Account Director Public Affairs (Health & EU Policy) in London

Who we are: GCI Health, part of WPP, is the leading global health impact agency built to realize the future of health. We turn client innovation into health impact through engagements that transcend traditional communications. From molecules to the masses, we embrace the entire healthcare spectrum in every corner of the world, spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Our services include pipeline and product communications, brand marketing, corporate and enterprise communications, medical affairs and clinical trial marketing. GCI Health is a celebrated, highly respected healthcare agency with industry honors that include PRWeek Best Place to Work, PRWeek Global International Agency of the Year, MM+M PR Agency of the Year, PRovoke Media Global Healthcare PR Agency of the Year and PRovoke Media Agency of the Decade.

More about the role: We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Account Director to join our growing Brussels team, specialising in healthcare public affairs. This is a pivotal role within a developing and ambitious business, offering the opportunity to shape integrated health communications and public affairs programmes at a European level. You will bring a strong understanding of EU institutions and policy-making, alongside a well-established network across the healthcare and policy landscape, ideally with exposure to oncology and respiratory. Working closely with senior leadership, you will lead client relationships, drive strategic thinking, and guide high-performing teams to deliver impactful, insight-led programmes. You will also play a key role in contributing to the continued growth of the Brussels office, both through business development and by helping shape how we operate as a team.

What you'll do:

• Lead the development and delivery of innovative, insight-driven healthcare public affairs strategies aligned to client objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, building strong relationships across Public Affairs, Communications, Market Access, Medical and Regulatory functions.
• Take ownership of key accounts, ensuring high-quality delivery, effective coordination, and strong outcomes.
• Manage account profitability, including oversight of budgets, resourcing and financial performance.
• Contribute to revenue growth through identifying opportunities within existing accounts and supporting new business development.
• Play an active role in pitches, including developing proposals and presenting to clients with confidence and credibility.
• Represent the agency at industry events, building both personal and organisational profile across the EU healthcare policy landscape.
• Lead, coach and develop team members within a matrix structure, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Contribute to the broader development of the Brussels office, helping shape ways of working, team culture and external positioning.

Experience that contributes to success:

• Demonstrable experience in EU public affairs, health policy, or integrated health communications.
• Strong understanding of EU institutions, policy-making processes, and the wider stakeholder landscape.
• Experience working within an agency or consultancy environment, with exposure to account and revenue management.
• Proven ability to lead integrated programmes across public affairs and communications.
• An established network within EU healthcare policy; experience in oncology is highly advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to manage budgets and contribute to revenue growth.
• Confident communicator and presenter, with excellent written and verbal skills in English (additional European languages are a plus).
• Experience working across cross-market or multi-country teams is advantageous, with the ability to navigate complexity and collaborate effectively across regions.
• A collaborative and proactive leader, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop others.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

You belong at GCI Health: Our vision is for GCI, a Burson Group company, 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. 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.