Trainee account executive

Closing date for applications: 12th January 2026

Location: London

Start date: September 2026

Contract: Full-time

Are you curious about how business, media, politics and current affairs shape the world we live in? Are you interested in how strategic communication shapes reputations, policies and real-world decisions? If so, Headland’s 2026 Trainee Programme offers the perfect first step in your career.

Headland is a fast-growing and award-winning communications consultancy working across corporate communications, public affairs, financial PR, and campaigning. We are powered by collaboration, and our clients include major UK and global brands, fast-growth businesses, and mission-driven organisations. We’re looking for collaborative, ambitious people to join our Trainee Programme, starting in September 2026.


What is Headland’s Trainee Programme?

Our Trainee Programme combines structured learning with real-world experience. You’ll develop the skills and confidence to become a well-rounded communications adviser—someone who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate with impact.

You’ll receive:

• 30+ hours of formal training in your first few weeks, plus access to ongoing learning & development sessions on a weekly basis as you build your consultancy skills. Sessions will cover media relations, digital strategy, sustainability, public affairs, research, and more.
• The chance to work on high-profile clients from the get-go.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated personal manager who provides regular coaching and career guidance, setting objectives as you work towards becoming an account executive.
• A buddy who will help you settle into agency life and be a friendly face to turn to if you’re ever unsure of anything.
• Regular feedback from your client teams to fuel your development.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds. No previous experience in communications is required — we’re interested in how you think, what you care about, and how you approach problems.

If the following sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you:

• You’ll have one of the following by September 2026:
  • A university degree (in any subject), OR
  • A completed Level 4 Apprenticeship in Public Relations, OR
  • Some professional work experience (communications sector experience not required)
• You’re genuinely interested in business, politics, media or current affairs
• You’re curious, eager to learn, and enjoy taking initiative
• You like working with others and bring a collaborative, can-do attitude
• You’re organised and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• You’re excited to build a career in communications and grow into a trusted adviser

What we offer at Headland

• A diverse, dynamic and inclusive culture, with supportive teams who want you to thrive
• Experience across a variety of high-profile clients and sectors
• Access to senior colleagues, mentors and buddies to help you develop
• Ongoing training throughout your career
• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

Additional information

Benefits include:

• Performance-related bonuses
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays (rising with tenure)
• 7.5% employer pension contribution (with sustainable investment options)
• Private medical insurance
• Life cover (4x salary)
• Company laptop and phone
• Enhanced parental leave policies
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Regular social events, team drinks and parties
• Free breakfasts, a fully stocked snack cupboard, and more!

If you’d like to apply for our 2026 Trainee Programme, please visit our website via the 'Apply' button.

Virtual interviews will be held in January and February and in-person inerviews will be held in Febuary and March at our London office.

We look forward to receiving your application.

At Headland, we’re proud to be an inclusive employer. We actively welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. We hire for culture add, not culture fit. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know—we’ll do our best to support you.

We’re also proud to have been awarded full accreditation by The Blueprint—an industry standard that promotes greater diversity in PR and communications by helping organisations attract, retain and nurture Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority talent.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.