Senior Consultant (Account Director) – Strategic Communications, Health and Life Sciences Sector

Portland Communications

  • London
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 18 days ago
About PortlandPortland is a communications consultancy trusted by some of the highest profile organisations in the world. We are headquartered in London, UK, and have offices in Paris, Brussels, Washington DC, Singapore, Doha and Nairobi.The Health TeamPortland's Health team consists of strategic communications experts, working with clients to shape the future of health in the UK and across Europe.We're trusted by the most high-profile organisations in the world, including 5 of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies.We advise clients on the biggest issues facing the sector, from the launch of cutting-edge therapies to major population health issues.And we pride ourselves on deep, joined-up thinking, grounded in insights. Often working at the intersection of health policy and communications, Portland offers strategic problem-solving and high-level counsel alongside quality, creative execution.The RoleAs a Senior Consultant (Comms) in the Health team, you'll be part of Portland Health's management team. You'll be responsible for leading account teams across multiple clients in the life sciences sector; providing strategic counsel, lead the delivery of impactful communications programmes, ensuring quality and building and maintaining great client relationships. You'll also play a role in helping win and grow new business.Specifically, the role includes:
  • Being a day-to-day point of contact and source of advice for senior clients
  • Providing strategic oversight to multiple projects for multiple clients, leading and managing account teams of varying size
  • Working with senior colleagues (Partners and Directors) to develop communications strategies that address client objectives and developing tactics that engage their priority audiences - such as insight led narrative development, executive thought leadership, strategic corporate media engagement, digital activation and policy campaigning
  • Overseeing communications activity for product launches, corporate initiatives, regulatory milestones, executive thought leadership, and more.
  • Supporting the development of the team through high quality line management of junior team members
  • Contributing to the commercial growth of the business by participating in proposal development and pitches
  • Building internal and external networks with colleagues, opinion leaders, journalists, professional associations, online influencers and other relevant third-parties
You must:
  • Be intellectually curious, with a passion for solving complex problems in the healthcare sector
  • Have a thorough knowledge of the regulations that govern what pharmaceutical companies can and cannot communicate publicly (e.g. the UK's ABPI Code of Practice)
  • Be an experienced programme lead with at least 4+ years of experience working for pharmaceutical/life sciences clients on behalf of a communications consultancy or in an in-house role
  • Have proven experience of leading the delivery of high-profile accounts/work programmes and be able to anticipate clients' challenges and develop strategies to solve them
  • Be highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work quickly and meet deadlines
  • Have strong knowledge of, and interest in, the UK and/or EU healthcare environment and adjacent media landscape
  • Know how to engage priority audiences for the sector, including - but not limited to - payers, HCPs, policymakers, patients/PAGs, health media and the broader public
  • Be an exceptionally good writer, able to tailor copy for different audiences and needs
  • Have the gravitas and authority to inspire the confidence of your colleagues and clients
  • Have solid working knowledge of the media landscape for life sciences companies (some direct experience of media handling is desirable)
  • Have an ability to see the bigger picture, understanding how discrete pieces of work contribute to overall strategies, whilst also keeping on top of the smaller details to ensure accuracy
What we offer in return:We are committed to employee development and have an open doors culture where you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in the business. We regularly reward and promote success, and actively encourage staff to take on new challenges and responsibilities to aid progression.Our remuneration package also includes our competitive pension contributions, private healthcare life assurance cover, company contribution to gym membership, wellbeing workshops and activities, company parties, lunch contribution each week and much, much more!All our roles are open to flexible working requests and we will consider all options during our recruitment process. This includes but is not limited to: flexible hours, home working, compressed hours and job sharing.In addition, every permanent member of staff that works at Portland is eligible for our annual profit share. When Portland thrives, all of our people share in that successOther informationUnfortunately due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond directly to all applicants, only to those whose candidacy is being pursued. In addition, the length of the recruitment process varies based on the vacancy needs. Traditionally, the process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Therefore, your patience is greatly appreciated.Department Role Senior Consultant Locations Remote status Hybrid RemoteLondoncareersite--jobs--form-overlay#showFormOverlay">Apply for this job jobs--overlay#closeOverlay">Health · London · Hybrid RemoteSenior Consultant (Account Director) - Strategic Communications, Health and Life Sciences SectorWe want to hear from candidates with experience developing and executing strategic communications programmes in the health and life sciences sector whether it's in-house or at another consultancy.Loading application form
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Portland Communications