Burson 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.
Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
More about the role
Ready to lead big, bold work with global impact?
Burson is on the hunt for a Consumer focussed Associate Director to join our team and take the lead on some of exciting global clients.
This is a standout opportunity for an experienced Associate Director. You’ll be in a senior leadership role where your strategic thinking, creativity, and drive will shape campaigns that truly stand out. From earned media to influencer strategy, digital integration to data driven storytelling, you’ll be working at the cutting edge of modern communications.
We’re looking for someone with deep experience in PR, especially within agency environments, who brings a passion for building strong client relationships, leading high-energy teams, and delivering integrated work with confidence and creativity.
You’ll lead new business pitches, craft data-led strategies, and bring bold ideas to life. You’ll shape compelling narratives that spotlight Burson’s creative and strategic edge, lead responses to briefs, and leverage your local network to drive growth. A strong understanding of the Australian market and media landscape is essential. With a sharp eye on the market and competitor activity, you’ll help us stay ahead and win work that matters.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, loves big ideas, and are ready to make your mark, come and be part of something extraordinary at Burson.
What you will do
Client Service & Strategic Leadership
- Lead high profile global clients in the consumer and tech sectors, offering strategic counsel, creative direction, and integrated campaign leadership
- Build trusted, long-term client relationships by delivering on business goals and ensuring satisfaction, retention, and growth
- Oversee the development and execution of multichannel campaigns that blend media, influencers, digital, social, and data driven insights
- Stay ahead of industry trends to keep clients at the forefront of innovation and integrated communications
- Manage escalations and ensure delivery excellence, collaborating with senior leaders as needed
New Business Development
- Lead new business pitches, crafting compelling strategies and narratives that showcase Burson’s creative and strategic strengths
- Collaborate on persuasive proposals, negotiate with clients and procurement, and secure new opportunities
- Stay informed on competitor activity and market shifts to support portfolio growth
Team Leadership & Development
- Inspire, lead, and mentor a high performing team, promoting a collaborative, inclusive, and fast-paced culture
- Support team growth through ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities
- Lead by example, embodying Burson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and client excellence
Media & Influencer Relations
- Oversee media strategy and influencer partnerships, ensuring alignment with client objectives and campaign direction
- Act as a senior advisor, helping teams build strong relationships with media, influencers, and industry partners
- Lead innovative, integrated approaches that blend traditional and digital channels.
Financial & Operational Management
- Manage budgets, billing, and resource allocation to ensure account profitability and operational efficiency
- Maintain accurate reporting, meet billability targets, and contribute to forecasting and business planning
Wider Agency Contribution
- Play an active role in shaping Burson’s culture and talent strategy and supporting recruitment
- Contribute to agency growth through thought leadership, award entries, marketing efforts, and championing creativity and innovation across the business
Experience That Contributes to Success
- Senior PR Director or Associate director with strong leadership experience, ideally in an agency setting with exposure to global clients
- 10 + years of agency experience with expertise across consumer, tech, and B2B sectors, with a deep understanding of the Australian media, digital, and influencer landscape
- A strategic and creative thinker with a strong focus on business outcomes and high-impact storytelling
- Confident communicator and presenter, skilled in client management, team leadership, and relationship building
- Passionate about integrated marketing and influencer engagement, with the energy and agility to thrive in a fast paced agency environment
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands effectively
#LI-MT1
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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