Account Director

Company Description

Burson is a global leader in communications, specializing in reputation management. We help our clients create value and gain a competitive advantage through effective communication strategies. Our aim is to empower our clients to lead in their industry now and in the future.

Role Description

This is a full-time role as an Account Director within Technology Communications at Burson located in Abu Dhabi. As an Account Director, you will be responsible for managing client accounts and building strong relationships. You will oversee a team, provide leadership and guidance, and manage projects to ensure successful outcomes. This is an on-site role, requiring your presence in Abu Dhabi.

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 reputation

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

Lead and facilitate effective brainstorms internally

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

PEOPLE

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

Play a central role in recruiting new talent and retention of existing talent in the team/agency

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, MENAT 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 award submissions

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 the next level