Associate Director - Healthcare Communications (DATA)

Burson; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Burson, a WPP company, is hiring a Healthcare Communications Associate Director with data experience to lead integrated campaigns for pharmaceutical and healthcare clients in the UK and beyond.

You will translate complex data into compelling narratives, mentor account teams, and collaborate with creative, digital and strategy colleagues to deliver insightful, award-winning programs.

Burson offers a hybrid work model with four days in the office and ongoing development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering UK, EMEA, and global healthcare communications programmes.
• Strong track record building trusted client relationships and leading campaigns.
• Data-driven communications with brand storytelling across channels.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated, insight-led healthcare programmes for pharma/healthcare clients.
• Act as day-to-day lead across projects, ensuring high-quality delivery and KPI alignment.
• Translate complex healthcare data into compelling client narratives.
• Lead and inspire account teams, mentoring and fostering collaboration.
• Shape strategic proposals with senior leadership and contribute to business growth.
• Cultivate strong client relationships and provide strategic counsel.
• Collaborate with Burson's network to deliver bold, integrated campaigns.

Skills

Data experience

Healthcare comms

Team leadership

Mentorship

Job description

Who we are:

Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unitecutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counselin a single company –powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open,to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com

For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role
We are hiring a Healthcare communications Associate Director with Data experience or a keen interest in this area!

We are a diverse team of 45+ healthcare communications specialists who thrive on curiosity, the thrill of a challenge, good old-fashioned fun and working in partnership with clients to improve the health of the world, one brilliant idea at a time.

We deliver global, EMEA and UK integrated marketing communications solutions for many of the world's leading healthcare companies.

Our breadth of work is limitless, as we challenge ourselves to innovate in all that we do and really make a difference. If it's led by solid-insight or data, nothing is out of reach; from traditional media campaigns, data communications and brand launches, to multi-channel digital and social media programmes, to influencer campaigns and disease awareness initiatives, to patient apps or patient advocacy partnerships, to multi-award-winning corporate re-positioning videos and crisis management, the list is endless.

We believe that working here is a chance to change lives, including your own. We're a super supportive team with a warm, friendly and social culture. Through our solid PDP process and ongoing training and support, we pride ourselves on nurturing our people to be their very best.

What you’ll do

• Support the strategic development and delivery of integrated, insight-led communications programmes for pharmaceutical and healthcare clients.
• Act as a day-to-day lead across projects, ensuring high-quality delivery, alignment with client goals, and consistent performance against KPIs.
• Translate complex healthcare data (e.g. clinical trials, real-world evidence, HES data) into compelling narratives that support client messaging and engagement.
• Lead and inspire account teams, providing mentorship, fostering collaboration, and ensuring continued professional growth.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape strategic proposals and pitch documents, contributing to business development and organic account growth.
• Cultivate strong, trusted client relationships by demonstrating sector expertise, strategic counsel, and proactive problem-solving.
• Collaborate across Burson's network, including creative, digital, and strategy teams, to deliver bold, integrated campaigns that challenge the status quo.
• Contribute to the broader agency culture by actively participating in forums, operational initiatives, and thought leadership efforts.

Experience that contributes to success

• Proven experience delivering UK, EMEA, and global communications programmes for pharmaceutical and healthcare clients.
• Strong track record in building and maintaining trusted client relationships, with hands-on leadership of integrated campaigns.
• Skilled in data and brand communications, including digital, social media, disease awareness, and advocacy initiatives.
• Confident in managing project financials, forecasting, and reporting, with experience contributing to successful new business pitches.
• Demonstrated people management skills, including team leadership and direct line management.
• Known for being collaborative, curious, and committed to delivering high-quality, insight-led work.
• Brings a growth mindset with enthusiasm for learning, development, and tackling challenges positively.
• Values an inclusive, open-minded, and supportive team culture where individuality is embraced.

#LI-SF1

You belong at Burson:

Our vision is for Burson to be the leading 'academy company' for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today's leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we're an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That's why it's imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can't do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view - your talent is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it's how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.