Account Director - Energy & Industrials - Corporate & Public Affairs Practice

Join to apply for the Account Director - Energy & Industrials - Corporate & Public Affairs Practice role at Burson

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.

More About The Role

We are looking for a highly motivated and strategically minded Account Director to join our thriving Corporate and Public Affairs team in London. This pivotal role is ideal for a communications professional with a strong background in media and policy, who is passionate about the energy sector.

Sitting within our team of energy and industrials experts, you will be responsible for leading key client accounts, developing and executing integrated communication strategies and providing expert counsel to clients operating in complex and fast‑evolving environments. Our energy and industrials client portfolio includes Hitachi, Net Zero Teesside, Baker Hughes, EnBW, E.ON and many others. You will be a critical driver of client success, team development, and the continued growth of our agency.

What You’ll Do

• Act as the day‑to‑day lead across your client portfolio. Maintain and develop strong client relationships built on trust, leading client meetings and overseeing the smooth running of accounts.
• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that align with client business objectives and address their specific challenges and opportunities.
• Advise clients on media relations strategies, building strong relationships with key journalists, editors, and influencers across national, trade, and specialist energy media.
• Monitor and analyse political and regulatory developments, providing insightful policy analysis and strategic recommendations to clients.
• Develop compelling written communications, including messaging, press releases, thought leadership pieces, and policy briefs.
• Identify opportunities to expand client work, develop proposals, and contribute to pitch meetings for new business.
• Manage client budgets, revenue, and resources, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery while meeting or exceeding client needs.

Experience That Contributes To Success

• Proven media and policy expertise gained within an agency, in‑house corporate affairs team, or political/public sector role.
• Confident and genuinely interested in the energy space, with a solid understanding of its complexities, stakeholders, and policy landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute sophisticated B2B communication strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• A proactive, innovative thinker keen to engage with and work with AI to enhance communication strategies and operational efficiency.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under pressure, demonstrating excellent organisational and time‑management skills.

You Belong At Burson

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 recognise 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.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Sales and Business Development

Industries

Public Relations and Communications Services

Location: London, England, United Kingdom