Account Director Public Affairs, Technology Team

Brussels, Belgium

Published

24/10/2024

Account Director Public Affairs, Technology team

What’s Happening?

Weber Shandwick Brussels creates world-class work and word’s got out…Our reputation for delivering engaging campaigns that strike up conversations between policy makers and companies means we’re working with an enviable client list across a diverse range of sectors including; technology, healthcare, energy, sustainability, financial services and food and agriculture.

Our Technology team is looking for an Account Director, Public Affairs to join us in our Brussels office. This is a great opportunity to have an impact on high-profile clients and to grow in a global, award-winning agency.

What you’ll be doing

Focusing predominantly on Technology policies, with occasional support required in other fields such as Sustainability;
Managing a client portfolio, being the client’s primary contact and ensuring quality and timeliness in the delivery of Public Affairs strategies and services against budget
Working alongside the team lead to grow the existing client portfolio, including identifying potential new clients and leading in the development of new business proposals
Managing accounts, leading on day-to-day client work, translating client needs into project plans, advising and supporting clients, ensuring that results are achieved and client’s overall objectives are met;
Under the leadership of senior staff, planning and implementing thought leadership campaigns, outreach programmes and organisation of events;
Contributing to marketing and business development efforts;
Supporting in attracting and developing junior staff, including line management responsibilities.

What We’re Looking For

5-7 years of relevant working experience. Previous experience in other EU Public Affairs agencies or in EU institutions is a bonus.
An excellent understanding of the EU institutions and political dynamics surrounding digital policy
Strong business acumen and appreciation of the commercial impact of policy decisions
An entrepreneurial approach to client servicing and business development – with proven track record of business growth
A good network in Brussels within Technology policy
Capability as an advisor, including first class communication and writing skills
Ability to solve problems and exercise excellent judgment with the ability to think ‘outside of the box’
Understanding of agency financials and experience budgeting projects.
Dynamic team player and able to work in a high-performance environment
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to offer high-level advice on the spot

What do we offer?

Weber Shandwick Brussels offers invaluable opportunities for enthusiastic and driven individuals to grow as Public Affairs professionals. We offer a competitive salary with excellent benefits (mobile phone, group insurance, hospitalization & extra medical costs insurance, a representation allowance, lunch vouchers), 20 days annual leave + 10 days extra legal holidays, and flexible working (including up to 6 weeks working from abroad).

We are a global company so we offer the advantages of a big firm, including leading-edge AI and analytics tools and the resources to invest in your personal and professional growth. But, at our heart, we still have the spirit of the small company we used to be: entrepreneurial, ambitious, fun. We are known for our imaginative and powerful campaigns that drive policy change, great client relations, collaboration, and teamwork – and our success is down to our amazing people. We look for original thinkers, who are passionate about policy and politics, and have a point of view, those who are constantly curious, commercially-driven, deliver to a high standard, and are keen to contribute to our success.

About us

Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands, businesses, and organizations in major markets around the world. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, we have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. The Weber Shandwick Collective is part of the wider Interpublic Group.

With over 15 different nationalities in the office, Weber Shandwick Brussels truly represents the heart of Europe. We’re lucky to attract some of the best minds in PA, PR & Comms. At Weber Shandwick, you can be yourself and own your impact. We encourage an inclusive work environment where being authentic, caring for each other, and being entrepreneurial is part of our core values. We foster a culture of growth and collaboration, we celebrate the hard work we do, and we care for each other’s wellbeing while doing it. Come work with us and be a part of shaping culture.

Note from the Talent Acquisition Team

Weber Shandwick is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability status. We make our careers website accessible to all users, if you need accommodation to participate in the application process, please let your Recruiter know. We got you!

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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POSITION: Health Portfolio Lead (SVP/EVP), Corporate Healthcare, Health Policy & Public Affairs

PRACTICE: Health

LOCATION: Brussels

A little bit about us in Health

It’s never been a more challenging and exciting time to work in health communications. Artificial intelligence, data-driven insights and tangible tech solutions are all being used to communicate with a public – including patients, healthcare professionals and media – who are more engaged than ever before. At Weber Shandwick, we’ve always been on the front foot when it comes to innovation within the industry. We delve deeper to deliver genuine impact, empowering audiences to manage their own health whilst meeting business objectives for our clients.

