Senior Consultant

We are an independent and agile strategic communications consultancy. For over 10 years, we've delivered exceptional work for individuals and organisations worldwide, from Forbes, Maybourne Hotels and Kering, to DAZN, Aegon, and News UK.

We're small enough to give clients our full attention, yet big enough to handle the most complex and high stakes briefs. Our dynamic, deeply connected team works across corporate communications, crisis management, and public affairs.

Our structure enables us to deliver fully integrated, data and behaviour driven solutions. We're ambitious, for ourselves and for our clients, and we're growing every day.

We believe in empowering our people with autonomy, supporting innovation, and having fun along the way. Diversity of thought and background fuels our creativity and collaboration, and we're committed to building an inclusive, connected culture where everyone can thrive.

Our People

At Hawthorn, we put our clients and our people at the heart of everything we do. We empower our colleagues with the freedom and autonomy that enables them to deliver outstanding results for our clients. We thrive on challenges, embrace innovative ideas, and believe in having fun along the way. If you're seeking a dynamic environment that values creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit; offers diverse and challenging opportunities; fosters continuous learning; and encourages collaboration among big thinkers, then Hawthorn is the place for you.

Building an inclusive and connected culture is crucial to our success. Hawthorn is a sum of its people, and we believe the best way to drive collaboration, unlock creativity, and enable innovation is through combining different perspectives, experiences, and ideas. Therefore, we are committed to building a diverse and equitable environment where everyone at Hawthorn feels they belong.

Our Values

• Creative: You are an innovative thinker who brings originality and flair to every challenge.
• Ambitious: You are driven and passionate, with an unwavering commitment to achieving both your personal goals and the company's objectives.
• Entrepreneurial: You are a proactive self starter, always looking to build networks and capitalize on new opportunities.
• Collaborative: You are a dedicated team player who supports colleagues, builds strong partnerships, and is committed to helping others succeed while delivering impactful results.
• Connected: You excel at forging and maintaining strong relationships, ensuring that ideas and opportunities flow smoothly within the team and with clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day to day client activities, with a primary focus on clients in the financial services sector, serving as the central coordinator to provide strategic counsel to clients within deadlines.
• Oversee and take accountability for the quality of work produced by the team, managing multiple projects simultaneously to a high standard and challenge internal thinking.
• Review junior team members' written work, providing timely feedback to ensure accuracy and develop work independently to a client ready standard with minimal senior input.
• Regularly contribute to client presentations and new business pitches with clear, confident insights and advice.
• Spot and leverage reactive or news hijacking opportunities through proactive editorial or repurposing content.
• Possess in depth knowledge of the UK media landscape - including both national and specialist trade outlets - as well as handling international media outlets effectively.
• Stay connected with the communications industry by reading sector publications and attending relevant events, talks, and panels to understand industry approaches and inspire innovative strategies.
• Consistently practice Hawthorn's values in your work and behaviour, actively contribute to the company's daily life and culture, and support a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone is treated equitably and valued.
• Actively assist the Management Board in implementing new initiatives and effectively communicate business information throughout the organization.
• Actively participate in and promote regular training sessions (formal and informal) for yourself and the team.
• Identify cross sell opportunities for client challenges.
• Promote practices that improve profitability by encouraging time management across client workstreams, utilising appropriate technology and AI to drive efficiencies.
• Collaborate with Directors and Associate Directors to identify organic growth areas and develop delivery plans.
• Actively network and run events when appropriate to support business development.
• Responsible for accurately completing weekly timesheets in Float to support project tracking, efficiency, and client servicing.

Qualifications & Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage teams, projects, and client relationships effectively, acting as a conduit between the team and the Director on the account.
• Strong capability in developing and executing communication strategies and contributing to new business initiatives.
• Skilled in managing client expectations, providing strategic counsel, and delivering high quality work.
• Proficient with communications platforms (databases and monitoring services).
• Comprehensive understanding of the media landscape and effective engagement with media outlets.
• Ability to stay informed on financial services industry trends and apply insights to inspire and innovate.
• Commitment to practicing company values and supporting a diverse, inclusive workplace.
• Experience in running training sessions and promoting continuous learning within the team.
• Proficient in identifying opportunities for growth, cross selling, and actively networking to support business development.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries that fully reflect your skills and experience, and benefits that support your mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing:

• Benefits including Pension, Salary Exchange, nursery salary sacrifice scheme, medical and life insurance, plus cycle to work and technology schemes.
• Flexible working options based around home and office locations, with flexible working patterns.
• Time off including annual, parental, sabbatical, and volunteering leave.
• 25 days annual leave in year one, 26 days thereafter.
• Annual charity day where an employee can volunteer their time to a chosen charity of their choice.
• A continuous learning culture to support your growth.
• Proactive wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), sick leave provision, mental health first aiders, and menopause app Peppy.
• Office perks including breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks.
• A packed social calendar which includes sports and cultural activities, charity bike rides, plus not to be missed summer and Christmas parties each year.