SVP (Director) - Public Affairs

London, England, United Kingdom

Published

17/10/2025

Who is Weber Shandwick? 

At The Weber Shandwick Collective, you are welcomed, valued and empowered to grow and we believe that opportunity grows in a collective.

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.

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 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 is hiring for a talented Senior Vice President (Director equivalent) to join our Public Affairs team in London. You’ll be part of a well-established team, where you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate across our outstanding Corporate Enterprise team, as well as with Weber Shandwick’s UK and international network; while being guided and supported by some of the PR industry’s leading corporate communications professionals.

The Corporate Enterprise practice is made up of a smart, dedicated and fun team with expertise spanning B2B, Corporate, Public Affairs, Crisis/Issues, Social Impact/ESG and Technology.

The ideal candidate will be able to draw upon experiences bringing knowledge and insight into a range of sectors and industries, combined with excellent client servicing and public affairs skills.

You’ll also need a strong understanding of how politics and parliament work, how digital fits into wider integrated communications programmes, as well as brilliant technical writing skills, time management and a keen eye for detail when it comes to managing project progress.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following key attributes:

CLIENT AND WORK

Own responsibilities for leadership of multiple client public affairs programmes and budgets

Serve as primary or day-to-day client contact on public affairs accounts

Serve as trusted advisor, counsellor and business partner to key client contacts across a variety of sectors including tech, insurance and retail.

Successfully grow existing client budgets and pursues opportunities to engage other offices or Geos, specialty expertise, and IPG agencies to provide fully integrated marketing programs/experience for clients

LEADERSHIP AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT

Effective deputy head of the public affairs team, and part of the public affairs specific and corporate enterprise senior leadership teams

Mentor and empower the public affairs team to do their best work, impress clients and grow remits

Actively seek out own learning and advances skills (leadership and professional expertise) to better develop and coach others and build own cultural competency and ability to lead diverse teams

Spearhead consultancy projects focused on team culture, staff education and skill building

Model consultancy values by actively sponsoring/mentoring emerging diverse leaders and diverse staff across all levels

Manage team/direct reports and coach diverse set of employees within and outside of team to develop and advance our next generation of leaders

Set tone for inclusive hiring on team, partnering with Talent Acquisition to establish and support inclusive hiring practices

Is responsible for billability of self and teams

GROWTH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Identify opportunities for agency growth and innovation and lead key new business pitches/proposal processes and organic client growth efforts

Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the team’s pipeline

Execute at least one idea per year that is turned into an agency case study and entered in industry awards

Demonstrate understanding and competency in facilitating client needs across agency offerings (digital, strategic planning, analytics, etc.); can articulate and activate against our full toolkit of expertise

Advance industry/sector leadership and drives agency reputation through industry thought leadership and relationships

BUSINESS ACUMEN

Successfully manage capacity, utilisation, resource management data, financial planning and proactively avoid revenue deficits and or overservice, collaborating with project management and finance on scope updates, implications

Maintain proactive communication with Finance partners and provide as much notice as possible regarding changes in client budgets and/or staffing issues/changes; Enact solutions to make up any deficits in order to meet agency financial commitments

Consistently and effectively communicate and support information regarding staffing, expenses, budgets or other initiatives

Partner with Finance, HR, and office leadership to identify hiring needs/recommendations

Develop knowledge of office P&L statements

Minimum Criteria:

To be considered for this role, you must have at least six years of public affairs agency experience.

Ideal Experience Required:

Ideally you will possess many of the above skills and attributes

Experienced public affairs focused account lead at a consultancy

With a passion for politics and public policy, you know how to make a strong case that will win the argument and have a track record of developing and delivering effective campaigns

Unafraid to ask questions and to challenge clients’ and colleagues’ perspectives when necessary

Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail

Demonstrable experience in politics and communications. Your experience combines stakeholder engagement and policy insight

An excellent political network with exceptional knowledge and understanding of how government and parliament operate.

Able to digest complex information and understand how it relates to the political agenda

A prolific consumer of political and business news. You’re on top of current affairs, allowing you to help clients anticipate issues and opportunities

A proven track record in managing people and projects successfully

Fluency in digital/social media platforms, with an appetite to learn more

Join us and help make an impact.

