Head Of Influence & Social Emea

Overview

Burson, part of WPP, is a global communications leader dedicated to creating value for clients through reputation. With specialised teams, industry-leading technologies and innovative creative solutions, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage. Working at Burson means joining a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the forefront of innovation.

About WPP

WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We combine 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, we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

For more information about Burson, visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Role Summary

The Head of Influence and Social, EMEA will serve as the regional lead for influencer strategy across EMEA. This role involves shaping the go-to-market influencer offer, advising senior clients, leading integrated pitches, and overseeing delivery and adoption across multiple markets. Working within a multi-disciplinary team including social media, creative, strategy, data and intelligence, and the EMEA Transformation Team, you will establish the operating model, tool-set and measurement framework to enable markets to deliver client work disruptively, consistently, compliantly and at scale.

The role focuses on three core pillars: Grow, Enable, and Transform, driving Burson’s influence offering across the EMEA region with an emphasis on growth, operational excellence and strategic transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regional growth in Influence by driving high-priority new business, organic growth, and development of best-in-class influencer-first creative work across EMEA.
• Set and execute the annual EMEA influence strategy to elevate Burson’s market position through thought leadership, standout credentials, and compelling marketing assets.
• Roll out and embed Cultural Flow, ensuring markets adopt consistent best practice, receive updated materials, and engage in continuous training and capability building.
• Strengthen teams through upskilling by delivering training in cultural trends, influencer strategy, AI, and platform developments, and establishing feedback loops to accelerate regional learning.
• Integrate and optimise AI and technology platforms, including WPP Open, CreatorIQ, and other tools, to evolve Burson’s influencer offering.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with key social and influencer platforms (e.g., TikTok, Meta) to maintain Burson’s leadership in market developments and emerging opportunities.
• Partner across sectors and global teams to align on global standards, develop tailored influencer offerings, and contribute to Burson’s global “Future of Social & Influence” strategy.
• Lead market intelligence and measurement innovation by scanning trends, identifying whitespace, ensuring compliance, and shaping a modernised influencer measurement approach with data teams.

Experience and Skills

• Proven leadership in a senior influence or marketing role within a global or EMEA-focused agency or large enterprise, with a track record of driving significant growth and innovation.
• Deep expertise in influencer marketing strategy and execution, including strong knowledge of cultural trends, platform dynamics (e.g., TikTok, Meta), and regulatory compliance in the EMEA region.
• Demonstrated ability to build and nurture strategic relationships with key platforms, internal stakeholders and clients to unlock new business opportunities and foster cross-collaboration.
• Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive training programmes and best practices for large, geographically dispersed teams, focusing on upskilling in emerging technologies such as AI and advanced data and performance approaches.
• Strong commercial mindset with a history of identifying and converting high-priority business opportunities, articulating value and driving adoption of new offerings.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate market shifts, identify whitespace opportunities, and lead transformational initiatives in a fast-paced, evolving industry.

Why Join Burson?

Burson aims to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We offer a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues can elevate their skills, expand their networks, and deliver outstanding solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to growth is reflected in robust benefits and people programmes, including professional development opportunities, mentorship with industry leaders, and a vibrant, inclusive culture fostering collaboration and innovation.

We invest in our people because their success is our success. At Burson, we are an agency of learn-it-alls, recognising that creativity and communications require nuanced understanding. We are committed to hiring extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities, as your unique perspective is essential to inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our clients.

We believe the best work happens when we are together, fostering creativity, collaboration and connection. Our hybrid working approach involves teams being in the office approximately four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Additional Information

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