Key Account Manager / Director – Pharma (UK)

Closerstill Media; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

CloserStill Media is seeking a commercially driven Senior Sales & Account Manager to lead relationships with major pharma clients. This strategic role focuses on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities within healthcare.

You will build senior-level partnerships, exceed revenue targets, and manage multi-event packages while navigating NHS priorities and ABPI considerations. Travel nationally and internationally as required, and lead negotiations end-to-end.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' B2B sales experience in pharma or life sciences
• Strong consultative sales skills with proven ability to exceed revenue targets
• Excellent networker who can navigate large, complex organisations
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Highly motivated, target-driven, and results-oriented
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally
• Desirable: existing pharma network; background in event sales, media, or agencies serving pharma clients
• Knowledge of UK healthcare system, ABPI compliance, and NHS buyer behaviour

Responsibilities

• Identify, target, and secure key pharma accounts for sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
• Build and nurture deep relationships with major pharmaceutical companies
• Achieve and exceed sales targets through renewals, upselling, cross-selling, and multi-event packages
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and contract negotiations
• Create and manage dynamic account plans aligned with client goals
• Proactively network across marketing, medical affairs, R&D, commercial, and external engagement teams
• Map organisational structures to expand account penetration
• Stay informed on NHS priorities, ICB/ICS structures, ABPI Code, and pharma policy trends
• Attend and support CloserStill's UK healthcare events throughout the year
• Work with content, marketing, and operations teams to shape commercially attractive propositions
• Stay on top of pharma industry trends and competitor activity
• Maintain a robust pipeline via CRM

Skills

B2B sales

Pharma/Life sciences knowledge

Consultative selling

Networking

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Travel flexibility

Job description

WHO WE ARE:

At CloserStill, we strive to deliver the best. We're on a mission to be the most dynamic B2B events and communities business in every market we serve, bringing people together to learn, connect and grow.

Operating across five regions, we power over 200 market-leading events, publications and brands across Business Technologies, Healthcare, Learning, HR & Education, and Future Transport & Infrastructure.

But what truly sets us apart is our people.

Our teams are diverse, driven, and united by a shared commitment to excellence.Rooted in our core values of ownership, empathy, teamwork, integrity, and determination, weempower every employee to grow, shape their own path and make a meaningful impact.

Joining CloserStill means being part of something bigger - not just building events, but creating opportunities, connections, and lasting value for the communities we serve.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We're looking for a commercially driven, relationship-focused sales professional with deep pharma sector knowledge to join our Healthcare Key Accounts team. This is a strategic role for someone who knows how to open doors, build trust with senior stakeholders, and turn complex client relationships into long-term revenue partnerships.

If you're passionate about healthcare, thrive on hitting (and smashing) targets, and have a proven track record selling into major pharmaceutical companies, we want to hear from you.

THE ROLE:

Strategic Sales & Account Management:

• Identify, target, and secure key pharma accounts for sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
• Build and nurture deep relationships with major pharmaceutical companies
• Achieve and exceed sales targets through renewals, upselling, cross-selling, and multi-event packages
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and contract negotiations
• Create and manage dynamic account plans aligned with client goals

Client Relationship Development:

• Proactively network across marketing, medical affairs, R&D, commercial, and external engagement teams to uncover opportunities and budget holders
• Map organisational structures to expand account penetration
• Stay informed on NHS priorities, ICB/ICS structures, ABPI Code, and pharma policy trends
• Attend and support CloserStill's UK healthcare events throughout the year

Collaboration & Intelligence:

• Work with content, marketing, and operations teams to shape commercially attractive propositions
• Stay on top of pharma industry trends and competitor activity
• Maintain a robust pipeline via CRM and report sales activity accurately

ABOUT YOU:

Essential:

• 5-7 years' B2B sales experience selling to pharmaceutical or life sciences clients
• Strong consultative sales skills with proven ability to exceed revenue targets
• Excellent networker who can navigate large, complex organisations
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Highly motivated, target-driven, and results-oriented
• Comfortable managing multiple projects across a fast-paced events calendar
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally

Desirable:

• Existing pharma network (marketing, medical affairs, commercial teams)
• Background in event sales, media, or agencies serving pharma clients
• Knowledge of the UK healthcare system, ABPI compliance, and NHS buyer behaviour
• Deep understanding of the pharma sector, stakeholders, budget cycles, and regulatory considerations

We dont offer sponsership for this role

CloserStill Media reserves the right to request a DBS or credit check should the role require it.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:

CloserStill Media embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to continuing to develop a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment based on merit without attention to age, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status or disability status.

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, don't hesitate to get in touch with our HR team at [e-mail].