Meet the analysis team: Alistair Steward – Client Insight Manager
Our analysis and insights team create the bespoke reports and coverage summaries that are at the very core of the media intelligence Cision provides.
The team are absolute reporting experts and combine their knowledge of the media landscape with their love of data!
Happily, due to a recent raft of internal promotions, we have the following roles available: Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Senior Research Analyst and Client Insight Manager so we sat down with Alistair Steward, Client Insight Manager to talk to him about his role here and why Cision is such a great place to work.
How long have you worked here?
Two years in monitoring and almost three years in intelligence.
Tell me about your current role?
I recently got promoted to Client Insights Manager, so my role involves managing some of the department’s largest accounts, spearheading internal initiatives and line managing junior colleagues.
How did your background lead you here?
I’m a geography graduate so I enjoy work where I can combine writing with analysis of data. I also have a keen interest in the media – at university I helped create the biggest news outlet on campus, and becoming editor in my final year.
I decided that journalism was too cutthroat to pursue as a career but wanted to work in a closely related field, so media evaluation seemed like a good fit.
What do you like most about working for us?
Great colleagues and friends in the department. We have a good bunch of friendly, motivated people from a variety of interesting backgrounds.
How would you describe the work environment?
We’re based in a modern office in Canary Wharf which is light and spacious. We’ve just started a collaborative library as there are lots of big readers in the department, and we’re a short walk from the local ‘Spoons which is always good fun on a Friday.
What would you hope a new hire could contribute to the department?
I really like working with people who take initiative to increase accuracy and efficiency – so for example learning new excel tricks to speed up report writing, or putting together a new process for sourcing coverage from clients. Team members of all levels have a lot of autonomy in the department to make changes to the way their accounts work, and it’s always good to see people taking advantage of this.
Which skills have you developed while progressing here?
Leadership, relationship building with clients, and Excel skills.
Name three things you think it takes to succeed in your role?
Prioritisation – as there is usually a lot going on simultaneously, written and verbal communication to write reports and speak to clients and attention to detail when it comes to data.
What is your greatest achievement at Cision?
Outside the nitty gritty of tight report turnarounds, probably forging strong relationships with senior communications professionals at global brands including Xbox and Bayer.
Would you like to come and work with us? If you love reporting, are hot on Excel and want to work in a very cool but corporate environment – take a look at our open job roles in more detail.