Together, we’ll set the bar, cheer each other on and multiply your potential.

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
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 discretionary festive closure
Flexible public holidays
Sweets and snacks in the office
Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
Annual eyecare voucher
Season ticket loan
Referral bonus scheme
Long service bonus
Enhanced family leave
Inclusive and invisible health policies

Note from the Talent Team:

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 DXTRA 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.

#LI-JG1

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.

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Account Director - Consumer 6 month FTC

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.

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?

We are looking for a highly-experienced Account Director to join our Consumer team in London on a 6 month FTC. You’ll be collaborating with a brilliant team to oversee the running client work – both locally and globally – as well as provide counsel and strategic direction, and motivate the team to craft work that truly is their best.

What will you be doing?

Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients and improve the company’s reputation in terms of delivery and quality
Provide strategic counsel to clients where possible, being able to assess problems and define logical and effective solutions for clients
Lead the delivery of high quality earned activity, which includes development of media and channel strategies, story development and management of third parties
Brief and inform account teams. Communicate expectations/goals to team on an ongoing basis, helping to keep team motivated by communicating clear tasks and actions
Successfully manage client expectations, team resources, and deliverables around major campaigns and projects
Function across disciplines with a knowledge of social media strategies and tactics
Monitor media outlets for coverage of client and competitor news, leveraging digital and social outlets, a diverse set of influencers, etc
Understand industry issues that directly and indirectly affect the client
Compose media materials (press releases, pitch notes, client briefings, messaging documents, sample Q&A, proposals, bylined articles, supporting social content, etc.) and conducts media outreach
Develop and builds relationships with media
Brainstorm and bring to life compelling ideas for client and media
Work successfully with partner agencies as part of a client integrated agency team, both internally at WS and externally

Who are you?

A brilliant understanding of what makes an earned story – and how to make them travel across multiple channels
An excellent communicator, you’ll build connections quickly with the people around you
Strategic mindset – you will be able to anticipate potential roadblocks and keep ahead of the curve with emerging trends
Proven project management skills, leading multiple teams, as well as interagency, to deliver work that
Strong social and digital acumen – highly competent at developing and executing influencer programs, social listening and wider digital and social strategies

Core Benefits:

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

Flexible Benefits:

25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off and discretionary festive closure
Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6-month+ contracts to support home working setup
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
Flexible public holidays
Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
Annual eyecare voucher
Season ticket loan
Referral bonus scheme
Long service bonus
Enhanced family leave
Inclusive and invisible health policies

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 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 DXTRA 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.

#LI-JG1

Account Director - Consumer

Who is Weber Shandwick?

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

Developing data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact
Generating 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?

Join our dynamic team where innovation meets expertise. Weber Shandwick Scotland is looking for an experienced, ambitious and energetic Account Director to join our team and support some of our most exciting clients, both globally and locally.

You will have the unique opportunity to shape the narrative for leading companies in the consumer space. You’ll be joining a talented team that creates cultural value and helps brands navigate the ever-changing age of communications: 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.

We are proud to work with the world’s largest corporations, companies, and organisations. This role offers you the same opportunity – to work with the biggest and best clients in the world.

What will you be doing?

Build client relationships by providing counsel to multiple clients, driving execution of tactical plans to ensure high-quality deliverables.
Successfully manages client expectations, team resources, and deliverables around major campaigns and projects.
Serve as an active participant in client meetings and presentations; crafts, presents, and executes integrated communications strategies for major campaigns.
Conduct and manages the flow of research and materials development necessary to analyse client issues.
Function across disciplines with a knowledge of social media strategies and tactics.
Monitor media outlets for coverage of client and competitor news, leveraging digital and social outlets, a diverse set of influencers, etc.
Understand industry issues that directly and indirectly affect the client.
Compose media materials (press releases, pitch notes, client briefings, messaging documents, sample Q&A, proposals, bylined articles, supporting social content, etc.) and conducts media outreach.
Proof and edits client-related documents.
Develop and builds relationships with media
Brainstorm and brings to life compelling ideas for clients and media.
Lead teams to conduct pressing research on a wide range of issues, reviews and prepares executive summaries and/or analyses of information into strategic and actionable recommendations.

