Burson 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. Burson operates under WPP (NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. Learn more at www.bursonglobal.com.  

As a Senior Communications Director, your primary focus will be providing expert counsel to clients, leading and inspiring teams, and ensuring the delivery of innovative and impactful communications solutions in KSA. You will play a critical role in shaping the agency's and client's growth strategy and maintaining our position as a market leader in the communications industry

At this level, you will advise clients to the highest levels of global communications excellence, able to train senior leaders in C’suite and Ministerial level, and independently develop innovative strategies to support client business objectives. You will be able to confidently lead crisis communications assignments, locally, regionally and where required globally, and contribute to the growth of the Crisis and Issues specialism.

You will have in-depth understanding of global best in class communications across publishing channels (traditional and social; earned, owned, shared and paid), with an always-learning approach to new skills and technology.

Within the Saudi office, you will work in collaboration with the MD, Strategy Director, Regional Leadership team to grow the business, develop critical Strategic Communication plans and provide C-Suite consultation to our key clients.

Our senior leaders are passionate and proactive about storytelling, developing knowledge, championing Burson standards and converting new business opportunities in your primary sector or service specialty area, whilst supporting the strategic business objectives of the regional leadership team. Your creativity has ample chance to shine as you look for opportunities to retain and grow clients, and deliver award‐winning work.

SKILLS + COMPETENCIES

At this level, you will be able to:

Consulting

• Independently counsel with confidence, maturity and professionalism on integrated communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, digital and social media plans and content strategies
• Be a trusted advisor, adding value to client relationships, assisting clients in achieving their business objectives and building incremental business
• Confidently articulate and apply the 3P approach to existing and potential clients; train teams on how to actively apply this narrative
• Be bold; pitch and deliver innovative ideas to clients and develop creative solutions that boost their brand’s reputationDemonstrate understanding of earned, owned, shared and paid channels, and recommend approaches for each
• Deliver strategic senior counsel on content marketing, including how the content is published (channel, timing, optimization, influencer engagement)
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and exceed client’s expectations in terms of results and professionalism; manage resources, review and approve client deliverables
• Be confident in managing and resolving challenges with clients around scope, performance, results and similar issues
• Act as a leader in storytelling and propose innovative multi‐channel content strategies for clients that generate new revenue streams
• Develop and discuss an appropriate and transparent reporting, review and insight model that will demonstrate successes and identify failings of activity with clients in a positive and productive environment
• Lead in understanding, addressing and seeking positive resolution to client issues
• Create, lead and deliver presentations with impact
• Act as the brand guardian and quality control for clients
• Draw from the Burson network and industry contacts to bring in the right internal and external expertise to add value
• Expert message development and editorial skills

People

• Play a central role in identifying and recruiting new talent and retention of existing talent in the team/agency
• Lead training in key areas of expertise
• Demonstrate a clear ability to lead teams to successful revenue growth; including staff allocation, motivation, structure, resourcing and coaching
• Support the practice lead and regional management team in terms of agency/sector vision and model the desired behaviour
• Embody the agency vision and culture of collaboration with your teams and lead by example
• Act as a rigorous Line Manager; develop SMART career plans for direct report/s, be diligent in performance management in line with global structure, and mentor/coach team members to develop their potential
• Actively encourage and support your direct reports in attending training as well as other relevant training events within or outside the agency

Business Acumen

• Identify new opportunities and play a proactive role in terms of proposal development, pitching and conversion using the full Creative Process and other structures for new business developments.
• Lead new business pitches and make an active contribution
• Assume responsibility for budget monitoring, revenue forecasting, fee negotiation, staff planning and managing over‐servicing levels for profitability
• Demonstrate a solid overview of all Burson's offering, strategic services, META and Global network, and WPP Group and be able to identify areas of partnership and growth within the existing client portfolio
• Drive impactful internal and external marketing activity for Burson
• Develop relationships with regional professional bodies
• Complete timesheets at the end of each week, monitor completion by all direct report/s
• Develop and draft high standard industry award submissions
• Be familiar with Burson's social media policy and professional practices

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Exemplify the company’s ethics, vision and values in daily work
• Build on your emotional intelligence and self‐awareness
• Independently, assume a greater level of responsibility and accountability for client relationships, driving your practice area with revenue targets
• Create and drive initiatives to strengthen skills and culture of practice area/office through training and/or office responsibilities
• Take a lead role on strategic consultancy services such as media training, messaging, strategy development, flight school and crisis preparation/handling
• Be seen as a leader within your office; display gravitas; manage difficult client relationships
• Successfully manage employee issues and difficult employee communications to a productive outcome
• Build a presence in the industry and develop a network of contacts to deliver new business leads and insights
• Complete mandatory training courses for progression to next level
• Proven presentation and planning capabilities
• Ability to multi‐task and work in a team environment

#LI-RS1

At Burson, diversity, equity and inclusion are not just values; they are strategic imperatives that fuel our future in an industry built on the art of understanding, connecting and developing relationships. We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue and cultivating meaningful experiences that drive innovation and creativity. It also enables our agency to thrive and deliver brilliant work.  

For more information, visit www.bursonglobal.com.  

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