VP Account Director [DTC - Pharma Advertising]

Taylored Search; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Taylored Search is seeking a VP Account Director in New York to lead profitability, growth, and high-level client partnerships. You will guide product strategy and oversee agency output while mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities include strategic direction on key creative stages, client relationship management, and ensuring financial targets are met. Strong pharma advertising experience and leadership across large brands are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical advertising with DTC and HCP expertise.
• Proven track record managing big brands and blue-chip clients.
• College degree; master's or related graduate coursework a plus.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage product strategy and ensure tactical implementation.
• Provide strategic direction at significant steps of the creative process.
• Provide strategic perspective on tactical POA recommendations and pieces prior to client submission.
• Interact with all members of the agency product team to ensure smooth information exchange.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of the account and recommend changes.
• Manage account finances, including forecast and income generation.
• Ensure yearly reviews for all team members.
• Staff accounts appropriately to meet client needs with supporting information.
• Communicate with senior management across all agency departments.
• Encourage collaboration and sharing best practices across teams.
• Identify and participate in agency new business initiatives.
• Present product case studies when necessary.
• Provide resources to account teams and travel on field activities.
• Keep team informed on industry trends and developments.
• Drive organic business growth.

Skills

Pharmaceutical advertising

DTC expertise

HCP expertise

Experience managing big brands

Blue-chip clients

Co-promote experience

Strong oral & written communication

Education

College degree

Job description

The VP Account Director is responsible for ensuring profitability and growth of accounts as well as development of new business opportunities. Develop and maintain relationships with high-level clients to develop long-term partnerships. Has overall responsibility for Agency output while providing perspective and leadership in the development of highest quality client services. Evaluate and make recommendations for improvements to overall agency performance. Foster growth of junior staff.

Internal job responsibilities include:

• Manage product strategy and ensure tactical implementation relating to product strategy
• Provide strategic direction and approvals at significant steps of the creative process
• Provide strategic perspective on tactical POA recommendations and pieces prior to client submission
• Interact with all team members of the agency product team to ensure accurate information exchange and smooth flow of product work
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of the account and make recommendations for change
• Manage account finances, including forecast and income generation - provide accurate forecasts and ensure that financial goals are met
• Ensure that yearly reviews are performed for all team members
• Work to ensure that the account is staffed appropriately to meet client needs, including the provision of rationale for deviation in staff requirements and supporting information
• Communicate with senior management across all agency departments
• Encourage account teams to interact and consult with other account teams to share best practices and gain advice for crisis situations
• Identify and participate in agency new business initiatives
• Present product case studies when necessary
• Provide account team with required resources
• Ensure that account team periodically travels in the field with reps, attends POA meetings, market research, and industry/career development seminars
• Keep on top of industry trends and ensure team members are informed as well
• Encourage account team to support team-building initiatives
• Serve as representative of the agency in business and social settings
• Drive organic business growth

Client-related responsibilities include:

• Build relationships with senior-level product management of own account in addition to other accounts, when appropriate
• Act as keeper of the strategic focus for the product as it relates to all marketing segments
• Act as a strategic partner to client team by introducing new opportunities for the product
• Bring any significant billing issues to the attention of executive managers; inform management on major issues
• Lead and participate in all strategic planning/client meetings
• Ensure that the account team is trained appropriately regarding how to write contact reports, creative work plans, and strategic points-of-view
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all account staff

Desired Skills and Experience

• You must have experience in pharmaceutical advertising, strong DTC + HCP expertise, and experience managing big brands and blue-chip clients
• Co-promote experience is a plus
• College degree (master's degree or graduate coursework in related field a plus
• Strong oral and written communication skills