Account Director (Healthcare PR & Comms) New Edinburgh - UK; London - UK; Manchester - UK

At Real Chemistry, making the world a healthier place isn’t just an aspiration—it’s our everyday reality. Our drive to transform healthcare is informed by our blend of deep scientific expertise, human-centred creativity, and AI-driven insights, fostering a unique environment where innovation thrives and our people are impact-obsessed. As a global agency, we provide a full suite of services across healthcare communications and marketing to our clients, including top players in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Our #LifeatRealChem culture is rooted in our people—we believe we are best together and are committed to excellence for both our clients and colleagues. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, if you share our passion for healthcare and connection, we invite you to explore our opportunities.

Real Chemistry is looking for driven, savvy game changers who are ready to dive into the trenches and make an immediate impact. We are currently seeking an Account Director with solid client services experience in pharma who can lead client strategy engagements and oversee project execution across different communication platforms as well as drive new business opportunities. The position offers a great opportunity for an individual with a passion for healthcare to work with leading clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and health IT fields.

Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple client engagements of varying sizes in a fast-paced environment.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through exceptional client relationship skills.
• Seamlessly flex between big picture strategic development/ad hoc guidance, and assure execution of associated tactics are flawless.
• Guide clients on integrated marketing/communications decisions, identifying new opportunities to increase visibility their brand including consultative selling.
• Develop high-level and persuasive communications plans (annual, quarterly, etc.).
• Lead operational efforts and be accountable for the financial performance of engagements through close management of budgets and team members.
• Manage client budgets and resourcing, budget tracking, staffing and billability.
• Ensure the quality of the account team(s) is held to the highest standard and that all client requests are handled in a strategic and timely manner.
• Partner with shared service leads to run and grow integrated business (social media/digital, creative), and to develop new business opportunities.
• Directly supervise account staff and promote continuous learning and development to help build a high performing culture.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Already working as an Account Director or established as an Associate Account Director and looking to step up.
• Experience working within a health PR agency.
• Experience working with pharmaceutical clients.
• Experience working across global PR accounts.
• Ability to work within and lead cross-functional teams internally.
• Develop multi-faceted, multi-channel and multi-market strategies and campaigns to deliver against business objectives and strategic imperatives.
• Work with analyst teams to identify key client KPIs, develop measurement and learning plans that communicate program performance reveal opportunities to increase success.
• Experience in strategy development and execution of global programs, as well as local implementation.
• Ability to relay high science of clinical trials or products to audiences with different levels of knowledge.
• Ability to support and drive new business operations alone and as part of bigger team.
• Experience with annual planning, resourcing and forecasting.
• Professional presence, performs with a sense of urgency and with a client service orientation.
• Has confidence to manage upward when required; able to communicate with managers when deadlines will not be met or when issues are foreseeable.
• Excellent business communication ability including informal/formal presentation and writing skills; this includes confident public speaking both internally and externally with clients, vendors, and affiliates.
• Project management experience, demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and manage detailed budgets.
• The position requires some international travel for client meetings and conferences (20 - 30 percent).

Real Chemistry is committed to being an Equal Opportunity employer. We strive to employ, motivate, advance and reasonably accommodate any qualified employees and applicants. We believe diversity of persons and ideas forms the most comprehensive, forward-looking company.

Real Chemistry is proud to be Great Place to Work® certified; check out what our people shared about our culture and workplace on our Great Places to Work Profile.

We believe we can do our best when feeling our best, which is why we’ve put together a benefits program designed to give you the support you and your family need at every stage of life. Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks, tailored to your region.

At Real Chemistry, we believe we're at our best when we're connected. Our Real Hybrid and Regional Teams (Real HART) approach is designed to foster collaboration, learning, innovation, and meaningful relationships while providing flexibility where appropriate.

For employees located within a one-hour commute of a Real Chemistry office, we require in-person attendance two days per week, either from a Real Chemistry office or when working onsite with clients. Employees in regions without a nearby office may work remotely and come together throughout the year for collaboration, culture-building, learning, and team connection opportunities.

While these guidelines reflect our current workplace model, we understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique. If you require additional flexibility, we welcome an open conversation with your recruiter and our HR team to discuss your needs and determine what may be possible.