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
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More about the role:
As a Director within our Corporate, Issues & Crisis team, you will be a senior strategic advisor and team leader – protecting and enhancing the reputations of some of the world’s most significant organisations. Based in Amsterdam, you’ll lead high-stakes issues and crisis work across the Energy & Industrials, Healthcare or Technology sectors, counselling senior clients through their most sensitive moments and delivering media training that builds their confidence and capability. You’ll grow existing relationships, win new business, and help build the visibility, reputation and talent of the team in the Netherlands.
What you'll do:
- Take a leading role in developing Burson’s corporate, issues and crisis work in the Netherlands – retaining existing clients and growing new business
- Act as a trusted advisor and senior counsel to clients, adding strategic value during sensitive, high-stakes and reputational moments
- Lead issues and crisis programmes for clients across the Energy & Industrials, Healthcare or Technology sectors, anticipating risks and building proactive response plans
- Design and deliver media training and crisis simulation exercises that build client confidence and capability
- Build the visibility and reputation of the team – with a view to winning new business and attracting talent
- Manage and mentor client teams, nurturing talent and contributing to a strong, collaborative team culture across the agency
- Take responsibility for budget monitoring, revenue forecasting, resourcing and fee negotiation to ensure the correct level of profitability
- Represent Burson externally in relevant specialist forums, network groups and speaker platforms across the Dutch and EU market
Experience that contributes to success:
- Proven background leading corporate, issues and crisis management within both agency and in-house settings, with strong exposure to complex, high-stakes scenarios and strategic media relations.
- Sector expertise across either Energy & Industrials, Healthcare or Technology with a strong understanding of the issues shaping these industries
- Experienced in designing and delivering media training and crisis simulation exercises, alongside wider reputation management initiatives
- Skilled in managing communications across a broad range of stakeholders – including media, government, employees, investors and consumers – during sensitive, high-pressure moments
- Commercially driven and entrepreneurial, with a track record of independently identifying and converting new business and managing client relationships end-to-end
- Trusted advisor to senior communications leaders and C-suite executives, with excellent interpersonal skills and credibility at the highest levels
- A strong, collaborative team leader, experienced in resourcing, commercial oversight and building high-performing, resilient teams
- Full professional proficiency in Dutch and English, with the confidence to counsel clients and present in both languages
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Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
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