About the company
We are a leading global communications marketing firm helping business and organisations evolve, promote, and protect their brands and reputations. We are independent and family owned, which allows us the freedom to deliver original thinking and invest in our clients.
In the UK, there are more than 600 employees based in our offices in Victoria. We create award-winning creative communication programmes for our clients who include Microsoft, Nissan, FedEx, PayPal, GSK, Disney, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
We have deep expertise and advise on consumer trends, research, analytics and insights, corporate reputation, health, technology, capital markets, crisis, energy, and government affairs.
About the team
Edelman’s Global Crisis & Risk practice is one of the largest and most respected in the world, serving clients on complex crises across a range of issues. The team is made up of 180 practitioners in more than 60 countries and features former journalists, lawyers, government and business specialists, digital leaders, sector experts, and research and analytics specialists.
The Crisis & Risk team advises leading global corporations, brands and institutions on a broad range of reputational matters including corporate governance, societal issues, geopolitics, litigation, ethics and integrity, security risks (e.g., physical and data), product and service risks (e.g., safety, health) and financial.
The UK-based crisis team is one of the largest in Edelman’s global network. London is home to both the Global Crisis Practice Chair and the EMEA Crisis & Risk Managing Director, meaning that the office is at the heart of the global team and has a pivotal role in driving best practice and new business on behalf of the wider network.
About the role
Director, Crisis & Risk, is a key role in Edelman’s UK Crisis & Risk team - which is part of the UK Corporate practice. The role is based in the London office, but with links to all the Edelman offices across the EMEA region. There is also a wider remit to drive best practice and revenue growth in our Brand Guardian offer, which provides risk management for high profile consumer brands. This will be delivered by using London as a Centre of Excellence through which to upskill other colleagues in the EMEA network. We are seeking an experienced Director, to lead existing client work and pursue new business, both in the UK and across EMEA. A proven track record of advising Senior Executives in a crisis context is required.
Although you will be part of and contribute to the overall UK Crisis & Risk team, this particular role will focus on advising large global brands on brand-related reputational risk areas. As a result, experience advising these types of organisations is needed. In addition, a proven track record of advising on areas such as societal issues, sustainability and marketing risks is also required.
The role will also involve new business development, providing strategic counsel to both clients and peers, developing crisis management protocols, delivering training and coaching to C-suite. Your expertise will be crucial in safeguarding our clients’ reputations and guiding them through complex issues that may arise in the ever-evolving global landscape. You will also play a key role in nurturing current and future talent within the team and setting a strong team culture.
Leadership and Commercial acumen:
- Support the EMEA Crisis & Risk Managing Director in executing their vision for Edelman’s crisis management offering, contributing to strategic goals, and helping to drive the overall direction of the group.
- Develop innovative crisis management strategies, frameworks and IP that are leading industry best practices, considering the unique needs and challenges of different countries and industries within the UK primarily, and then subsequently across EMEA region.
- Support the EMEA Crisis & Risk Managing Director in driving commercial growth in the UK and share day-to-day responsibility for maximising profitability. Work with finance business partners on forecasting, revenue recognition, resourcing etc.
- Demonstrate initiative and enterprise, contributing materially to the team’s new business targets.
Client Relationship Management:
- Lead high-level crisis management engagements for key clients, ensuring effective communication, risk assessment, and reputation management.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients, understanding their specific crisis management needs and providing strategic counsel during times of crisis.
- Develop and deliver training, simulations and coaching programmes for clients at a senior level.
- Foster long-term relationships with clients, proactively identifying potential risks and developing crisis response plans tailored to their organisations.
Crisis Response:
- Oversee crisis response efforts on specific clients as the need arises, guiding the team in assessing, planning, and executing comprehensive crisis communication strategies.
- Provide senior counsel to clients and be able to work and think in a multi-stakeholder environment.
- Stay abreast of emerging crises, industry trends, and global events that may impact clients’ reputations, providing real-time counsel and rapid response strategies.
- Advise on messaging, media relations, and digital communications strategies to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of crises.
Team Management and Development:
- Support the EMEA Crisis Lead in providing daily strategic counsel, guidance, and leadership to UK team members.
- Create a climate that encourages entrepreneurial behaviour, learning, and collaboration within the UK crisis team.
- Ensure constant professional development of the team, consistently holding self and team accountable for behaviour and performance.
- Demonstrate behaviours consistent with Edelman’s values.
Business Development and Thought Leadership:
- Actively contribute to business development efforts, collaborating with the EMEA Crisis Lead to identify and pursue new crisis management opportunities.
- Enhance the company’s reputation as a thought leader in crisis management through speaking engagements, industry conference participation, and publication of articles or whitepapers.
- Interest and expertise in emerging reputational risk areas including AI, and Mis and Disinformation.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (or Master’s degree)or equivalent work experience in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.
- Experience (10+ years) in crisis communications and reputation management.
- Comfortable and experienced working with multiple stakeholder groups including regulators, politicians, consumers, shareholders, suppliers, employees and media.
- Proven track record of successfully managing high-profile crises for multinational corporations or prominent organisations on a global level.
- Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team.
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to anticipate risks, develop proactive crisis plans, and make critical decisions under pressure.
- Experienced in coaching and training senior leadership teams.
- Ability to grasp and assimilate complex situations and develop strategies in an efficient and effective way.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong client relationships and effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.
- Deep knowledge of crisis communication tools, social media platforms, and digital communication strategies.
- Demonstrated experience in business development, including client acquisition and relationship management.
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