Director, People

Who is Weber Shandwick?

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses. 

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024. 

 

What’s Happening?

We’re looking for a talented Manager to join our Consumer team. Our communications offer is rapidly evolving as clients turn to us for strategically focused and imaginative communications solutions that build and protect their reputations while influencing and shaping the operating environment around them.

The ideal candidate will be able to draw upon experiences bringing knowledge and insight into a range of sectors, combined with excellent client servicing and media relations skills. You’ll also need a strong understanding of how digital fits into wider integrated communications programmes, as well as brilliant technical writing skills and a keen eye for detail when it comes to managing project progress.

What will you be doing?

• Building trust and confidence with clients by consistently ensuring that executional work is delivered by the team on time, within budget and to an exceptional standard of quality
• Demonstrating stand-out project management skills, making sure that internal and external deadlines are managed to deliver work on time, including overseeing junior colleagues’ delivery of progress tracking, contact reports and media monitoring summaries
• Developing tactical plans for client activities and working with your account teams to ensure your clients are getting the best expertise and experience Weber Shandwick has to offer
• Writing a range of copy, including press releases and feature articles, as well as posts for clients’ digital and social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Managing the media every day, proactively identifying and driving coverage opportunities which support clients’ business and communications objectives
• Participating in the creative development of integrated campaigns for new and existing clients, and supporting the team in researching and preparing new business opportunities

 

Who are you?

• At least 3 years of experience of working in an account servicing role in a PR agency, ideally servicing Consumer clients
• Native Japanese and strong English language skills as you’ll be working with both domestic and international clients and stakeholders 
• Ambitious, with a passion for public relations and the vision to progress your career to a senior level with Weber Shandwick
• Unafraid to ask questions and to challenge clients’ and colleagues’ perspectives when necessary
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrable experience in public relations and communications
• Proven media skills and relationships with national and trade journalists
• An avid consumer of media with an active interest in news and current affairs
• Able to digest complex information and turn into compelling written copy
• A lateral thinker – able to join the dots between various projects, and solve problems!
• Fluency in digital/social media platforms, with an appetite to learn more

 

#LI-LW1

 

 

EA to Managing Director, Japan

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses. 

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024. 

 

Overview

We are seeking a bright and motivated Executive Assistant with a proven track record and a passion for excellence to support our Managing Director in Japan, including responsibilities related to internal communications.

Responsibilities: 

• Manage MD’s calendar and schedule, including arranging external and internal meetings with colleagues, clients and business partners, and optimizing their access to MD
• Attend weekly and monthly management meetings to take minutes
• Support administrative tasks around client service, working closely with Team Leaders to consolidate critical information and action items
• Research and reserve venues for business meetings and entertainment per MD request
• Input time in internal time record system on behalf of MD in a timely manner
• Processes expense claims in a timely manner
• Arrange seasons greetings and gifts for colleagues, clients and business partners per MD request
• Keep MD’s contact list up to date throughout the year
• Act as point of contact for various corporate memberships, creating purchase orders, processing invoices, and ensuring registration information is up to date

Internal Communications

• Planning, organizing, and providing support for town hall meetings and kickoff events and company parties.
• Crafting and distributing impactful press releases while fostering and maintaining strong media relationships.
• Strategically managing and optimizing the use of social media platforms to enhance brand presence.
• Overseeing the development and maintenance of the corporate website and other corporate communications materials.
• Driving internal communications efforts, including the regular publication of engaging internal newsletters to strengthen team alignment and engagement.

 

Requirements:

• More than 5 years’ experience in EA or secretarial work in a multinational environment
• Good communicator, with ability to convey information accurately to internal and external stakeholders
• Professional and discrete in handling confidential information
• A proactive problem-solver with interest in business AI tools to streamline the MD’s workflow and approval processes
• Business level Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word. (Familiarity with SharePoint a plus.)
• Business level English and native Japanese

 

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

#LI-LW1

 

About the opportunity:  

Weber Shandwick is currently seeking an ambitious Vice President for our Consumer team to oversee key international accounts. The ideal candidate will enjoy creating integrated marketing and communications strategies, providing high level guidance to advice to clients and be a natural leader and mentor. You’ll be a native Japanese speaker, with fluency in English. More junior candidates will be considered for an AD position. 

You’ll be working with a brilliant team to oversee the running of the accounts, provide counsel and strategic direction, and motivate the team to craft exceptional, award-winning work! 

  

Responsibilities: 

• Planning and execution of integrated marketing and communication strategies and tactics for international consumer clients  

• Provide strategic counsel to clients where possible, being able to assess problems and define logical and effective solutions for clients. 

• Lead the delivery of high quality earned activity, which includes development of media and channel strategies, story development and management of third parties. 

• Brief and inform account teams. Communicate expectations/goals to team on an ongoing basis, helping to keep team motivated by communicating clear tasks and actions. 

• Leading the team and being there to support and advise, working closely with them to motivate and drive performance and provide guidance on their career development.  

• Development of digital and social strategies – you’ll be working together with the regional digital team to craft integrated ideas and campaigns for clients  

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients and improve the company’s reputation in terms of delivery and quality. 

  

Who are you? 

• At least 8 years of relevant PR and Communications experience, with some PR agency experience and an understanding of Consumer clients.  

• A brilliant understanding of what makes an earned story – and how to make them travel across multiple channels 

• An excellent communicator, you build connections and trust quickly with the people around you 

• Previous experience of managing a team and a natural leader and mentor. You’ll enjoy developing and nurturing talent and be able to quickly identify areas of development and execute training where needed.   

• Strategic mindset – you will be able to anticipate potential roadblocks and keep ahead of the curve with emerging trends 

• Proven project management skills, leading multiple teams, as well as interagency, to deliver work that 

• Strong social and digital acumen – highly competent at developing and executing influencer programs, social listening and wider digital and social strategies 

• Experience in planning and execution of multi-channel communications strategies and tactics 

• Fluent in both Japanese and English and a strong  and confident communicator when presenting to clients and dealing with internal stakehdolders.  

  

COMPANY OVERVIEW 

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.   

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year and PRovoke Global SABRES’ 2024 Global Healthcare Agency of the Year, as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.   

  

TWSC VALUES   

Everything we do at TWSC is rooted in our core values of CURIOSITY, INCLUSION, COURAGE and IMPACT.  

We believe that the world of work has changed, which is why we have developed a unique employee experience that reflects the world we’re living in. Here’s what we offer:   

Flexible Working – We understand the need for flexible working and empower our employees to deliver impactful work wherever they are based.   

Global Mobility –We unlock opportunities for our employees by utilising our powerful network, and through our mobility initiative Access All Areas, which includes policies on ‘Work from Anywhere’, ‘International Relocation’ and our global ‘Explorer Program’   

Inclusive Culture – We look for qualified people from all backgrounds who are restless, curious and want to deliver impactful work in an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. We strive every day to foster as inclusive a culture as possible.  

Mental Health and Wellbeing – Helping our people stay happy, healthy, and productive is our number one priority, so we’ll support your day-to-day life with our bespoke Intellect wellbeing offering.   

  

A note on inclusion 

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. 

#LI-LW1