Burson
Associate Director (Internal Comms) - Burson
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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.
For more information, visit WPP.com and explore Burson Global at bursonglobal.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the Role
This role sits within Burson London’s Corporate and Public Affairs division, a team of eighty-plus problem solvers who partner with brands, organisations, and governments to navigate complex reputational, policy, and regulatory challenges.
As an Associate Director / Senior Associate Director, you will:
- Play a leading role in shaping and delivering high-impact internal communications and employee engagement programmes for global and UK clients.
- Act as a trusted advisor, translating complex business challenges into clear, compelling strategies that drive engagement, support transformation, and strengthen organisational culture—championing creativity and challenging norms to reimagine employee engagement.
- Lead client relationships and oversee key programmes, managing everything from strategic development to execution, evaluation, and budget adherence.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple clients while ensuring high-quality delivery and strategic execution.
- Actively contribute to business growth by identifying opportunities, supporting new business pitches, and deepening existing client relationships.
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Additionally, you will:
- Take a proactive role in developing the practice while fostering high-performing teams.
- Lead employee engagement initiatives end-to-end with energy, creativity, and rigorous strategy.
What You’ll Do
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Strategic Leadership:
- Act as a trusted advisor, providing counsel on internal communications and employee engagement, both for proactive programmes and transformation-led initiatives.
- Design and deliver end-to-end employee engagement programmes, owning projects from strategy through implementation to evaluation.
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Campaign & Strategy Development:
- Develop clear, compelling strategic narratives and campaigns that engage employees and support organisational change.
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Client & Operational Management:
- Manage multiple client accounts in a fast-paced agency environment, ensuring timely, on-budget, high-standard delivery.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and drive internal communications initiatives across the Corporate & Public Affairs team.
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Business Growth & Innovation:
- Lead new business efforts by identifying opportunities and contributing to pitches.
- Shape the team’s profile, capability, and offering in internal communications and employee engagement.
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Team Leadership & Development:
- Lead and mentor junior team members while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
- Apply the latest digital platforms and AI to elevate employee communications efforts.
Experience That Contributes to Success
The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience in:
- An agency environment, with a strong foundation in internal communications, employee engagement, or change communications.
- Leading and delivering employee engagement or internal communications programmes, preferably in complex or global organisations.
- Thriving in high-pressure environments while managing multiple clients and priorities.
- Strategic and creative thinking to translate business challenges into engaging communication strategies.
- Comfortable advising senior stakeholders with strong influencing and relationship-building skills.
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including HR, internal communications, digital, and leadership.
- Contributions to new business growth, including involvement in pitches.
- Exceptional writing, storytelling, and presentation skills focused on employee-centred content.
- A proactive, hands-on approach to leading employee engagement initiatives.
- Experience managing and developing teams alongside an understanding of commercial and operational delivery.
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You Belong at Burson
Burson’s vision is to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where colleagues can:
- Elevate their skills and expand their networks.
- Propose innovative solutions for today’s leading brands.
- Join diverse teams that prioritise collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.
Our Commitments to You:
- Professional development and mentorship from industry leaders.
- A vibrant, inclusive culture that fosters creativity.
- Comprehensive benefits packages designed to retain top talent.
We believe diversity and inclusion spark radical ideas and drive innovation. Your unique perspective valuing talent from all backgrounds is essential.
Flexible Hybrid Working: Burson operates a hybrid model, with teams in the office four days a week. Please discuss any accommodations or flexibility needs during the interview process.
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