Account Director

Valsoft Corporation; Swindon; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare communications agency in the UK seeks an experienced Account Director to lead client communications and manage financial processes. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in life sciences, preferably with a PhD, and substantial experience in medcomms or a pharmaceutical environment. Responsibilities include strategic input, client management, and maintaining relationships with opinion leaders. Strong leadership, project management skills, and a deep understanding of the healthcare environment are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Account Manager in a medcomms or pharma environment.
• Thorough understanding of the client's therapeutic area.
• Strong understanding of science and medicine and the Medical Education/Comms industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage communications program for each client from strategic input to daily management.
• Optimize financial management and monitor forecasts.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with opinion leaders.

Skills

Leadership skills

Project management

Communication

Financial acumen

Attention to detail

Ability to multitask

Education

Graduate in life sciences (ideally biomedical)

Higher degree (PhD) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Working as an Account Director as part of an Account Management team, alongside Medical Writers and a Creative team, to manage our client's requirements and deliver their projects.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Taking full ownership of the communications program for each client, ranging from strategic input to day‑to‑day management of tactics (based on the specific needs for each account)
• Ensuring optimal financial management of each account and demonstrate a clear understanding of all financial processes within the business
• Monitoring forecast and plans in conjunction with Senior Account Managers, Account Managers and Account Executives to ensure business objectives are met, on time and within budget.
• Ensuring the finance team is kept up to date with all relevant information and manage financial issues in a timely manner
• Keeping a thorough understanding of the clients' business objectives, product strategy and relevant therapeutic area. Clear communication of this to all internal team members, as relevant
• Having an in‑depth understanding of the relevant NHS organisations, policies and processes that impact upon the business
• Taking responsibility for building and maintaining professional relationships with opinion leaders (industry and NHS)
• Managing and influencing senior‑level client contacts and maintaining positive working relationships, immediately identifying any issues and leading remedial action, as required
• Promoting OPEN Health Medical Communications services to all clients, identifying new business opportunities
• Highlighting key issues to the GAD or Partner regarding key accounts and the account team, as appropriate
• Ensuring understanding and implementation of all OPEN Health Medical Communications procedures and quality standards across all account team members
• Ensuring all account team members take ownership for their business and appropriate levels of responsibility
• Supporting the GAD/Partner as a senior member of the team
• Ensuring the GAD/Partner is kept up to date on client activities
• Contributing to discussions regarding overall company strategy
• Coordinating effectively and efficiently with appropriate members of the team
• Ensuring effective cross‑company working on integrated accounts, where appropriate
• Supporting the development and training of Account Executives, Account Managers and Senior Account Managers
• Line managing AMs, SAEs, AEs, where appropriate

Qualifications

• Graduate in life sciences (ideally biomedical), higher degree (PhD) preferred
• Experience as a Senior Account Manager in a medcomms, healthcare agency or pharma environment
• Thorough understanding of the client's therapeutic area and ability to provide strategic input
• Strong understanding of science and medicine, the healthcare environment and the Medical Education/Comms industry
• Manager, trainer, delegator
• Strong leadership skills
• Approachability
• Significant experience in a healthcare agency or pharmaceutical company role
• Excellent project management and analytical skills
• Financial acumen
• Ability to multitask and prioritise; excellent time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Competent in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
• Sound understanding of the ABPI code of practice