Account Manager - Financial & Professional Services

Account Manager - Financial & Professional Services

London, England, United Kingdom

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 is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. Learn more at www.bursonglobal.com.

ABOUT BURSON
Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialised 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.

WHAT MAKES US BURSON – (info on your team)

We have an exciting opportunity for an Account Manager to join our Financial & Professional Services team in London. This dynamic and ambitious group of consultants lead our flagship accounts, working across specialist corporate communications, public affairs, consumer PR, B2B media relations, social content, and issues and crisis.

We’re proud to provide clients with deep expertise in financial and professional services, as well as experience in multi-stakeholder, multi-channel communications. Our current portfolio includes international banks, payments providers, wealth managers and a leading credit reference agency – to name a few.

We are looking for a candidate with a track record in public affairs and corporate communications campaigns, gained through experience of working with financial and professional services brands. The right candidate will be intellectually curious and excited to work in a sector that intellectually challenges and satisfies in equal measure.

• Client Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, building strong and trusted relationships. Understand clients' business objectives, challenges, and competitive landscape and proactively identify opportunities to add value and expand client engagements.
• Public Affairs: Develop and execute integrated communications and public affairs strategies aligned with client objectives. Monitor and analyse the policy landscape, identifying potential opportunities and threats for clients. Draft policy briefs, position papers, and other advocacy materials.
• Media Engagement: Manage media relations, including pitching stories, securing interviews, and building relationships with journalists. Identify and manage potential issues and crises, developing and executing effective response plans.
• Corporate Communications & Thought Leadership: Develop and execute thought leadership programs to position clients as industry experts. Identify and secure speaking opportunities for clients at industry events. Draft and place opinion editorials, articles, and blog posts in relevant publications.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentor and coach junior team members, providing guidance and support. Contribute to the development of team best practices and processes. Participate in new business development efforts, including proposal writing and presentations. Collaborate effectively with colleagues across different departments.

YOU’LL BRING ALONG WITH YOU…(this is where you add desired attributes)

• 3 years+ experience in communications, public relations, or public affairs, preferably within an agency setting.
• Experience and strong interest in the financial and professional services sectors, including asset management experience.
• Strong media relations skills and established relationships with journalists.
• Experience in public affairs and/or a demonstrated interest in the policy landscape.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

OUR LONDON OFFICE
Burson employs over 450 people in the UK, and our stunning Southwark offices run over two floors as part of the larger WPP Campus, Rose Court. We have access to a beautiful roof terrace with panoramic views across London and a bar/restaurant area, which is a great spot for client meetings and socialising with the wider agency and other WPP OpCos.

DE&I 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.