Vice President, Client Experience

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 Senior Associate or 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 and industries, 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 collaborate with other areas of our business 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
• Fluency in both Japanese and English as you’ll be working with both local and international clients
• 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

 

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About the opportunity: 

Weber Shandwick is seeking an experienced and ambitious Executive Vice President (EVP) for our Healthcare team in Japan. This pivotal role involves spearheading public relations and communications strategies for our esteemed international and domestic clients within the healthcare sector.

Responsibilities:

Client Management:

• Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor for our Healthcare clients based in Tokyo
• Develop and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and retention.
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior client communications, providing strategic counsel and guidance on PR and communications initiatives.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their business objectives and align communication strategies to meet their goals.
• Lead client presentations, pitches, and strategic planning sessions to drive client success.
• Work closely with Weber Shandwick regional and global account leads within Healthcare, ensuring global client relationships are maintained.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Develop comprehensive strategic communication plans for healthcare clients, aligning with their business objectives and target audiences.
• Oversee the execution of PR campaigns, product launches, medical education programs, and events to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to inform strategic planning and decision-making.

Team Leadership and Mentoring:

• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to a team of healthcare communications professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Set clear expectations, provide guidance, and empower team members to excel in their roles.
• Conduct performance evaluations, identify training needs, and facilitate professional development opportunities for team members.

Industry Expertise and Thought Leadership:

• Act as a thought leader, representing Weber Shandwick and sharing insights at industry events, conferences, and through thought leadership content.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property, research, and whitepapers that showcase Weber Shandwick’s expertise in healthcare PR & communications.

 

PERSON PROFILE

• At least 10 years’ experience in Healthcare communications and previous experience of working in an agency environment. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in both Japanese and English
• Extensive experience in healthcare communications, with a proven track record of managing PR campaigns, client relationships, and team leadership within an agency setting.  
• You’re a thought leader across the industry with a strong network across international and domestic Healthcare and Pharmaceutical companies in Japan.  
• Proven people leader who can demonstrate their ability to manage teams and individuals and provide them with the support and encouragement that enables them to perform to their fullest  
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing integrated communications strategies within the healthcare sector.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to drive growth and deliver impactful results for clients. 

 

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.

 

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