Associate Director Healthcare | Home Counties | Competitive Salary + Benefits | Permanent
Our client, a specialist Healthcare PR Agency based in the Home Counties, is seeking an experienced Associate Director to join their senior team. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead healthcare communications campaigns whilst working with pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device clients in a thriving agency environment.
The Role
As Associate Director, you will take a senior role in managing key client accounts, leading strategic healthcare communications campaigns, and mentoring junior team members. You will work with prestigious pharmaceutical and healthcare clients on complex product launches, disease awareness campaigns, and reputation management initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage multiple healthcare client accounts with P&L responsibility
- Develop and execute strategic PR campaigns for pharmaceutical and biotech clients
- Manage product launch communications and market access strategies
- Oversee disease awareness campaigns and patient advocacy initiatives
- Ensure compliance with MHRA, ABPI, and other healthcare regulatory requirements
- Lead crisis communications and issue management for healthcare clients
- Mentor and develop account managers and executives within the team
- Drive new business development and support pitch presentations
- Build and maintain relationships with healthcare journalists and key opinion leaders
- Collaborate with medical affairs teams and healthcare professionals
- Manage agency relationships with patient groups and advocacy organisations
- Support the agency's thought leadership and business development activities
The Candidate
We are seeking a senior healthcare communications professional with extensive agency experience and deep understanding of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Essential Requirements:
- Minimum 7-10 years' experience in healthcare PR, preferably within agency environment
- Proven track record managing pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device accounts
- Strong understanding of healthcare regulatory environment (MHRA, ABPI, EMA)
- Experience with product launches and market access communications
- Excellent client management skills with P&L responsibility
- Knowledge of disease areas and therapeutic landscapes
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing and developing junior team members
- Degree in relevant field; scientific background highly advantageous
- Strong relationships within healthcare media and industry
Highly Desirable:
- Life sciences degree (Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, or related)
- ABPI qualification and understanding of pharmaceutical marketing codes
- Experience with rare diseases and specialty therapeutic areas
- Knowledge of health economics and market access
- Digital health communications experience
- Previous experience at a top-tier healthcare PR agency
- Professional PR qualification (CIPR or equivalent)
What's on Offer
- Highly competitive salary plus performance-related bonus
- Comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and pension
- Flexible working arrangements with hybrid options
- Professional development opportunities and healthcare training
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge healthcare innovations
- Clear progression pathway to Director level
- Collaborative team environment with leading healthcare expertise
- Convenient Home Counties location with excellent transport links
- Regular travel opportunities for international conferences and client meetings
This is an outstanding opportunity for a healthcare communications specialist to advance their career whilst working on meaningful campaigns that can improve patient outcomes.
For a confidential discussion about this senior opportunity, please contact Westminster Search.
How to Apply
To apply for this vacancy, please email joseph.henry@westminstersearch.com
Please attach a CV with your application.
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