At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a fast-growing oncology portfolio and develop engaging scientific content.
- Company: Award-winning independent healthcare communications agency with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private health insurance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in strategic agency direction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare communications while leading senior client relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in healthcare communications and strong scientific content development skills.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, with regular access to a central London office
Salary: £68,000 to £78,000, depending on experience
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Start date: As soon as possible
I'm recruiting for an established, award-winning independent healthcare communications agency looking to appoint a Senior Account Director to lead a significant and fast-growing UK oncology portfolio. This is not a traditional Client Services role where scientific content is handled entirely by a separate medical writing team. The successful candidate must have strong scientific understanding and proven experience of developing, shaping and reviewing healthcare communications content themselves. The role combines senior client leadership, strategic account direction, commercial responsibility, team management and hands-on scientific content development.
The Role
You'll take senior ownership of an established oncology-led portfolio, working with clients across medical and commercial teams. The work has a strong focus on UK healthcare professional meetings, including standalone meetings and congress activity delivered both in person and virtually. You'll lead Account Managers and Account Executives while working closely with the agency's senior leadership team. As part of a smaller independent agency, you'll remain close to the work and have a visible role in the wider development of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Scientific Content And Quality
- Interpret scientific publications and clinical data, turning them into clear and engaging narratives
- Lead the development of slide decks, meeting materials, reports, healthcare professional education and patient resources
- Ensure content is scientifically accurate, strategically aligned and appropriate for its intended audience
- Oversee quality from initial development through client approval and final Veeva PromoMats certification
- Remain hands-on with content development when required
- Client And Account Leadership
- Lead senior client relationships, calls and strategic discussions
- Provide proactive advice and identify potential challenges before they affect delivery
- Take ownership of client satisfaction, account performance and organic growth
- Translate client briefs into clear proposals, scopes and budgets
- Develop strong relationships across medical, commercial and other senior stakeholder teams
- Project And Commercial Management
- Oversee multiple projects across timelines, resources, budgets and quality
- Coordinate internal teams and external partners
- Manage forecasts, resource plans, reconciliations and account profitability
- Maintain a clear view of both the detail and wider strategic direction of the portfolio
- Team Leadership
- Allocate and delegate work effectively across the account team
- Coach junior colleagues and provide constructive feedback
- Maintain high standards during busy periods and changing priorities
- Contribute to the agency's Management Team
- Support wider business development, pitches, training, marketing, operations and culture
What You’ll Need
- Established Senior Account Director-level experience within a healthcare communications agency
- Strong hands-on scientific content development and review experience
- The ability to interpret complex scientific data and translate it into clear narratives
- Experience leading senior clients, projects and account teams
- Strong commercial, financial and organisational skills
- Confidence moving between strategic client discussions, scientific detail and practical delivery
- A scientific degree or an equivalent scientific foundation developed through substantial medical writing or content experience
- The legal right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship
Candidates with less conventional career paths will also be considered. This could include former medical writers who have moved into Client Services or people whose experience has combined scientific content development with account leadership. However, you must already be operating at an appropriate senior level.
Working Pattern
The agency offers flexible hybrid working, with regular attendance at its central London office expected. This would typically be one day each week or fortnight depending on client, team and project requirements. This isn't intended to be a fully remote position. In-person collaboration is considered important, particularly for team development and mentoring more junior colleagues.
Why Consider It?
- Join a successful and growing independent healthcare communications agency
- Take ownership of an interesting, established oncology portfolio
- Work closely with senior decision-makers without unnecessary layers of hierarchy
- Have a clear voice in the direction and development of the agency
- Gain broader exposure beyond a traditional account leadership remit
- Remain closely involved in scientific content, clients and delivery
Salary And Benefits
- £68,000 to £78,000, depending on experience
- Annual salary review
- Regular development reviews and merit-based progression
- Internal and external training opportunities
- 27 days' annual leave, increasing with service
- Four additional days between Christmas and New Year
- Annual learning, inspiration and wellbeing allowance
- Flexible working hours
- Private health insurance
- Pension scheme
- Discretionary bonus
- Travel season ticket loan and Cycle to Work scheme
- Occasional early Friday finishes, depending on workload
Senior Account Director employer: WE3 MedComms
Join an award-winning independent healthcare communications agency that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact the agency's growth. With flexible hybrid working arrangements in central London, you will enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises employee development through regular training opportunities and merit-based progression. This role not only allows you to lead a significant oncology portfolio but also ensures you remain hands-on with scientific content, fostering both personal and professional growth in a thriving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Account Director
✨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 WE3 MedComms.
✨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 WE3 MedComms.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like WE3 MedComms, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Account Director
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 WE3 MedComms.
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 WE3 MedComms.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to WE3 MedComms. 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 WE3 MedComms. 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 WE3 MedComms
✨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 WE3 MedComms’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!
