Sharp Sense is an independent consultancy specialising in reputation and strategic communications. We advise organisations and their leaders when business, human, political, societal and media dynamics intersect.
SHARP is how we approach the work. We dig into complex situations, challenge assumptions and turn analysis into a clear point of view — leading to a decision, a position, a message or an action. No PowerPoint factory. No strategy disconnected from our clients’ reality.
SENSE is how we read situations, and how we work. Reputation is shaped by people, perceptions, interests, power dynamics and context. Understanding these forces is part of the job. So is proximity. We avoid unnecessary layers. And we work within an ecosystem of around 30 specialists across strategy, creative, branding and digital, including Hungry Minds and KingSize.
Our belief is simple: reputation cannot be managed in silos. What an organisation says needs to connect with what it does, what it decides and what people experience. That is what we mean by Building Organic Legitimacy.
What will you do
You will work directly with Sharp Sense’s partners and specialists across our ecosystem and you will progressively take ownership of your own clients and assignments. Your role will move between analysis, strategic advice and execution.
You will:
- get under the skin of an organisation and quickly understand what is really at stake;
- analyse stakeholders, perceptions, risks, power dynamics and emerging issues;
- turn complexity into clear strategic recommendations;
- advise clients on positioning, messaging and sensitive decisions;
- develop communication strategies, audits, stakeholder maps, message frameworks and crisis approaches;
- manage client relationships and coordinate implementation;
- write the note, statement, argument or recommendation that is needed, sometimes within hours rather than weeks.
Some assignments require distance and deep analysis.
Others require quick judgement and action. Often, they require both.
What you will work on
Our assignments range from Belgian to international contexts, across sectors where reputation matters and scrutiny is high. Your work will focus on corporate reputation and legitimacy, through assignments involving:
- Corporate, financial, ESG & governance communications
- Internal communication & transformation
- Reputation audits & strategic diagnostics
- Sensitive issues, crisis & stakeholder acceptance
- Media relations & executive positioning
- E-reputation, social media & the information environment
The mix is intentional. We want experienced consultants to keep sharpening their judgement and developing their expertise, not spend the next few years repeating variations of the same assignment.
What we are looking for
- 7+ years of relevant experience in strategic or corporate communications, either in consultancy or within a substantial organisation, with solid exposure to areas such as reputation, media relations, crisis, internal communications or transformation.
- You see beyond the brief. You quickly grasp the context, the interests at play, the power dynamics, the sensitivities, and what actually matters.
- You form a point of view. You do not simply process information or execute requests. You challenge assumptions, make choices and stand behind your recommendations.
- You are comfortable with complexity and pressure. You can enter an unfamiliar environment, get up to speed quickly and stay clear-headed when the pace accelerates.
- You write extremely well. You can turn complex or sensitive issues into clear, precise language whether it is a strategic note, an executive briefing, a press statement or five lines needed immediately.
- You use AI tools, but you own the output. You know how to harness its speed and power without outsourcing your judgement, accuracy or responsibility.
- You are curious, pragmatic and willing to dig deeper. You do not stop at the obvious answer, but you know when analysis needs to turn into action.
- You take initiative. You do not wait to be told what comes next when you can see what needs to be done.
- You are fluent in French, with an excellent command of Dutch and English.
What you can expect from us
- A permanent contract and salary package reflecting your experience.
- Direct access to the partners and a genuine voice in the agency.
- Real ownership of client assignments.
- Exposure to complex issues where communication intersects with business, people, politics and society.
- A varied portfolio of sectors and assignments that allows you to keep developing professionally.
- Access to a wider ecosystem of strategic, creative, branding and digital expertise.
- A working environment that actively integrates social, digital and AI developments into the way we understand reputation and practise communication.
- Flexible working between remote work and our Brussels and Namur offices.
In short, the agility of a younf consultancy, the depth of senior experience and enough room to make your mark.
Sounds like your kind of consulting? Let's talk !