Company description We're a values-based business built around a philosophy of DO | FEEL | THINK. For our people, it encourages them to DO IT, to FEEL BELONGING and to THINK INDEPENDENTLY, creating a vibrant environment where our people can do the best work of their careers. We use DO | FEEL | THINK to inspire our clients too. We want clients to show their values to the world through the acts they create digitally and in real life, helping to generate greater emotional connection with their products and brands, and creating audience relationships built on true Belief. How do we do it? By connecting the modern key Belief drivers of PR, Sustainability, Employer Brand, and Digital Influence - all crucial to helping businesses win in our increasingly values-based world. It all adds up to a vision of creating a progressive and connected creative agency that helps clients find new ways to grow. Our Commitment Diversity and inclusion is a core part of who we are at MSL. We're committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, celebrates and supports our wonderfully diverse employee group - whatever their age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability or ethnicity. Diversity and inclusion doesn't just fuel our creativity and innovation, it brings us closer to our people and audiences. We will continue to strive to create a culture and environment where everyone feels empowered and more importantly comfortable enough to bring their full, authentic selves to work. Overview Role overview We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Director to join our team, with a dual focus on employer brand strategy and account management. This role requires a strategic thinker who can lead employer branding initiatives while also serving as a trusted partner for our largest client accounts. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in employer brand research and insights, as well as strong skills in client relationship management and business development. Responsibilities Employer Brand Strategy and Research: - Lead research, discovery, and insight phases for diverse employee projects, including Global EVP development, talent acquisition campaigns, early careers programs, and employee engagement campaigns. - Conduct and oversee qualitative and quantitative research with both an internal and external focus. - Develop EVP, Employer Brand (EB), and Talent Acquisition (TA) strategies for a variety of clients. - Deliver clear, engaging presentations to senior clients, translating research insights into actionable strategies for creative teams. Account Management: - Serve as a trusted partner to some of our largest client accounts, recognised as a senior lead by clients. - Deliver end-to-end projects, presenting confidently with minimal senior input. - Develop and own account strategies for specific clients, focusing on retention, growth plans, and identifying new revenue streams. - Anticipate client challenges using foresight and ensure the account team's work aligns with client objectives. - Demonstrate long-term strategic thinking and planning, with a focus on securing new revenue streams beyond current plans. - Collaborate with the strategy and creative teams to lead and motivate the account team in developing insightful briefs and operations. Team Leadership and Development: - Manage teams by example, demonstrating active allyship and celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). - Maintain a nurturing approach to development plans, encouraging ongoing professional growth within the team. Financial Management: - Understand and apply financial models and targets, ensuring accountability for campaign/project budgets. - Monitor total spend, forecasting, and resolving budget issues proactively. - Negotiate effectively and handle difficult client conversations with professionalism. - Strategically manage resources against retainers and projects, optimising team efficiency and profitability. Qualifications - Proven experience as an employer brand strategist, with a strong track record in research and insight development. - Extensive experience in account management and client relations, particularly with high-profile accounts. - Excellent presentation and communication skills, capable of engaging with senior stakeholders. - Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a focus on business development and growth. - Demonstrated leadership skills, with a commitment to team development and DE&I. - Strong financial acumen and ability to manage budgets and resources effectively. Additional information MSL has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer; - WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year. - REFLECTION DAYS - Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care. - HELPHAND BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching. - FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity. Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave. - FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday. - GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre. Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us MSL operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week. We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process. Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page (https://www.publicisgroupeuk.com/careers/) which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG's (Employee Action Groups). LI-SS1