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
Are you a communications professional who thrives in high‑pressure situations and can lead complex, high‑stakes issues and crisis responses for some of the world's most recognised brands?
At Burson, we're looking for a Senior Account Manager to join our Corporate and Public Affairs team as an Issues and Crisis specialist - someone who can move fast, stay calm and shape decisive responses in today's fast‑moving media environment.
As a Senior Account Manager, you'll be at the forefront of client relationships and managing a portfolio of high-profile accounts. Beyond traditional media, we are looking for someone who can deliver credible strategic guidance that reflects the new communications landscape.
You'll have a hands-on leadership role, guiding teams, fostering creative problem-solving, and mentoring junior colleagues as well as actively contributing to business growth.
What you'll do
Act as a senior day-to-day contact for clients, building trusted relationships through sound judgment, empathy, and clear counsel.
Lead client conversations during high-stakes situations, offering calm, strategic advice under pressure and guiding them through complex reputation challenges across markets.
Provide strategic oversight of crisis preparedness and response programmes, including scenario planning, escalation frameworks, and real-time media handling.
Lead reactive and proactive issues management across fast-moving, high-risk environments – from reputation threats and regulatory scrutiny to activist pressure or internal crises.
Support clients with media, stakeholder and employee communications during crises, maintaining trust and consistency of messaging
Oversee and guide press office teams through high-volume and sensitive media landscapes.
Shape media narratives, protect client reputations, and proactively manage journalist relationships, especially during periods of scrutiny or change.
Provide clients with a steady stream of proactive, strategic recommendations that demonstrate strong news judgment and business understanding..
Experience that contributes to success
Significant experience in crisis and corporate communications within an agency environment, ideally working with high-profile or highly regulated brands.
Proven ability to lead on sensitive, business-critical situations with clarity, confidence, and discretion.
Strong background in media relations and narrative management, particularly under intense scrutiny.
Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills – able to lead teams through challenging situations while maintaining morale and quality.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complexity into clear, actionable messaging.
Commercially minded, with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and resource planning across complex accounts.
Comfortable working with data and insights to shape strategy, measure impact, and refine recommendations.
Experience supporting new business efforts, from identifying opportunities to leading pitches and developing strategic proposals.
#LI-CY1
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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