We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity. Our talented team builds brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world's leading brands and businesses.
We earn affection, attention, affinity and purchase by delivering value to people around the world, with deep specialisms across food & drink, travel & tourism, consumer tech, consumer health, automotive, sports sponsorship, entertainment & lifestyle and energy. We are known for:
Develop data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact
Creating impactful campaigns that tap into culture
Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically
Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned
What's happening?
Weber Shandwick is hiring for a talented Senior Vice President (Director equivalent) to join our Public Affairs team in London. You'll be part of a well-established team, where you'll have the opportunity to collaborate across our outstanding Corporate Enterprise team, as well as with Weber Shandwick's UK and international network; while being guided and supported by some of the PR industry's leading corporate communications professionals.
The Corporate Enterprise practice is made up of a smart, dedicated and fun team with expertise spanning B2B, Corporate, Public Affairs, Crisis/Issues, Social Impact/ESG and Technology.
The ideal candidate will be able to draw upon experiences bringing knowledge and insight into a range of sectors and industries, combined with excellent client servicing and public affairs skills.
You'll also need a strong understanding of how politics and parliament work, how digital fits into wider integrated communications programmes, as well as brilliant technical writing skills, time management and a keen eye for detail when it comes to managing project progress.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following key attributes:
CLIENT AND WORK
Own responsibilities for leadership of multiple client public affairs programmes and budgets
Serve as primary or day-to-day client contact on public affairs accounts
Serve as trusted advisor, counsellor and business partner to key client contacts across a variety of sectors including tech, insurance and retail.
Successfully grow existing client budgets and pursues opportunities to engage other offices or Geos, specialty expertise, and IPG agencies to provide fully integrated marketing programs/experience for clients
LEADERSHIP AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Effective deputy head of the public affairs team, and part of the public affairs specific and corporate enterprise senior leadership teams
Mentor and empower the public affairs team to do their best work, impress clients and grow remits
Actively seek out own learning and advances skills (leadership and professional expertise) to better develop and coach others and build own cultural competency and ability to lead diverse teams
Spearhead consultancy projects focused on team culture, staff education and skill building
Model consultancy values by actively sponsoring/mentoring emerging diverse leaders and diverse staff across all levels
Manage team/direct reports and coach diverse set of employees within and outside of team to develop and advance our next generation of leaders
Set tone for inclusive hiring on team, partnering with Talent Acquisition to establish and support inclusive hiring practices
Is responsible for billability of self and teams
GROWTH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Identify opportunities for agency growth and innovation and lead key new business pitches/proposal processes and organic client growth efforts
Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the team's pipeline
Execute at least one idea per year that is turned into an agency case study and entered in industry awards
Demonstrate understanding and competency in facilitating client needs across agency offerings (digital, strategic planning, analytics, etc.); can articulate and activate against our full toolkit of expertise
Advance industry/sector leadership and drives agency reputation through industry thought leadership and relationships
BUSINESS ACUMEN
Successfully manage capacity, utilisation, resource management data, financial planning and proactively avoid revenue deficits and or overservice, collaborating with project management and finance on scope updates, implications
Maintain proactive communication with Finance partners and provide as much notice as possible regarding changes in client budgets and/or staffing issues/changes; Enact solutions to make up any deficits in order to meet agency financial commitments
Consistently and effectively communicate and support information regarding staffing, expenses, budgets or other initiatives
Partner with Finance, HR, and office leadership to identify hiring needs/recommendations
Develop knowledge of office P&L statements
Minimum Criteria:
To be considered for this role, you must have at least six years of public affairs agency experience.
Ideal Experience Required:
Ideally you will possess many of the above skills and attributes
Experienced public affairs focused account lead at a consultancy
With a passion for politics and public policy, you know how to make a strong case that will win the argument and have a track record of developing and delivering effective campaigns
Unafraid to ask questions and to challenge clients' and colleagues' perspectives when necessary
Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
Demonstrable experience in politics and communications. Your experience combines stakeholder engagement and policy insight
An excellent political network with exceptional knowledge and understanding of how government and parliament operate.
Able to digest complex information and understand how it relates to the political agenda
A prolific consumer of political and business news. You're on top of current affairs, allowing you to help clients anticipate issues and opportunities
A proven track record in managing people and projects successfully
Fluency in digital/social media platforms, with an appetite to learn more
Join us and help make an impact.
Together, we'll set the bar, cheer each other on and multiply your potential.
Core Benefits:
Private medical insurance
Group life assurance
Group income protection
Personal pension plan
Employee Assistance Programme
Flexible Benefits:
Buy or sell holiday
Additional life assurance cover
Critical illness insurance
Personal Accident Insurance
Dental insurance
Travel insurance
Health screening
Gym discounts
Cycle to work scheme
Health cash plan
Flexible working with our 3:2 hybrid work model
Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6 month + contract to support home working setup
25 days' annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off work and discretionary festive closure
Flexible public holidays
Sweets and snacks in the office
Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
Annual eyecare voucher
Season ticket loan
Referral bonus scheme
Long service bonus
Enhanced family leave
Inclusive and invisible health policies
Note from the Talent Team:
We appreciate the time take to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and be in touch with those who have been shortlisted to the next stage. Unfortunately, due to volume we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.
At IPG DXTRA we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
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