Associate Director, Insights, Analytics & AI Advisory

About We.

As part of one of the largest independent strategic communications agencies in the world — with 22 offices globally and more than 1,100 people — our UK team brings together deep sector expertise, diverse thinking and creative problem-solving to help brands lead through complexity. With roots in technology, innovation and societal change, we’ve spent decades at the intersection of technology and humanity — bridging the gap between what businesses create and how people experience those creations.

In a world defined by relentless change — from rising expectations and widening inequalities to disruptive technology and constant noise — even the strongest organisations can struggle to be heard. That’s where We. comes in. What sets us apart isn’t just what we do, but how we do it. We thrive where disciplines intersect — when social impact meets youth engagement, technology meets science, or corporate reputation meets health — and our teams are designed deliberately with this in mind.

For 40 years, We. has shown the power of working together. In the UK, we carry that spirit forward every day — challenging assumptions, applying innovation and helping organisations find clarity, relevance and growth in an ever-evolving world.

When you join We., you will find compelling work, global partnerships, worthwhile professional development, outstanding benefits and the opportunity to make a difference. We value those who share our belief in the power of change, discovery and innovation. We invest in our future by creating an open and welcoming workplace full of bright, skilled and determined people.

In London, We. is committed to a hybrid working model, supporting a working arrangement with at least two days in the office per week, Tuesday and Thursday. This approach enables us to nurture a culture of collaboration, flexibility, and inclusivity.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an intellectually curious, commercially minded and highly hands-on insights specialist to help shape the future of We. Communications' UK strategic advisory offer.

This role sits at the intersection of insights, strategy, analytics, measurement and emerging AI-powered communications. You will work closely with leaders across our Corporate, Technology, Health and Social Impact practices, helping teams and clients understand what matters, what happens next and what they should do about it.

You will turn complex information into clear strategic direction. One day that might mean uncovering audience, stakeholder or media insights that shape a communications strategy. The next, it could involve building a measurement framework, supporting a competitive pitch, delivering strategic counsel to a client leadership team, or developing a new AI-powered service offering.

We are looking for someone who enjoys both the thinking and the doing - someone who can analyse data, identify meaningful insight, build compelling narratives and influence decision-making at the highest level.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys getting into the detail, building the analysis, finding the insight and presenting the recommendation, while also helping clients and colleagues see the bigger picture.

You will also play a key role in the evolution of our AI-enabled insights and advisory capability, including Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), AI Search and emerging opportunities across the communications landscape. The right person, aspires to build and lead our UK insights capability and also help define what it becomes next.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Insight & Advisory

• Lead insight generation across client programmes, strategic planning processes and new business opportunities.
• Translate complex data, research and intelligence into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Identify emerging trends, stakeholder expectations, cultural shifts and reputational opportunities that shape communications strategy.
• Partner with creative and client teams to develop insight-led campaigns, messaging platforms and earned-first ideas.
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior clients and internal stakeholders.

Analytics, Research & Measurement

• Design and deliver research programmes spanning audience, stakeholder, competitor, industry and issues analysis.
• Build measurement frameworks, dashboards and evaluation approaches that demonstrate communications effectiveness and business impact.
• Conduct and oversee qualitative and quantitative analysis across media, social, search, reputation and digital channels.
• Move beyond reporting outputs to uncover the “so what” and provide meaningful interpretation and recommendations.
• Continuously evolve how we measure, evaluate and optimise communications performance.

AI, GEO & Innovation

• Play a leading role in the development of our AI-enabled insights and advisory capability.
• Support the growth and delivery of AI Search and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) services.
• Develop approaches to AI visibility, authority building, measurement and optimisation.
• Champion responsible adoption of AI across research, analytics and planning workflows.
• Stay close to developments in AI, search, measurement and communications technology, identifying opportunities for clients and the agency.

Business Growth & Product Development

• Support new business pitches through insight-led thinking, research and strategic recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships through new insight and analytics offerings.
• Develop scalable products, frameworks and approaches that can be packaged and commercialised across the agency.
• Help shape the future direction of the agency’s insights, analytics and AI services.
• Contribute thought leadership that enhances our market profile and differentiates our offer.

Competencies

• Exceptional ability to turn data into insight, insight into strategy and strategy into action.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent data storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues for non-technical audiences.
• Highly curious with a natural instinct for uncovering the insight that others miss.
• Commercially minded and comfortable identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging senior clients and agency leaders.
• Collaborative and influential across multidisciplinary teams.
• Passionate about emerging technologies and the future role of AI within communications and reputation management.

PREVIOUS PROVEN EXPERIENCE

• Significant experience in insights, analytics, research, intelligence, measurement, planning or strategy within an agency environment.
• Demonstrable experience translating complex data into strategic recommendations that influence business or communications decisions.
• Strong experience across both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Experience working with a variety of data sources including media monitoring, social listening, search intelligence, audience research, stakeholder intelligence, digital analytics and cultural trends.
• Proven ability to build and present compelling insight-led narratives to senior stakeholders and clients.
• Experience creating measurement frameworks, dashboards and reporting programmes that demonstrate impact and effectiveness.
• Experience supporting new business opportunities, strategic pitches and organic growth initiatives.
• Experience and interest in AI-powered insights, AI Search, GEO and emerging technologies.
• Proficiency with relevant research, listening and analytics platforms such as Talkwalker, Brandwatch, Signal AI, Muck Rack, GWI, Audiense, Google Analytics and other industry-standard tools.

CULTURE

• Fast paced (frequent tight deadlines, multitasking, etc.)
• Strong customer service orientation
• Spirited (look for inquisitive employees who will ask questions, challenge and get stuck in)
• Non-hierarchical, open working environment (ability to work in a team, contribute to meetings)
• Social (willing to get involved in agency life and with your peer group)

When you apply for a role at We. Communications, we will automatically consider your application for other suitable live roles. Please do not submit multiple applications.

We. Communications seeks to hire the best talent in the industry. We. Communications is able to sponsor candidates under the UK’s points-based immigration system if a candidate is not eligible to work in the UK under any other visa route. Effective April 2024 new minimum salary thresholds were introduced for roles which require sponsorship. Based on these new thresholds, it is We. Communications’ understanding that this role may not meet the new minimum salary requirements. Sponsorship for this role will be dependent on eligibility. Candidates who possess the right to work in the UK through alternate visa routes or who have no restriction on their right to work in the UK are welcome to apply.

The above Job Description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees. All new hires may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as required by the business.