Head of Belgian Practice (Corporate Communications | Public Affairs)

Who we are:

Burson 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.

Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

At Burson Brussels, we blend craft, curiosity, counsel, and camaraderie to deliver cutting-edge public affairs and communications strategies. Thriving in Europe’s political heart, our dynamic team excels in navigating complex policy and communications challenges, shaping reputations, and driving meaningful business outcomes for our clients across diverse sectors. We combine strategic expertise with proprietary AI-driven insights to uncover opportunities, crafting compelling narratives that influence key decision-makers. Backed by our global network, we provide innovative, data-driven solutions that connect with audiences and deliver impact. Our inclusive, high-performance culture fuels innovation and empowers individuals to excel, creating a vibrant environment where collaboration and growth thrive. With Burson Brussels, clients gain more than consultancy—they gain a trusted partner committed to achieving success today and anticipating the challenges of tomorrow.

More about the role:

We are looking for an experienced team and people leader, with a proven track record in public affairs and/or corporate communications, to lead and grow our full-service Belgian market practice.

 What you'll do:

Practice Leadership

• Define and oversee the strategy, financial performance of the Belgian market practice, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.


• Represent Burson Brussels as a thought leader, driving marketing and participating in external events.


• Enhance Burson’s external visibility and reputation through networking and industry engagement.


• Be part of and contribute to Burson Brussels leadership team and shape company direction and operational improvements.

Team

• Manage a team of consultants, creating a collaborative and high-performing environment. This includes recruitment, training, performance management, and career development.


• Support the development of team members, ensuring they have the guidance needed to lead accounts and teams.


• Mentor, inspire, and train colleagues, helping them develop professionally and support them in delivering best-in-class consulting services.

Client

• Act as the lead for Belgian market client accounts.


• Provide strategic input and help clients navigate complex challenges.


• Ensure teams deliver effectively and maintain oversight of financial performance.

New Business

• Drive business development efforts, supporting both organic growth and new opportunities.


• Lead and manage new business proposals and pitches.


• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and prospects in the Belgian market.

Experience that contributes to success:

• A seasoned team and people leader, with experience in people management, defining and executing all aspects of an overall go-to-market strategy.


• Extensive experience in strategic communications, gained within an agency, corporate, or trade association.


• Proven ability to design and implement public affairs and communications strategies, manage high-level stakeholder engagement, lead crisis communication efforts, and deliver impactful communications and advocacy campaigns in Belgium.


• Experience of leading and managing projects is essential, as well as involvement in building strong client and stakeholder relationships.


• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English and either Dutch or French, with a strong working knowledge of the other official Belgian language.


• Experience of managing account financials, internal forecasting, and reporting.


• A strong network of contacts with Belgian policymakers, the media, and the business community.


• A solution-driven growth mindset.


• Experience in managing complex, fast-paced situations successfully.


• Ambitious and entrepreneurial with a robust, determined, and hands-on approach.


• Self-motivated, blended with strong interpersonal skills.


• Desire to work in a diverse and inclusive agency as an active participant in cultural initiatives, training opportunities, and employee resource groups.

#LI-NE1

You belong at Burson:

Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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