Influencer Director (6 Month FTC)

Who are we?

Weber Shandwick is an earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. Through the power of earned, we create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society.

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies.

The work we do at Weber Shandwick spans across industries and specialisms, so whatever your interests, there is something for you. Examples include brand and B2B marketing, healthcare marketing, change management, employee engagement, corporate reputation, crisis management, data and analytics, technology, public affairs, social impact, and financial communications.

 

Why start your career at Weber Shandwick Scotland?

At our offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, you can find an integrated collective of communications professionals, including strategy, digital and influencer marketing leads. We’re also home to the EMEA consumer healthcare team and multi-award winning EMEA creative design studio.

You’d be joining an ambitious and supportive team who push boundaries and create campaigns that bring positive change for our clients and wider society. This is a key reason why we win awards and why our people stay and develop their career with us, rising through the ranks to become client leaders, directors, and even managing directors.

 

What is the role?

We are looking for a Junior Strategist to join our growing Strategy team.

The Strategy team’s role in the agency is to power more creative and effective solutions to our client’s business problems. We do this through asking questions like:

Who are we speaking to? It is a Strategists job to be the voice of the consumer/ customer – whether that’s a parent buying snacks or an Innovation Director buying tech solutions. They use a range of qual and quant research methods to get to know the target, their attitudes and behaviours.

What’s the context? Strategy’s role is to understand the market, competitor and cultural trends to build a solid picture of potential barriers that could stand in the way and opportunities that could unlock success.

Why would anyone care? It might sound harsh but it’s a critical question to inform earned thinking for clients. Strategists need to understand the value and potential value that clients’ brands can bring to consumers lives, to culture and to conversations.

And when they have the answers to these questions, they distil it all down into a single minded strategy that provides direction and inspiration for colleagues to develop creative campaigns that get results for clients.

It sounds easy and when it’s done right it looks easy too, but it’s not! It takes a while to learn how to take research output from information to insights and build up an understanding of how brands work, but you will receive training and opportunities to build your skills on the job and lots of support from your team.

 

What will you be doing?

• Providing strategic insights to your assigned clients
• Supporting with pitch preparation and new business activities
• Developing a strong understanding of your client and their target audience
• Working with the strategy team to articulate findings and related insights
• Developing research plans
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative research
• Crafting insights based on research
• Attending client meetings
• Maintaining a knowledge of industry trends

 

Who are you?

• Looking for an entry-level role, or someone with less than a year in communications or marketing.
• Interested in a career within communications strategy
• Keen to learn about agency life and the full flow of work we do
• A strong communicator with a keen interest in communications
• Confident taking a proactive approach to research and providing insights
• Capable of getting to grips with complex industries
• Able to manage your time and consistently meet deadlines
• Attentive to detail and quality
• Fluent in Microsoft programs and digital/social media platforms, tools, and solutions

 

 

Anything else?

This role is hybrid with 2 days per week in our Glasgow office (though we could be flexible for on of these days to be spent in Edinburgh). We are a flexible bunch, so please do reach out if you have flexibility requirements such a part-time working and/or remote working requirements and we’ll be happy to chat!

Please note for this role we are unable to provide sponsorship.

Applications will close on Sunday 28th July.

 

Note from the talent team:

We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and aim to respond within this time. Unfortunately, down to volume, we are not able to get back to everyone personally so you may receive a template email if you are not successful and we wish you all the best in your search.

Weber Shandwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

 

#LI-BS1

 

Who is Weber Shandwick?

We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity. Our talented team builds brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses e.g. HSBC, Ikea, Unilever and eBay to name a few. 

We earn affection, attention, affinity and purchase by delivering value to people around the world, with deep specialisms across food & drink, travel & tourism, consumer tech, consumer health, automotive, sports sponsorship, entertainment & lifestyle and energy. We are known for:

• Develop data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact
• Creating impactful creative campaigns that tap into culture
• Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically
• Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned

 

What’s Happening?

Weber Shandwick’s global Social Impact team delivers innovative strategies and creative campaigns for purpose-driven brands and organisations around the world. Working with clients across non-profit and private sectors, we know what it takes to move people from awareness to action. We bring deep subject-matter expertise in issues spanning global health and development, sustainability, education and social justice.

What will you be doing?

Client

• Conducting in-depth research on social impact topics and analysing findings to draw useful insights for client deliverables and new business proposals
• Account management support, for example client status reports and media coverage reports. Working closely with all team members, particularly Managers to ensure that all of the essential account management materials (e.g. status reports, action lists, call notes, etc.) are accurate and up-to-date
• Development of written copy and media materials such as client briefings, press releases, media pitches and digital content
• Writing a range of materials, including press releases, meeting notes, research write-ups, etc.
• Liaising with suppliers (e.g. designers, printers, etc.) often under tight timelines

 

Media

• Building up a solid knowledge of clients’ relevant media targets and the type of social impact stories that are reported and why
• Providing knowledge of UK media landscape with a strong grasp of what makes a good news story
• “Selling-in” material across a broad range of media, often working to tight deadlines.
• Writing media relations materials, including email pitches, press releases, etc.
• Undertaking regular media monitoring for a range of projects

 

Internal activities/team management

• Building and maintaining relationships with people in other departments, such as design, finance, and IT and working effectively with them to ensure account teams are obtaining the information and support they need

 

Who are you?

