B

Associate Director - Brands (Public Relations)

Burson
Full-time
On-site
Remote
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Associate Director - Brands (Public Relations)

πŸ”Ή Company: Burson

πŸ”Ή Location: Gurugram, Haryana, India

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (4 days in-office)

πŸ”Ή Category: Public Relations & Communications

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 25, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Overseeing a significant portfolio of clients and driving profitable growth
  • Providing strategic counsel and resolving major client concerns
  • Managing and motivating account teams to deliver superior client service
  • Identifying business development opportunities and fostering a winning culture

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of client management and leadership skills, with a focus on driving results and growth.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Oversee a significant portfolio of clients and demonstrate the ability to profitably grow clients and build long term relationships

βœ… Be a knowledge leader and trusted advisor for clients and their go-to source for insights critical to their business; understand the trends and issues that impact brands, including media, business, political and cultural

βœ… Provide strategic counsel to clients and resolve major concerns in order to achieve outstanding results with a long-term perspective

βœ… Manage and motivate account teams to deliver superior client service and creative groundbreaking plans and concepts by ensuring they are equipped with the right resources, tools, and training

βœ… Own high-level media relationships that result in strategic media outcomes

βœ… Stay current on social media channels, trends and analytics tools and make recommendations to strengthen existing capabilities

βœ… Partner with the digital team and other network resources at the beginning of an engagement to ensure a truly organic and cohesive digital strategy

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills to manage clients and teams effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Graduate or Postgraduate in any stream or professional qualification in the field of public relations or marketing communication.

Experience: 10 Years+ work experience in media relations, content management, public relations in brands & consumer sector.

Required Skills:

  • Proven track record in client management and growth
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Experience in managing and developing teams
  • Familiarity with digital strategies and social media platforms

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in the Brands, Sports & Entertainment sector
  • Bilingual or multilingual proficiency
  • Experience working with global clients

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on client management and team leadership, candidates with relevant experience and strong leadership skills are preferred.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 25-35 LPA (Estimated, based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)

Benefits:

  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Mentorship Programs
  • Vibrant Company Culture

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in India. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and company policy.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Burson is a global leader in communications, specializing in creating value for clients through reputation management.

Company Size: Burson is a mid-sized company with 5,001-10,000 employees worldwide, offering ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Burson was founded in 1953 and has since grown into a global communications powerhouse.

Company Description:

  • Burson is purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, reinventing how reputation creates competitive advantage.
  • The company offers a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues can elevate their skills, expand their networks, and produce the best solutions for leading brands.
  • Burson is committed to investing in its people, providing robust benefits and people programs to foster growth and success.

Company Specialties:

  • Public Relations & Communications Services
  • Reputation Management
  • Strategic Communications
  • Crisis Communications

Company Website: www.bursonglobal.com

ASSUMPTION: Burson's global presence and focus on reputation management make it an attractive choice for professionals seeking international exposure and career growth.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring extensive experience and strong leadership skills.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director reports directly to the Managing Director and oversees a team of account managers and executives.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with teams in the office around four days a week.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Progression to a Director or Vice President role within the company
  • Expanding client portfolio and managing larger teams
  • Gaining experience in global client management and cross-cultural team leadership

ASSUMPTION: Given Burson's global presence and commitment to employee growth, this role offers strong potential for career advancement and international exposure.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Burson's Gurugram office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): Gurugram, Haryana, India

Geographic Context:

  • Gurugram is a major IT and commercial hub, offering ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
  • The city is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from other major Indian cities.
  • Gurugram offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with numerous residential options available.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement.

ASSUMPTION: The Gurugram office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
  • Final round interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Client management and growth strategies
  • Leadership and team management skills
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Industry knowledge and trends

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant client management and leadership experience in your resume
  • Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of Burson's values and commitment to reputation management
  • Prepare examples of successful client campaigns or initiatives you've led

ATS Keywords: Client Management, Strategic Counsel, Team Leadership, Business Development, Public Relations, Communications, Brand Management, Media Relations, Digital Strategy

ASSUMPTION: Burson's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership skills, and industry knowledge, with a focus on client management and growth.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
  • Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
  • Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is expected, with a focus on client relationship management and digital platforms.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Integrity
  • Collaboration
  • Creativity
  • Accountability
  • Excellence

Work Style:

  • Dynamic and fast-paced
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Focused on driving results and growth
  • Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
  • Are you able to manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously?
  • Do you have strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop team members?
  • Are you committed to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices?

ASSUMPTION: Burson values candidates who are dynamic, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a diverse portfolio of clients with varying needs and expectations
  • Balancing client management responsibilities with team leadership and business development efforts
  • Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
  • Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in a rapidly evolving field

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to similar roles in other agencies, this position offers a greater focus on client management and growth, with a broader scope of responsibilities.
  • Burson's global presence provides opportunities for international exposure and career advancement not typically available in smaller, regional agencies.
  • This role offers a unique blend of client management, team leadership, and business development responsibilities, providing a well-rounded experience for the right candidate.

ASSUMPTION: Given Burson's global presence and commitment to employee growth, this role offers strong potential for career advancement and international exposure.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a global brand launch
  • Managing a crisis communications response for a high-profile client, ensuring minimal brand impact and reputation damage
  • Leading a team to create and implement a digital marketing campaign for a consumer product, driving measurable results and engagement

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and leadership opportunities available in this role, requiring strong strategic thinking, communication, and project management skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
  • How does Burson support the professional growth and development of its employees?
  • What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the company and this role in the near future?
  • How does Burson approach cross-cultural team management and global client relationships?
  • What are the most important priorities for this role in the first 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the company culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role, helping candidates make an informed decision about their fit within the organization.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the Burson careers page
  • Highlight your relevant client management and leadership experience in your resume
  • Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of Burson's values and commitment to reputation management
  • Prepare examples of successful client campaigns or initiatives you've led
  • Follow up with the hiring team one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.