We are looking for a talented Associate Director with experience in property communications and engagement to join our growing Northern team based in fantastic offices in central Manchester. This is a rare opportunity to take on a key leadership role in an established and growing strategic communications agency.

The successful applicant will enjoy opportunities to work with a fantastic variety of clients across a range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure and housebuilding. You will provide strategic leadership and advice on high profile accounts across public affairs, property, corporate communications and social value. Although our core business is around real estate and planning, we work for clients across many other corporate sectors.

The successful applicant will be a proven leader and effective manager or make a strong case that they are ready to take this step up. They will be an excellent copy writer and strong personal communicator, able to express themselves confidently and articulately. Agency experience is an advantage but relevant experience inhouse is also highly desirable. Experience of property and planning communications, including public consultation and stakeholder engagement, is essential. Experience of delivering communication and engagement programmes to support DCO applications would be a real bonus.

If your skills match what we are looking for, we would love to hear from you!

Desirable experience:

• Expertise in property and planning communications, including consultations and stakeholder engagement

• Experience of leading a team of consultants working across a range of accounts

• Experience of delivering communications and engagement support for DCO applications

• Working at a senior level in strategic communications, including public affairs and PR

• Record of successful client management and account development in agency

Key skills and character:

• A leader providing clear direction, listening to colleagues and modelling exceptional professional skills and behaviours

• Ability to manage personal workload, and support colleagues with workload management, with strong time management skills and excellent attention to detail

• Excellent copywriter, producing high-quality work on time and managing colleagues to deliver consistently excellent services for clients

• Positive, enthusiastic and problem-solving, with a strong character to enrich our team

• Clear strategic thinker with problem solving abilities

• Able to work independently, take the initiative and solve problems

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading a team of consultants to deliver consistently excellent results for clients

• Owning relationships with clients and providing senior strategic communication counsel

• Playing a key role in responding to new business briefs and pitching to prospective clients

• Developing and delivering communication, campaign and engagement strategies

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to provide quality assurance across accounts

• Mentoring junior colleagues and playing a role in their professional development

The successful applicant will work with a talented team of public affairs professionals in an established and respected consultancy, with excellent career and personal development opportunities. The team are required in the office 4 days a week.