At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-impact healthcare communications and manage complex client relationships.
- Company: Join Lexington, a top independent consultancy in healthcare communications.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and personal development grants.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant team culture and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in healthcare communications and media relations required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Lexington is looking for an ambitious and experienced Associate Director with deep expertise in healthcare communications and media relations to join the leadership team of our award‑winning healthcare practice. This is an opportunity to lead high‑profile UK and international accounts, oversee complex communications programmes, develop talented consultants, win new business and play a key role in the continued growth of the agency.
Working across corporate communications, crisis and issues management, media relations and integrated campaigns, you’ll help some of the world’s leading healthcare organisations build their reputation, navigate scrutiny and drive meaningful change for patients and healthcare systems.
Our healthcare team sits at the intersection of policy, politics, the media and innovation. We work across a diverse portfolio of UK and global clients spanning the pharmaceutical, medtech, NHS, independent sector and charity sectors. We help organisations tackle some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges, from improving access to innovative medicines and technologies, to reducing health inequalities and supporting the transformation of healthcare services.
As an Associate Director, you will be a senior leader within the practice, providing strategic communications and media advice to clients while helping shape the future of the team. You will lead major client relationships and oversee communications and crisis response programmes, support and develop junior colleagues, and identify and contribute to new business and marketing. You will thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where we value new ideas, creativity and strong judgement.
About you
- Deep experience in healthcare communications, media relations and corporate reputation, ideally including crisis comms, issues management and media training.
- Strong understanding of UK media dynamics and proven experience leading communications programmes under pressure.
- Experience working with NHS organisations, independent sector providers, pharmaceutical or medtech companies.
- Strong understanding of UK politics, the NHS and how policy and operational pressures shape communications challenges.
- Excellent strategic thinking, with the ability to advise senior stakeholders confidently and persuasively.
- Proven experience leading complex programmes and delivering outstanding client service.
- Entrepreneurial with strong commercial instincts, ideally with experience contributing to account growth and leading new business activity.
- Experience managing and developing teams.
- Excellent writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and sensitively.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities at pace.
Key responsibilities
- Strategic communications: Lead high‑impact communications, media relations and reputation programmes across the healthcare sector.
- Crisis and issues management: Oversee issues preparedness, scenario planning, crisis response and reputation risk management for clients facing scrutiny or operational pressure.
- Media relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with national, trade and broadcast media; shape narratives; secure coverage; and manage reactive media engagement.
- Media training: Design and deliver media training and spokesperson preparation for senior leaders in the health and life sciences sectors.
- Senior counsel: Act as a trusted senior adviser, providing strategic counsel on communications strategy, messaging, risk and reputation.
- Campaign development: Oversee the development and delivery of integrated campaigns, ensuring clarity of narrative, strong creative execution and clear outcomes.
- Team leadership: Lead account teams, providing direction, and quality assurance.
- Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders including healthcare leaders, clinicians, policymakers, media and industry bodies.
- Commercial growth: Identify opportunities to grow existing accounts and contribute to the commercial success of the healthcare practice through new business.
- Marketing: Contribute to the healthcare practice’s marketing, thought leadership and profile‑raising activity.
- People development: Support the development of consultants across the team, helping them grow and progress in their careers.
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus (paid each year to date).
- 25 days' annual leave (pro rata), plus one additional day for every two years of service.
- Additional half‑day off for your birthday.
- Two paid volunteering days each year.
- £250 annual personal development grant (to support your health and wellbeing).
- Private healthcare option.
- Early finish every Friday throughout August.
- Free breakfast in the office.
- Summer and Christmas parties, plus regular team socials.
- Ongoing professional development through external training, internal learning programmes, coaching and Lunch & Learns.
- Statutory employer pension contribution.
- Hybrid working, with an expectation of three days per week in our London office.
Application details
At Lexington, we believe in creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. We will give proper consideration to all qualified applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. To apply for the role, please send a CV and cover letter detailing why you would like to work for Lexington Health and what you would bring to the role.
Interview process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial interview and, if successful, a second‑stage interview which will include a written task or presentation. The role is for an immediate start, subject to notice periods.
Associate Director (Health Communications) in London employer: Lexington
Lexington offers an exceptional work environment for a Financial Controller, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of a leading communications consultancy. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with senior leadership, drive meaningful financial insights, and enhance your skills in a supportive team culture. Located in a dynamic sector, Lexington provides a unique blend of hands-on finance experience and commercial influence, making it an attractive employer for those seeking a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Health Communications) in London
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Lexington.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Lexington.
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (Health Communications) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Lexington.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Lexington.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Lexington. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Lexington. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Lexington’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
