At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic policy and access programmes for healthcare clients, providing high-quality counsel.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Syneos Health, a leader in PR & External Affairs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by solving complex challenges and driving change.
- Qualifications: Experience in health policy, market access, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to help shape and scale our growing Policy & Access practice within PR & External Affairs.
This role focuses on strengthening and expanding a Europe-based practice that supports clients navigating complex policy, access, and healthcare system challenges.
The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the Syneos network to develop integrated solutions that combine policy, access, communications, advocacy and stakeholder engagement expertise.
The role requires expertise in health policy, market access or healthcare systems, combined with strong consultancy, leadership, and relationship‑building skills.
The Associate Director will provide strategic counsel to clients, lead business growth and practice development, and strengthen the role of policy and access expertise across the wider PR & External Affairs business.
We are looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working collaboratively with colleagues and clients, and identifying opportunities to create greater impact.
- Candidate Profile
- Has significant experience in health policy, market access, healthcare systems, public affairs or a related field.
- Has experience leading client programs and providing strategic counsel to pharmaceutical, biotechnology or healthcare organizations.
- Is intellectually curious and enjoys tackling complex healthcare challenges.
- Is comfortable operating in ambiguity and helping clients navigate uncertainty.
- Can build trusted relationships with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Has experience leading, mentoring and developing teams.
- Demonstrates a proactive, growth‑oriented mindset and the ability to identify opportunities beyond the immediate brief.
- Brings strong communication, research, analytical and consultancy skills.
- Enjoys working collaboratively across disciplines, functions and geographies.
- Demonstrates an openness to emerging technologies, inc. the application of AI‑enabled tools to enhance strategic thinking, client solutions and ways of working.
Experience in the following areas would be advantageous
- Health policy, health systems and access environments in one or more of Europe, LATAM and APAC regions.
- Market access, HTA, reimbursement or evidence‑generation programs.
- Business development and organic growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic policy and access programs for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.
- Provide high‑quality strategic counsel on healthcare policy, market access and health system challenges.
- Identify and lead on both organic growth and new business development.
- Contribute to the continued development and growth of the Policy & Access practice.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across PR & EA, Medical Communications, Commercial, Clinical and other Syneos business units to develop integrated client solutions.
- Support the development of team members through coaching, mentoring and leadership.
- Monitor emerging healthcare policy and access trends and translate them into actionable client insights.
- Contribute to thought leadership, capability development and innovation across the practice.
- How Success Will Be Defined
- Client Impact
- Deliver high‑quality strategic counsel and programs that help clients achieve their objectives.
- Build trusted relationships with clients and become a valued advisor.
- Practice Growth
- Contribute to revenue growth through organic expansion and new business opportunities.
- Support the development of new capabilities, services and thought leadership.
- Help strengthen and expand the Policy & Access practice within PR & External Affairs.
- Collaboration
- Build strong relationships across the Syneos network and contribute to integrated client solutions.
- Actively support collaboration across European and international teams.
- Leadership
- Develop and support team members to achieve their potential.
- Contribute positively to the culture, reputation and long‑term success of the practice.
- Personal Development
- Continue to build expertise, networks and leadership capabilities.
- Develop a personal profile aligned to the growth ambitions of the practice and broader business.
Syneos Health companies are affirmative action/equal opportunity employers (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled).
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Associate Director, Policy and Access employer: Syneos Health Communications
Syneos Health is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Associate Director, Policy and Access role based in Europe. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape healthcare policy and access. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Syneos Health empowers its team members to thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful change in the healthcare landscape.
Contact Details:
Syneos Health Communications Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Policy and Access
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Policy and Access
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
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Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Syneos Health Communications and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Syneos Health Communications
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Syneos Health Communications, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Syneos Health Communications.