It’s no surprise that big changes call for bold approaches. While Health is a serious business, campaigns can still be engaging and inspiring! Our diverse team is known for bringing science to life through digital innovation and multi-platform creative work. We handpick the best talent in the industry to include not only science communicators, but also specialists in strategy and planning, health analytics & digital experts, award-winning creatives, media experts & corporate & public affairs specialists to name but a few, to help our clients seamlessly navigate the ever-changing landscape. At Weber Shandwick, we push boundaries in health to deliver meaningful and industry leading inclusion offerings such as the Weber Shandwick Women’s Health and Health Equity initiatives.

Role Summary

We are looking for a Health Portfolio Lead (SVP/EVP) to lead our impressive Health team in Brussels. You will lead a team of EU & Global health communications and policy specialists whilst also building on the success of WS in corporate healthcare; to expand and propel the business forward. As part of this, we are looking for a candidate who can bring fresh thinking, new business opportunities and prospects in pharma and health and a proven track record in securing new business.

Your primary responsibility is to lead and manage the client portfolio, including large pharmaceutical and biotech companies, patient advocacy groups and medical societies. You will be the senior point of contact for clients, understanding their needs, and translating them into effective integrated communications and advocacy strategies. As a leader, you are responsible for maintaining client satisfaction, managing client relationships, and ensuring that projects are executed in alignment with the clients’ expectations & goals.

The Health Portfolio Lead will also take charge of resource allocation for their clients, taking into account the budgets & the required skill sets working in close collaboration with the expertise leads. This involves understanding the expertise required for each project and communicating these needs to the appropriate expertise leads.

New Business & Growth Responsibility

The Health Portfolio Lead will be responsible for expanding the services offered to existing clients. You will identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling additional services (from our expertise) that align with the clients’ evolving needs. By maintaining a deep understanding of our clients’ industries and challenges, you can proactively propose innovative strategies that showcase WS Brussels’ value and expertise.

CLIENT AND WORK:

Client Portfolio Leadership: Leads and assumes responsibility for their portfolio ensuring client-centric approach in all aspects. Maintains a deep understanding of the accounts (and their needs) within the portfolio.

Strategic Advisor: Serves as trusted advisor to senior clients within their portfolio. Internally, plays a role as the go-to for industry knowledge for WS Brussels, EMEA and The Weber Shandwick Collective.

Resourcing: Enables high-quality client deliverables by effectively collaborating with Expertise Leads and ensure that client accounts are staffed with the right people.

Portfolio P&L: Is responsible for the portfolio P&L with a growth mindset

LEADERSHIP AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT:

Reporting lines: Reports to the Head of Client. Manages account leads & portfolio team members. You will also partner closely with our President of Health EMEA and senior management across the broader EMEA health & corporate business as well as developing close relationships with health & corporate leads in both Brussels and across other EMEA offices to navigate additional business opportunities and help drive new business into Brussels.

People Management: Provides coaching, line management, feedback, and support to team members in their portfolio, ensuring people goals are aligned with the portfolio’s’ business strategy.

Talent Acquisition & Hiring: Leads Talent Acquisition as main hiring manager for the health portfolio in collaboration with Head of Expertise (ad hoc) and People team.

GROWTH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

Growth & New Business: Drives the growth strategy for their portfolio in collaboration with agency leadership – actively seeks to grow portfolio through organic & proactive new business initiatives, activating own network of contacts in the industry.

Organic growth: Demonstrates a sound understanding of our different areas of expertise, how these can be deployed to solve clients’ business challenges and creates opportunities for organic growth & synergies.

Financial acumen: Collaborates with agency leadership to meet the portfolio’s financials goals and profitability targets.

Industry knowledge: Advances industry/sector leadership and drives agency reputation through thought leadership, marketing and new business initiatives.

BUSINESS ACUMEN:

Market Understanding: Maintain a deep understanding of industry dynamics, agency competitive landscape, and emerging trends within each expertise, guiding strategic decisions for client portfolio.

What do we offer?

About us

Note from the Talent Acquisition Team

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