Director of Public Affairs – Healthcare Sector, London
Director of Public Affairs – Healthcare Sector, London

Director of Public Affairs – Healthcare Sector, London

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful public affairs campaigns in the fast-paced healthcare sector.
  • Company: Join a global strategic communications consultancy with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, diverse environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare policy and client strategy on a global scale.
  • Qualifications: Extensive public affairs experience and strong understanding of health policy.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your development and impact.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Lead public affairs in a fast-moving healthcare landscape

An international strategic communications consultancy is looking for a Director of Public Affairs to lead its growing work within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. This is a senior role for someone confident advising clients at board level, shaping high-impact campaigns, and guiding market entry and policy engagement across the UK, EU and beyond.

You will join an expert team that advises global businesses and investors at the intersection of regulation, politics, and reputation. With offices in major international centres, the firm offers an open and collaborative culture with strong cross-border integration. Just like a Senior Financial Communications Account Director role demands influence and leadership in finance, this opportunity requires the same impact in the healthcare and policy space.

A leadership opportunity with global impact

As Public Affairs Director, you will be part of the healthcare practice leadership team. You will drive client strategy, lead campaign delivery and develop new business. Your focus will span complex issues, including cross-border healthcare policy, market access, political due diligence, regulatory change and stakeholder engagement.

This is a hands-on, strategic role. You will work with clients to navigate evolving policy debates, launch healthcare products across international markets, and provide high-level counsel on reputational risk and regulatory challenges.

Director of Public Affairs Role

  • Advising senior clients on public affairs and policy strategy
  • Leading cross-market campaigns with a focus on healthcare and life sciences
  • Supporting clients with political due diligence, regulatory risk tracking and issue management
  • Growing key client relationships and developing new business opportunities
  • Collaborating with international teams to ensure consistent messaging and insight sharing
  • Hosting events and thought leadership initiatives on health policy and innovation
  • Contributing to team growth, mentoring and the development of a collaborative practice

What we’re looking for

  • Extensive experience in public affairs, either in a consultancy, in-house or trade association role
  • A strong understanding of UK and EU health policy, including regulatory and market dynamics
  • Proven experience working with pharmaceutical or life sciences clients
  • The ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and lead strategic discussions
  • A commercial mindset, with experience in identifying and converting new business opportunities
  • A collaborative leadership style and a track record of empowering and developing teams

A workplace that supports your growth

This consultancy offers a supportive, diverse and flexible working culture. You’ll be part of a global network of policy, regulatory and communications experts who are passionate about delivering meaningful impact for clients in complex sectors.

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, Healthcare Communications, Investor Relations, and C-Suite recruitment. Please click here to find out more about Hanson Search.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.

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Director of Public Affairs – Healthcare Sector, London employer: Hanson Search

Hanson Search is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful public affairs strategies within the healthcare sector while being supported by a diverse team of experts. The firm’s commitment to flexibility and professional development ensures that you can thrive both personally and professionally in this fast-paced industry.
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Contact Detail:

Hanson Search Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Public Affairs – Healthcare Sector, London

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the healthcare sector. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet potential employers and colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

Showcase Your Expertise

Create a personal brand that highlights your knowledge in public affairs and healthcare policy. Share insights on social media or write articles to demonstrate your expertise. This will make you stand out when applying for roles.

Prepare for Interviews

Research the company and its clients thoroughly before your interview. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in navigating complex healthcare policies. Confidence is key!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Public Affairs – Healthcare Sector, London

Public Affairs Expertise
Healthcare Policy Knowledge
Regulatory Understanding
Market Access Strategy
Political Due Diligence
Stakeholder Engagement
Campaign Management
Client Relationship Development
Strategic Communication
Leadership and Mentoring
Business Development
Cross-Border Collaboration
Reputational Risk Management
Event Hosting and Thought Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Director of Public Affairs. Highlight your experience in public affairs, especially within healthcare, and showcase any relevant campaigns you've led. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about public affairs in the healthcare sector. Share specific examples of how you've advised senior clients or led successful campaigns. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a senior role, we’re keen to understand your leadership approach. In your application, mention how you've empowered teams and fostered collaboration. We value a collaborative culture, so let us know how you fit into that picture!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hanson Search

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid grasp of UK and EU health policy, especially around regulatory and market dynamics. Brush up on recent developments in the healthcare sector and be ready to discuss how they impact public affairs strategies.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and campaigns. Think about times when you've empowered others or driven successful outcomes in complex projects, especially in the healthcare or life sciences sectors.

Engage with Confidence

Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing strategic issues with senior stakeholders. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend to get comfortable with high-level discussions.

Demonstrate a Commercial Mindset

Be ready to talk about how you've identified and converted new business opportunities in the past. Think of specific examples where your strategic insights led to successful client engagements or campaign launches.

Director of Public Affairs – Healthcare Sector, London
Hanson Search
Location: London

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