Senior Account Executive (Pharma) in Surrey

Havas Life London is not just evolving; we’re reimagining what a health and wellness agency can be. We’re building a destination for the brightest minds, the boldest ideas, and the kind of creativity that reshapes industries. We’re a collective of curious thinkers, courageous makers, and kind collaborators. The culture we’re building is fast, fearless, and future-facing, driven by a belief that creativity is the most powerful force for growth. We are vibrant collaborators, smart decision-makers, and believers in a win-or-learn mindset. Our emerging creative culture is built on curiosity, courage, and kindness. We expect more from ourselves and those who join our high-performance team. As part of the Havas Health network, we’re pushing boundaries, embracing AI and emerging tech, and reimagining how strategic creativity can unlock new value for clients across the globe. We’re here to make London the beating heart of global health communications.

The role

As a Senior Account Executive (SAE), you will take ownership as the ‘go to’ person for driving your assigned projects, assuming responsibility for its tactical implementation and making a proactive contribution to supporting your clients with the creation of high-quality output of work. You will be experienced in the day-to-day support requirements of the account team, and as you continue to refine your project management skills – displaying problem-solving capabilities and a high level of accuracy in your work – you will use your knowledge and experience to coach junior team members. Where required, you will feel confident to make decisions, give briefs, and liaise with the client directly, as well as support the direction of the account. The logging and completion of your timesheets on Pulse is a fundamental part of your role within the business, it supports the reviewing of workloads and effective resource planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop project timelines, in conjunction with the Account Manager/Account Director and project team (creatives and writers) flagging any potential timing issues with the project lead.
• Arrange internal project kick‑off and update meetings, and ensure the project team is briefed on the project’s requirements.
• Attend client meetings/conferences; produce minutes and/or contact reports (or oversee their development) within agreed timeframes.
• Set‑up and maintain job bags and ensure all actions are properly tracked.
• Ensure status reports are completed fully and accurately (either directly or indirectly).
• Act as an intermediary between Account Lead and Account Executive to help manage junior team workloads and highlight any potential issues.
• Proofread all materials during the amends and QC process whilst also developing accurate proofreading abilities.
• Drive the quality check process and ensure it is followed and completed for all projects, at all stages, by all members of the team.
• Ensure all resources are made available in accordance with the project timeline e.g. booking of studio time, creative, proofing, recording equipment, etc.
• Keep direct cost trackers up‑to‑date and track costs against original budgets and regular WIP reports.
• Source accurate and competitive supplier quotes where appropriate.
• Draft budgets under guidance from the account lead, ensuring input from the creative team, production, and writing teams.
• Source and supply accurate and timely information for pitches and additional business opportunities.

About you

• Proven experience in client account handling from a comms agency background with a focus on the pharmaceutical/healthcare sectors.
• Understanding of local and international regulations (e.g., ABPI, PAGB codes, MHRA) relating to pharmaceutical, marketing, and advertising industries.
• Good understanding and application of Microsoft Office tools – Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel.
• Effective client liaison and engagement skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Strong planning and organising skills.