Senior Account Director/Associate Director, Brand Impact - Sports (12 Month Maternity Contract) - Global Communications Agency
Join to apply for the Senior Account Director/Associate Director, Brand Impact - Sports (12 Month Maternity Contract) - Global Communications Agency role at FleishmanHillard UK
We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working environment for everyone. As the only PR Agency awarded EY’s National Equality Standard (twice!), all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age. Do let us know if you need any adjustments made during the interview process.
The Team
We harness the collective power of creative, social and strategic marketing to produce electric, infectious and award-winning communications. With this in mind, we create provocative, inspiring solutions for big brands with stories to tell – from traditional media and social-first content to installations, film, events and long-term movements. While part of a successful global group, we have developed a ‘start-up’ mentality of bravery and entrepreneurialism, rooted in business-changing ideas.
The Role
We are seeking an ambitious Sports Comms expert (Senior Account Director/Associate Director level) to join our Sports & Entertainment team in London. You will be responsible for driving UK and global sports partnership and sports brand campaigns, leading teams and delivering growth – both organic and new – across our current portfolio. As part of our Brand Senior Leadership Team, you will take commercial and pastoral responsibility for a team of 25+ individuals, ensuring the utmost comms expertise, service and effectiveness is delivered to clients across the board. The role will involve integrated comms counsel, requiring solid understanding and ideally experience across PR, Social, Digital, Influencer and Talent communications, specific to the sports industry. The right candidate will bring strong industry insights, a UK-first sports network across communications and partnerships, solid organisational and leadership skills to a dynamic, fast-paced team that strives to create true impact for a diverse roster of clients.
This position is offered as a 12‑month fixed‑term contract (maternity cover).
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership
* Lead, mentor, and develop a team of account managers, strategists, and coordinators
* Set performance standards and drive a culture of excellence and creativity
* Foster collaboration across PR, content, digital, and influencer teams
* Support team professional development and career progression
* Oversee the creation of innovative, integrated campaigns that break through in the sports and wider cultural space
* Ensure all work demonstrates creativity, strategic thinking, and measurable ROI
* Balance owned, earned, shared and paid channels to maximise impact
* Manage campaign timelines, budgets and quality across all deliverables
Expertise in Sports Comms
* Client management and business development – manage relationships with C‑suite and marketing leadership at key clients
* Lead pitches and presentations for new business opportunities, particularly in sports and partnerships
* Identify cross‑selling opportunities and develop integrated service offerings
* Ensure exceptional client satisfaction and retention
* Develop and execute integrated communication strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes for sports clients
* Lead the P&L for assigned client accounts, ensuring profitability and growth
* Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging platforms, particularly within sports, culture and fan behaviour
* Champion best practices in integrated communications across the agency
Experience That Contributes To Success
* Background in PR, communications or marketing with leadership/management experience
* Proven track record of developing and executing integrated communications campaigns
* Demonstrated experience working with sports brands and/or activating sports partnerships
* Strong understanding of UK earned media, talent and influencer partnerships, and digital channels
* Experience managing teams and leading cross‑functional projects
* Excellent project management and organisational skills
* Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities
About You
* Background in sports comms and/or sports partnership sectors
* Knowledge of influencer marketing and community management
* Experience in social media and content development
* Crisis communications experience
* Familiarity with media buying and paid social platforms
* Strong commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset
* Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
* Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving abilities
* Energetic, collaborative, and adaptable leadership style
* Eligibility – you must have the right to work in the UK and be able to work in our Bankside office at least 3 days per week
What We Offer You
* A warm and friendly team with a fantastic portfolio of global and UK clients
* A truly global network and the opportunity to be part of multi‑market campaigns, regularly working with colleagues across the globe
* A strengths‑based L&D framework with an in‑house coach and development opportunities for career‑defining work
* Full embrace of hybrid and flexible working. The office remains an important element of our culture
* Work‑life balance – we support each other to achieve it
* Culture club activities – office manicures, nutritionists, in‑house massage, acupressure sessions, yoga on the roof terrace, quizzes, boot camps, exhibits and seasonal get‑togethers
* Opportunities to join our Employee Resource Groups, the Shadow Board or DE&I Steering Committee
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