Health & Life Sciences Strategy Director in London

We are an independent and agile strategic communications consultancy. For over 10 years, we’ve delivered exceptional work for individuals and organisations worldwide, from Forbes, Maybourne Hotels and Kering, to DAZN, Aegon, and News UK. We’re small enough to give clients our full attention, yet big enough to handle the most ambitious and high-stakes briefs. Our dynamic and deeply connected team works across corporate communications, crisis management, and public affairs.

Our structure enables us to deliver fully integrated, data and behaviour-driven campaigns, regularly working with blended client teams spanning comms, marketing, sales and the most senior decision-makers and strategists. We’re committed to creating a team atmosphere fuelled by learning, unafraid to take new paths and ask hard questions, while always putting the commercial objectives of our clients first. No templated thinking, no assumptions, just smart, expansive thinking and creative solutions that make an impact.

We believe in empowering our people with freedom and autonomy, supporting innovation and providing tailored growth opportunities and having fun along the way. Diversity of thought and background fuels our creativity and collaboration, and we’re committed to building an inclusive, connected culture where everyone can belong and thrive.

At Hawthorn, our focus is on creating exceptional outcomes for clients by fostering a culture where our people can thrive. We provide the trust, resources, and flexibility they need to innovate and deliver excellence. If you’re seeking a dynamic environment that values creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit; offers diverse and challenging opportunities; fosters continuous learning; and encourages collaboration among big thinkers, then Hawthorn is the place for you.

Our Values

• Creative: You are an innovative thinker who brings originality and flair to every challenge.
• Ambitious: You are driven and passionate, with an unwavering commitment to achieving both your personal goals and the company’s objectives.
• Entrepreneurial: You are a proactive self-starter, always looking to build networks and capitalize on new opportunities.
• Collaborative: You are a dedicated team player who supports colleagues, builds strong partnerships, and is committed to helping others succeed while delivering impactful results.
• Connected: You excel at forging and maintaining strong relationships, ensuring that ideas and opportunities flow smoothly within the team and with clients.

Hawthorn Advisors supports health, biotech and life sciences businesses across the UK, Europe and the US. We shape and share our clients’ stories in drug discovery, medical technology, biological engineering, pharmaceutical regulation and beyond through communications and public affairs work.

As we expand our practice, we are looking for a proactive director who can bring deep understanding and experience of the sector, strong judgement, a great contacts book full of national and sector media connections in the UK, EU and US, and the ability to find and win new business. You will be a trusted advisor to senior clients, providing insight, counsel and calm insight on reputational, regulatory and business-critical issues.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take a leadership role, build on our success to date and grow a practice. They will also have a chance to broaden their experience working in other sectors from time to time.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and overseeing strategic corporate communications programmes for Health & Life Sciences clients, including pharmaceuticals, biotechs, medtechs, healthcare providers, trade bodies, and life sciences investors, ensuring high-quality work and client satisfaction.
• Advising senior clients on reputation, positioning, issues management, crisis preparedness and stakeholder engagement in highly regulated and complex environments.
• Building trusted, long-term client relationships, ensuring regular senior-level engagement and bringing in additional Hawthorn expertise when appropriate.
• Working with our public affairs team to guide clients on policy and political engagement.
• Develop, mentor, and lead high-performing teams, providing feedback and addressing performance issues in partnership with the Partners.
• Collaborate across disciplines to enhance business outcomes and promote a culture of partnership and collaboration.
• Play an active role in supporting organisational initiatives, training, and the development of team members.
• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with clients, providing strategic advice and managing complex issues.
• Lead client presentations, new business pitches, and drive organic growth through cross-selling opportunities.
• Proactively identify and resolve client challenges, ensuring ongoing satisfaction and retention.
• Develop and execute strategic communication campaigns, leveraging a strong understanding of the media landscape.
• Cultivate and maintain a network of sector contacts, managing inquiries and emerging issues.
• Lead business development initiatives, including new business workstreams, fee negotiations, and marketing efforts.
• Ensure efficiency in account practices, incorporating AI tools and other technologies to enhance service delivery.
• Drive visibility for the organisation at industry events and maintain a portfolio of external contacts.
• Encourage continuous learning and development within the team, sharing insights, and leading brainstorming sessions.
• Actively support the Management Board and participate in committees or working groups.
• Support diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring equitable treatment and a positive work environment.
• Responsible for accurately completing weekly timesheets in Float to support project tracking, efficiency, and client servicing.

At least eight years’ experience in health & life sciences communications gained in an agency environment; experience working in-house within a healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech or life sciences organisation is highly desirable, with health public affairs experience an advantage.

Strong understanding of the regulatory, scientific and reputational landscape affecting health and life sciences organisations.

Proven strategic advisor to senior clients, with the confidence to provide clear, well-judged counsel in complex or sensitive situations.

Strong leadership skills and a collaborative approach to managing and motivating teams.

Proficient in business development, client retention, and operational efficiency.

Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.

Benefits including pension, salary exchange, nursery salary sacrifice scheme, medical and life insurance, plus cycle to work and technology schemes.

Flexible working options based around home and office locations, with flexible working patterns.

Time-off including annual, parental, sabbatical, and volunteering leave.

25 days annual leave in year one, 26 days thereafter.

Annual charity day where an employee can volunteer their time to a chosen charity of their choice.

A continuous learning culture to support your growth and tailored training opportunities.

Proactive wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), sick leave provision, and mental health first-aiders.

Office perks including breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks.

A packed social calendar which includes sports and cultural activities, charity bike rides, plus not-to-be missed summer and Christmas parties each year.