
• Serve as senior counsel on large, complex briefs including product launches, brand repositioning, cultural moments and always-on programmes
• Mentor and develop the creative instincts of the wider team, building a culture where original ideas are expected at every level
• Drive team development
• Lead and mentor direct reports, and provide guidance for their own management of their own direct reports
• Identify staff development needs and opportunities for team training
• Create a culture of ambition, initiative and collaboration within the Consumer & Lifestyle team
• Work in close collaboration with FINN Luxe, FINN Travel and international FINN offices – sharing resources, intelligence and opportunities across practices

Skills Required

• Demonstrated ability to network with potential clients and develop new business leads
• Ability to generate profitability, budget programmes and manage client finances
• Ability to motivate, lead and develop others
• Track record of originating campaign ideas that have been entered for, shortlisted at, or won industry creative awards – PRWeek, PRmoment, Cannes PR Lions, D&AD or equivalent
• Fluency across the creative toolkit: copywriting, art direction, experiential concepting, social-first ideas, video and content
• Understanding of what makes earned media work: news hooks, cultural moments, journalist and editor psychology; combined with the creative ambition to exploit those mechanisms at the highest level
• Experience working in or alongside advertising, integrated or creative agencies, in addition to PR
• Deep sector knowledge across at least two of: F&B, Beauty, Fashion, Retail, Sports – with existing relationships at brand and marketing director level
• Additional language skills a significant advantage given FINN's global footprint

Core Competencies

• Entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and passion
• Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness
• Strategic and creative problem solving
• Staff leadership and development
• New business development and presentation
• Cross-practice and cross-cultural collaboration

Recommended Background

• 10-12+ years of professional experience spanning both creative and communications disciplines, either through training in advertising or design, significant time inside an integrated or creative agency, or a career that has demonstrably bridged both worlds
• Comprehensive understanding of the UK consumer brands market and of public relations
• A strong creative portfolio or body of award-entered work that can be presented at interview
• Familiarity with how leading independent creative consumer PR agencies develop and sell in creative ideas, and the ambition to compete with and surpass them
• Proven track record at Account Director, Group Director or Partner level at a UK communications or creative agency
• Demonstrable new business success: personally won and converted significant briefs, not solely supported pitches
• Experience managing a team of 8 or more across multiple seniority levels
• Experience working on international or multi-market briefs; familiarity with global agency network structures a plus

Compensation & Benefits

£67,500+ commensurate with experience. FINN Partners offers a suite of employee benefits including generous time off, wellness and professional development programmes, and above-average employer pension contributions, medical & dental insurance and life assurance.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion, or belief.