Who are you?

Already working as an Account Director in a PR agency
Proven experience within media relations planning for consumer clients
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Excellent project management and organisational skills
Ability to translate client needs into effective project plans
Strong collaboration skills
Strong negotiation and persuasion abilities
Ability to deliver campaigns across multiple platforms
Ability to effectively build external relationships

Core Benefits:

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

Flexible Benefits:

25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off and discretionary festive closure
Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6-month+ contracts to support home working setup
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
Flexible public holidays
Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
Annual eyecare voucher
Season ticket loan
Referral bonus scheme
Long service bonus
Enhanced family leave
Inclusive and invisible health policies

Note from the talent team:

#LI-JG1

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Senior Associate - Consumer

Who is Weber Shandwick?

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

Developing data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact
Creating impactful 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

A snapshot of the role:

Join our dynamic team where innovation meets expertise. Weber Shandwick Manchester is seeking an engaged and driven Senior Associate to join our talented consumer PR team and play a key role in delivering exceptional work for some of our most exciting clients, spanning both global and local markets.

The ideal candidate will have one to two years of experience and embody qualities that are curious, ambitious, proactive, and collaborative. This role offers the chance to work with a portfolio of diverse, renowned brands on integrated campaigns that bring together expertise in earned media, strategy, creative, analytics, and digital innovation. You’ll oversee the day-to-day management of accounts, contribute to strategic campaign and media planning, and ensure the seamless execution of activities — from content creation and media outreach to reporting and analysis.

We are proud to partner with the world’s most influential corporations, companies, and organisations. This role offers you the opportunity to do the same — working with some of the biggest and most impactful clients on a global stage.

What you’ll be doing:

Assist with the execution of media and campaigns, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to a high standard
Provide support in the day-to-day running of accounts, including preparing materials such as media lists, status updates, conducting media monitoring and compiling reports
Contribute to strong client support and engagement, helping the team deliver an exceptional client experience
Actively monitor news, trends, and influencers, and share relevant insights that align with your clients’ goals
Support the preparation of new business pitches, including conducting research and creating presentation materials

Ideal experience required:

A minimum of two years’ experience in Consumer PR or marketing
A news hound with an interest in brand and consumer communications and news
Proficiency in both media relations, pitching news stories and landing coverage
Mastery in developing media materials including press releases, key message documents, pitches, social media content, etc.
Solid presentation skills and a desire and experience being involved in new business pitching
Be an excellent communicator and possess strong writing skills, particularly the ability to digest complex information and turn it into compelling, understandable content
A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for the client, practice and team
Attentive to detail and quality
Fluency in Microsoft programs and digital/social media platforms, tools and solutions

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
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 discretionary festive closure
Flexible public holidays
Sweets and snacks in the office
Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
Annual eyecare voucher
Season ticket loan
Referral bonus scheme
Long service bonus
Enhanced family leave
Inclusive and invisible health policies
Monthly social events organised by the Manchester office’s ‘Culture Club’

The office:

We encourage employees to spend 2-3 days in the office each week, with Tuesday and Thursday as our traditional ‘anchor days’ where the majority of the team will be in. It’s a great time to join as at the end of this month, we will be moving to a brand new office space set in the heart of Spinningfields, offering the perfect place to collaborate, be creative, get your head down and spend time with your colleagues. It includes:

A beautiful residential office in a vibrant co-working space
A plethora of work spaces – from break out areas, to small meeting rooms to beautiful board rooms – and even a studio!
An on-site gym, coffee shop, an award-winning bar, bike storage, coworking community and member events
Take advantage of our fully stocked in-office drinks fridge
Plenty of great food and shopping options nearby means you are spoilt for choice!
Our UK network means there is often the chance to visit our offices in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh as/when needed

Note from the Talent Team:

We appreciate the time it takes to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and will 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 we wish you all the best in your search.

#LI-LM1