Associate Director - Director Issues & Crisis Saudi Arabia

About the role

Burson, part of WPP, 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. WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram . More about the role: We are hiring for a senior Issues & Crisis communications leader to join Burson as part of a dedicated seconded team embedded within the Corporate Communications function of a globally significant organisation operating across energy, policy and international markets. This is a high-stakes advisory role requiring calm judgement, intellectual rigour and the ability to advise decisively in complex, fast-moving situations. You will operate at senior levels, providing real-time counsel to leadership, shaping crisis frameworks, mitigating reputational risk and strengthening organisational resilience across regional and international environments. Experience within energy, oil, gas, infrastructure or other highly regulated sectors will be advantageous. This role is suited to a strategic thinker who understands geopolitical nuance, stakeholder sensitivity and the demands of operating in visible, globally scrutinised contexts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior advisor on issues and crisis communications strategy and activation
• Develop and refine crisis playbooks, escalation frameworks and response protocols
• Provide on-the-spot counsel to senior stakeholders during live or emerging situations
• Lead risk identification and scenario planning across reputational, regulatory and geopolitical issues
• Draft holding statements, Q&A documents, reactive messaging and executive briefings
• Support high-profile press engagements during sensitive or complex periods
• Partner with media relations and stakeholder teams to ensure aligned narrative management
• Conduct post-incident reviews and strengthen long-term resilience frameworks
• Experience that contributes to success:
• Significant experience in Issues & Crisis communications at Associate Director or Director level within a leading agency or in-house corporate environment
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leadership confidently in high-pressure, high-visibility situations
• Strong understanding of regional and international geopolitical dynamics
• Experience within energy, oil, gas or similarly regulated sectors preferred
• Proven track record managing complex reputational risk across multiple markets
• Exceptional drafting skills and strategic messaging capability
• Experience operating within embedded/seconded structures or highly matrixed stakeholder environments
• #LI-NE1
• You belong at Burson:
• 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

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