Director of Public Relations

ABOUT WE

WE is one of the largest communications and integrated marketing agencies in the world, with 23 offices globally and more than 1,400 employees who love bringing communications to the next level. We’re independent, we’re all about our people — both our clients and our employees — and we believe in the power of communications to move audiences to positive action.

For more than 30 years, we have been helping translate complex innovations into powerful, persuasive stories. Our sector expertise across key verticals — including technology, healthcare, consumer, and brand purpose — translates into insights and strategies that are informed, current and credible. We work with companies that are embracing the ever-evolving digital world to reinvent themselves, to deliver new value to their customers or reach them in new ways and ultimately improve people’s lives.

When you work at WE, you will find compelling work, global partnerships, worthwhile professional development, outstanding benefits and the opportunity to make a difference. We value those who share our belief in the power of change, discovery and innovation. We invest in our future by creating an open and welcoming workplace full of bright, skilled and determined people.

In London, WE is committed to a fully hybrid working model, to enable us to nurture a culture of collaboration, flexibility and inclusivity. Whether you work from our office in Southwark or from home we trust you to manage your week in the way that best suits you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are on the hunt for a Director to join our technology team on a permanent basis. A critical role in WE UK, the new hire will report directly to the MD and be charged with working closely with other senior tech leadership to build on existing client relationships and drive new business acquisitions in the market. Ideally, you will come from a Corporate/B2B Technology background.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ATTRIBUTES

Portfolio Development

• Working closely with the sector lead, builds/leads a client portfolio that delivers immediate- term revenue and long-term local and regional portfolio strength in line with our brand

• Identifies, cultivates, and secures relevant new business opportunities in terms of the brands we work with and the services we offer

• Provides senior counsel to C-Suite client stakeholders around strategy and issues/crisis management

• Generates and develops organic growth and diversification opportunities with existing clients by bringing in relevant specialist capabilities and new services

• Identifies opportunities to connect our work for clients across multiple markets in APAC, EMEA and North America

• Has responsibility for ensuring client satisfaction on the businesses within their portfolio – making sure high quality work is delivered and collaborating with relevant account managers/leads to constantly optimize performance

• Delivers great work for clients that exceeds expectations, is creative and makes positive business impact for clients and the agency

Agency & Team Leadership

• Experience managing teams, with a passion for developing talent and building career paths

• Thinks about the right team capabilities for the future to cultivate new and organic growth

• Creates a sense of community in the team to foster knowledge development and sharing.

• Conducts effective line management of senior team members

• Works with the broader leadership team to support the effective running of the agency – managing a number of cross-agency initiatives and contributing to ongoing business planning/discussion

• Contributes to P&L, forecasting and divisional budgeting

• Demonstrates global leadership perspective and builds productive relationships with peers, clients and partners across regions

Thought Leadership in Service Offer Development

• Work to promote WE’s external reputation through involvement in agency marketing initiatives and within own network

• Advocates for agency IP and helps teams use ‘Brands in Motion’ (BIM) to deliver greater client insight and unlock new opportunities

• Is able to articulate key trends at global, regional and local market levels; able to identify future needs of the sector as well as the short- and long-term requirements for brands

PREVIOUS PROVEN EXPERIENCE

• Experience in C-level communications – CEO transitions, M&A, crisis/ issues management

• Comfortable discussing corporate strategy as well as implementing campaigns, evidencing delivery of innovative, integrated and sustained campaigns

• Highly networked and respected within the communications industry in the UK and proven track record of signing new clients and cultivating relationships in the right circles

• Able to drive revenue growth and deliver profitability across their client portfolio

• Strong understanding of the future of integrated communications and how agency IP can present a roadmap for the future

• Experience working across multiple markets, heading up client accounts with revenue of £1m plus

• An impactful communication style that motivates others

• Diplomatic, high influencing capability and persuasive approach to change

CULTURE

• Fast paced (frequent tight deadlines, multitasking, etc.)

• Strong customer service orientation

• Spirited (look for inquisitive employees who will ask questions, challenge and get stuck in)

• Non-hierarchical, open working environment (ability to work in a team, contribute to meetings)

• Social (willing to get involved in agency life and with your peer group)

Equal Opportunity: WE provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant because of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or other legally protected class status.

Diversity and Inclusion: WE values a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone thrives. We promote an atmosphere in which diversity of people and ideas are welcomed and valued. Diversity includes differences in race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, lifestyle, ethnic background and sexual orientation as well as differences in experiences and ideas.

WE Communications