Senior Account Director in Langley

We are seeking an experienced Senior Account Director with a corporate background and specialism in issues and crisis communications. The person will be directly handling high level issues and crises across our broad range of clients and sectors, in addition to wider corporate reputation management work. The role involves working with companies and individuals on communications positioning and framing corporate narratives, defining issues management strategies and leading on media relations. Reporting into the Business Partner you will use a combination of traditional, technology & data and investigative driven techniques to help lead our day-to-day crisis activity with global businesses, business leaders, FMCG brands and individuals on crisis and issues preparation, media management, and providing overarching senior counsel on a 24/7 basis. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in leveraging technology for real-time communication, data analysis, and strategic messaging in highly sensitive and pressured scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Help cover a 24/7 crisis offering, working into the Business Partner / lead
• Provide immediate communications support for senior clients on developing reputational issues, including out-of-hours assistance as primary client contact
• Secure the confidence of colleagues as a senior communications advisor on a wide range of corporate communications issues and disciplines
• Develop use of technology platforms to horizon scan, understand temperament and support decision making
• Stress test client crisis strategies through issues workshops and crisis simulations
• Develop corporate positioning, messaging and narrative frameworks to address crisis situations
• Drive corporate reputation strategies to help global businesses and challenger brands tell their stories effectively
• Develop creative corporate communications strategies and campaigns for diverse clients and issues and ensure successful delivery
• Participate in and lead new business development, including originating leads and managing pitch meetings, presentations and proposals
• Contribute strategy and solutions to new business efforts and proactively introduce ideas to improve offering
• Proactively build internal and external networks with colleagues, opinion leaders, journalists, professional associations, online influencers and other third parties
• Line manage and mentor junior team members, including responsibility for their evaluation and professional development
• Embrace our cornerstones of Love & Work and belong to our values by collaborating, connecting, sharing perspectives and supporting each other

Qualifications

• Substantial agency experience or leading a busy in-house team at the sharp end of issues management
• Experience with AI, social media monitoring, and crisis communication platforms
• Direct and demonstrable experience dealing with high-profile issues and crises for global corporate clients or business leaders
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Demonstrable connections across traditional and online media
• Experience in a senior management role leading people and teams with a track record in corporate campaigns
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence clients and colleagues
• Enthusiasm, a proactive attitude and the ability to interact with and gain the trust of senior clients and colleagues

About Freuds

We build teams that are passionate about working on initiatives they truly believe in. Our employees are given the opportunity to develop industry firsts whether that be in the form of a documentary, an activation or the launch of a new concept or partnership. Our alumni have gone on to run their own top 150 agencies and to lead the communications and marketing for well-known global brands. Securing a role with us is a smart and strategic career move. We look for problem solvers, creative minds and individuals who want to change society, influence culture, challenge conformity and push boundaries. We know that without our employees, we wouldn't be able to achieve what we do. As our many awards and certifications confirm, we are committed to offering an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds are rewarded on merit, have the opportunity to experience integrated communications in its truest form and work on opportunities that due to our connectivity are unique to Freuds. Our culture ensures a sense of belonging for all and we thrive on our ability to support and utilise a diverse range of thoughts and perspectives. Freuds Group is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse and representative team. Whatever your race, religion, origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability – we want to hear from you.