• Previous experience in social impact, global health, international relations, development and/or aid
• Previous experience in public relations, communications or marketing
• Excellent communicator – you excel in both oral and written communications
• Proactive – you take the initiative to put yourself forward for certain tasks, provide updates to the team and offer suggestions and ideas at meetings
• Time management – you can juggle different clients and team needs at the same time, understanding what needs to be prioritised and flagging if deadlines won’t be met
• Diligent – you consistently ensure that you review your pieces of work and pay attention to detail. This should be attained even when accounts are busy.
• Passionate – you are interested in the social impact space and aware of the broader political context, demonstrating a genuine passion for social impact issues

 

Core Benefits:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Personal pension plan
• Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits:

• Buy or sell holiday
• Additional life assurance cover
• Critical illness insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Travel insurance
• Health screening
• Gym discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health cash plan
• Flexible working with our 3:2 hybrid work model
• 4pm Friday finish
• Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6 month + contract to support home working setup
• 25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off work and festive period off
• Flexible public holidays (from 2023)
• Sweets and snacks in the office
• Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
• Headspace membership
• Annual eyecare voucher
• Season ticket loan
• Referral bonus scheme
• Long service bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Inclusive and invisible health policies

We appreciate the time take to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and be in touch with those who have been shortlisted to the next stage. Unfortunately, due to volume we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.

At IPG we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

#LI-LM1

Who is Weber Shandwick?  

We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity. Our talented team builds brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses e.g. HSBC, Ikea, Unilever and eBay to name a few.   

We earn affection, attention, affinity, and purchase by delivering value to people around the works, automotive, sports sponsorship, entertainment & lifestyle, and energy. We are known for:   

• Develop data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact   
• Creating impactful creative campaigns that tap into culture   
• Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically  
• Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned

The Role

As a Project Manager of our Creative Practice you will be responsible for coordinating the right people and processes to ensure that creative briefs are delivered to a consistently excellent standard.

You will serve as the primary contact for internal team members, across varying practices. establishing the right project approaches, communication methods in order to enable flawless project execution. One of the most important aspects of being a Project Manager is the ability to be the conductor of the project, and be a proactive, solution-oriented, and a strategic motivator.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

As a Project Manager, you will be passionate and knowledgeable about everything operational, with strong experience and knowledge around delivering commercial, consumer projects.

Responsibilities

• Be the guardian of Creative Development Processes and work closely with the EVP of Creative Ops to ensure processes are being adhered to.
• Be in charge of running a diverse range of creative projects of all sizes across a range of industries (B2B, Consumer, Corporate and Health)
• Create cost estimates, project timelines and any other project administration independently and contribute to official SOW’s where necessary
• Work closely with design and production to book in creative requests
• Implement project processes appropriate for the project requirements
• Define team roles and responsibilities
• Ensure resources are allocated properly to deliver on time and on budget
• Regularly track scope, budget and timeline
• Prepare and present regular status updates of all projects for review
• Act as the primary contact for internal team members and outside vendors (as required)
• Work seamlessly with the EVP Of Creative Ops, Resource Management and production to coordinate team output

Skills

Personal

• A proactive and clear communicator
• Have excellent organisation and time management skills
• Comfortable working in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary number of teams
• Show a clear ability to work autonomously, with solid decision-making skills
• Remain organized, calm and in control under pressure
• Excellent understanding of the creative and production process, including strategy, creative development and production
• Able to motivate internal and external teams, balancing the needs of creative staff against project requirements
• Be a strong hands-on individual that can organise and operate multi-faceted projects
• Be comfortable in ensuring the right processes are followed and when to bend
• Strike the balance between creative and practical thinking
• You are a creator – who understands the work that goes into making creative solutions for business problems. You know how to make things happen

Management / leadership

• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with internal team members across multiple levels, building trust in your abilities to get the job done effectively
• Be able to navigate complexities of team members: knowing when to be strict and when to be flexible
• Exhibit strong conflict resolution skills moderating difficult discussions and resolving situations in a manner favourable to both client and internal teams
• Be a proactive, solution-oriented and strategic problem solver.

Project management

• Have a good understanding of project management methodology, technology tools and administration
• Ability to adapt project plans to accommodate unforeseen situations
• Be the arbiter of process: defines roles and responsibilities clearly, leveraging experience to ensure work meets the client, customer and brand requirements and provides input to the internal team as needed
• Deploy effective resource management in collaboration with capability leads, resource managers and agency finance (business manager)

Qualification and experience

• Experience managing complex and high-profile branding and creative projects
• Demonstrable experience within a design agency environment
• Experience managing large project budgets
• Experience with project management tools and software
• Advanced Microsoft Office suite
• Knowledge of Abobe Creative Cloud

Core Benefits:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Personal pension plan
• Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits:

• Buy or sell holiday
• Additional life assurance cover
• Critical illness insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Travel insurance
• Health screening
• Gym discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health cash plan

Soft Benefits:

• Flexible working with our 3:2 hybrid work model
• 4pm Friday finish
• Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6 month + contract to support home working setup
• 25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off work and festive period off
• Flexible public holidays (from 2023)
• Sweets and snacks in the office
• Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
• Headspace membership
• Annual eyecare voucher
• Season ticket loan
• Referral bonus scheme
• Long service bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Inclusive and invisible health policies

We  appreciate the time take to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and be in touch with those who have been shortlisted to the next stage. Unfortunately, due to volume we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.

At IPG we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.