SVP Sustainability (Corporate & Public Affairs)

SVP Sustainability, Food & Agriculture - Corporate & Public Affairs

LOCATION: Brussels

A little bit about us in: Sustainability, Food & Agriculture

It’s never been a more challenging and exciting time to work in Corporate Affairs. Artificial intelligence, data-driven insights and tangible tech solutions are all being used to communicate with a public who are more engaged than ever before. At Weber Shandwick, we’ve always been on the front foot when it comes to innovation within the industry. We delve deeper to deliver genuine impact whilst meeting business objectives for our clients.

It’s no surprise that big changes call for bold approaches. Our diverse team is known for bringing campaigns to life through digital innovation and multi-platform creative work. We handpick the best talent in the industry to include not only great communicators, but also specialists in strategy and planning, insights and analytics, and digital experts, award-winning creatives, media experts & corporate & public affairs specialists to name but a few, to help our clients seamlessly navigate the ever-changing landscape.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a Sustainability, Food & Agriculture Portfolio Lead (SVP/EVP) to lead our impressive Sustainability, Food & Agriculture team in Brussels.

• You bring fresh thinking, new business opportunities and prospects in sustainability, food & agriculture and you have a proven track record in securing new business.
• You have an excellent understanding of the EU institutions and political dynamics surrounding sustainability policy
• You are a trusted client advisor, able to understand their needs, and to translate them into effective integrated communications and advocacy strategies.
• You have a good network in Brussels and can create lasting relationships with clients
• You can take charge of resource allocation for clients, taking into account the budgets & the required skill sets working in close collaboration with expertise leads. This involves understanding the expertise required for each project and communicating these needs to the appropriate expertise leads.
• You are a dynamic team player with team management experience and you are able to work in a high-performance environment

What You’ll Be Doing

CLIENT AND WORK:

• Client Portfolio Leadership: the successful candidate's primary responsibility is to lead and manage the client portfolio including Fortune 500 organisations and trade associations. Leads and assumes responsibility for their portfolio ensuring client-centric approach in all aspects. Maintains a deep understanding of the accounts and their needs within the portfolio.
• Strategic Advisor: Serves as trusted advisor to senior clients within their portfolio. Internally, plays a role as the go-to for industry knowledge for WS Brussels and the network.
• Resourcing: Enables high-quality client deliverables and ensures that client accounts are staffed with the right people.
• Portfolio P&L: Is responsible for the portfolio P&L with a growth mindset

LEADERSHIP AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT:

• Reporting lines: Reports to the Head of Client. Manages account leads & portfolio team members. You will also partner closely with corporate leads in both Brussels and across other EMEA offices to navigate additional business opportunities and help drive new business into Brussels.
• People Management: Provides coaching, line management, feedback, and support to team members in their portfolio, ensuring people goals are aligned with the portfolio’s' business strategy.
• Talent Acquisition & Hiring: Leads Talent Acquisition as main hiring manager for the portfolio.

GROWTH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

• Growth & New Business: leads a team of EU & Global communications and policy specialists whilst also building on the success of WS in corporate sustainability, food & agriculture; to expand and propel the business forward. Drives the growth strategy for the portfolio – actively seeks to grow portfolio through organic & proactive new business initiatives, activating own network of contacts in the industry.
• Organic growth: Demonstrates a sound understanding of our different areas of expertise, how these can be deployed to solve clients’ business challenges and creates opportunities for organic growth & synergies.
• Financial acumen: Collaborates with agency leadership to meet the portfolio’s financials goals and profitability targets.
• Industry knowledge: Advances industry/sector leadership and drives agency reputation through thought leadership, marketing and new business initiatives.

BUSINESS ACUMEN:

• Market Understanding: Maintain a deep understanding of industry dynamics, agency competitive landscape, and emerging trends within each expertise, guiding strategic decisions for client portfolio.

What do we offer?

Weber Shandwick Brussels offers invaluable opportunities for enthusiastic and driven individuals to grow as Public Affairs professionals. We offer a competitive salary with excellent benefits (mobile phone, group insurance, hospitalization & extra medical costs insurance, a representation allowance, lunch vouchers), 20 days annual leave + 10 days extra-legal holidays, and flexible working (including up to 6 weeks working from abroad).

About Us

Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands, businesses, and organizations in major markets around the world. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, we have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. The Weber Shandwick Collective is part of the wider Interpublic Group.

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