Associate Director Brand, Sports & Entertainment Burson

Burson part of WPP 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.

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BURSONBRAND SPORT &ENTERTAINMENT

The Brand Sport and Entertainment teamis home to some of the worlds best lovedsport andentertainment brands including Activision Blizzard Spotifyadidas GilletteBoseand many is made up ofsector specialists who live and breathe culture sports gamingmusicand a vibrant and diverse team that delivers incredible work for amazing brands at the forefront of culture.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Associate Director you will be a dynamic and commercially astute thinker creatingstrategic and innovative solutions for client challenges that yield exceptional results. Youwill offer insightful and effective counsel to clients manage expectations proactivelyaddress issues and ensure seamless execution of all client deliverables.

This roleis a rare opportunity to work on a career-defining set of clients that wouldturn the head of anyone passionate about entertainment.

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

Activision Blizzard is the worlds largest video game publisher with titles including Call of Duty Diablo World ofWarcraftand Overwatch. This role sits across all franchisesto provide leadership today-to-dayUKaccount team and support the Senior Director and Managing Director in runningthe business to the highest to this role is an understanding of UK culture including sports music and the influencer and creator landscape.

SPOTIFYFC BARCELONA

Spotify isone of our flagship global clients witha number ofworkstreamsdedicated to their communications partnership with FC Barcelona has redefined sports sponsorship with shirt swap activationsadding the logos of global superstars Drake RosaliaOlivia Rodrigo The Rolling Stones and Coldplay to the iconic role will be to lead PR and influencer activations as this partnership continues to rewrite the book.

TNT SPORTS

TNT Sports is the home of major sports broadcasting in the UK including the Premier League The FA Cup and Womens FA Cup UEFA Champions League Moto GP Boxing Golf and Rugby. This role will lead the UK press office raising awareness of TNTs exceptional line up of sports rightspunditsand quality content.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Client Advisory & Relationship Management:Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to clients deepening relationships and guiding them to achieve their key business and communication objectives.
• Strategic Narrative & Campaign Strategy:Exhibit strong strategic thinking to craft compelling narratives and multi-channel content strategies that drive value and generate new revenue streams for clients.
• Ideation & Innovation:Lead and facilitate creative brainstorming sessions internally and externally pitching and selling innovative concepts and campaigns to client partners.
• Delivery & Stakeholder Alignment:Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to drive client activity ensuring projects are delivered on time within budget and consistently exceed expectations.
• Sector Growth & New Business:Identify new business opportunities within your sector contributing to sector plans and taking a leading role in pitch development from ideation through conversion.
• Financial & Resource Oversight:Take ownership of accurate client forecasting resource allocation budget management and over-servicing levels to ensure profitability.
• People Leadership & Mentorship:Inspire coach and manage direct reportsimplementing SMART career performance plans supporting junior line managers and fostering a collaborative growth-focused culture.
• DE&I & AI Innovation:Champion Diversity Equity and Inclusion as an active ally while staying at the forefront of AI tools and role-based applications in alignment with agency guidelines.

EXPERIENCE THAT CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR SUCCESS

• Incredible client service skills able to stay across multiple workstreams and stakeholders while adding value consistently with your counsel and leadership based on credibility and reliability
• A passion for and professional understanding of the entertainment industry and culture including gaming music film the streaming economy and more. This should include remaining curious about what political and economic factors are impacting our clients and operating with great awareness
• The ability to lead teams including account teams and specialists to outstanding creative plans built on audience insights cultural understanding and expertise in what makes for great fame-making brand activity in 2025
• Commercial acumen and financial rigour able to create and keep track of complex budgets and monitor service levels
• A natural leader able to keep teams motivated and delivering to highest standards during busy campaign periods feeling a sense of responsibility for your teams development and able to spot and deliver training and coaching needs

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