Business Director

Role Overview

The Business Director: Corporate PR is a senior leadership role responsible for driving strategic direction, operational excellence, and business growth within the Corporate PR team. This individual will lead a high-performing team, oversee key client relationships, develop and execute corporate communications strategies, and ensure the highest standards in media relations, stakeholder engagement, internal communications, and integrated marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in corporate PR, proven agency experience, strong crisis management capabilities, fluency in multimedia content creation, and a passion for delivering impactful results for clients across diverse industries.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement comprehensive corporate PR strategies aligned with client objectives and organisational goals.
• Advise C-suite executives and senior stakeholders on reputation management, messaging, and thought leadership.
• Anticipate industry trends and proactively adapt strategies to address emerging issues and opportunities.
• Champion integrated marketing communications by collaborating with creative, digital, and marketing teams to deliver unified campaigns.

Media Relations & Stakeholder Management

• Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with top-tier business, financial, and trade media.
• Secure positive media coverage and manage media inquiries, interviews, and press events.
• Build and nurture relationships with key external stakeholders, including regulators, industry bodies, NGOs, and community leaders.

Internal Communications

• Oversee the development and execution of internal communication plans for clients to foster employee engagement and alignment.
• Support change management initiatives and executive communications within client organisations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of corporate PR professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, identify training needs, and support career development.
• Champion ethical practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team.

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and lead pitch presentations.
• Grow existing accounts by identifying upsell and cross-sell opportunities.
• Contribute to the overall profitability and growth of the Corporate PR unit.

Issue & Crisis Management

• Provide expert counsel and hands-on leadership during issue and crisis situations, ensuring effective response strategies and protecting client reputations.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans, conduct scenario planning, and provide media training as needed.

Integrated Marketing & Multi-Media Content

• Work seamlessly within an integrated marketing environment, collaborating with advertising, digital, and creative teams to deliver holistic solutions.
• Lead the development and distribution of multi-media content (video, audio, graphics, written) that supports corporate communications objectives.
• Oversee the use of social and digital media platforms to enhance corporate reputation, engage stakeholders, and amplify campaign reach.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee project delivery, ensuring work is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Implement efficient processes and workflows to optimize team productivity and client satisfaction.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators, campaign results, and market trends.

Desired Skills and Experiences

• Experience: 10-15 years experience in corporate PR, with at least 5 years in an agency environment. Journalism experience is highly advantageous.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams of PR professionals.
• Strategy: Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing complex corporate communications strategies, including integrated marketing campaigns.
• Media Relations: Established network of high-level media contacts; strong track record in securing top-tier media coverage.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience managing relationships with senior executives, board members, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
• Crisis Management: Significant experience handling sensitive issues and crises, including rapid response and recovery strategies.
• Internal Communications: Ability to design and deliver effective internal communication programs.
• Business Development: Strong commercial acumen, with a track record of winning new business and growing client accounts.
• Multimedia Content: Expertise in creating and overseeing the production of multimedia content (written, video, audio, graphics) for various platforms.
• Social & Digital Media: Deep understanding of leveraging social and digital media channels for corporate communications, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Integrated Marketing: Experience working in or alongside integrated marketing teams to deliver cohesive, cross-channel campaigns.
• Written & Presentation Skills: Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills; able to distill complex information into clear, compelling messages.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, comfortable engaging with senior leaders and large audiences.
• Education: Bachelors degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• Digital Acumen: Understanding of digital and social media platforms as they relate to corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement.
• Ethics & Compliance: Commitment to ethical practice and compliance with industry regulations and company policies.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Confident, credible, and persuasive communicator.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive, adaptable, and resilient under pressure.
• Passionate about building strong teams and nurturing talent.