Senior Account Director

Reports to Associate Vice President / Vice President

Location: United Kingdom 

Job Summary

The Senior Account Director is accountable for managing the client's requirements and delivering on their projects and will work in partnership with senior Medical & Scientific Services colleagues. Through effective team leadership, coaching and line management, will ensure excellence in service levels and client counsel across the medical communications spectrum.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Taking full ownership of the communications programme for each client, ranging from strategic input to day-to-day management of tactics (based on the specific needs for each account)
• Ensuring optimal financial management of each account and demonstrate a clear understanding of all financial processes within the business
• Monitoring forecast and plans in conjunction with Senior Account Managers, Account Managers and Account Executives to ensure business objectives are met, on time and within budget
• Ensuring the finance team and MD are kept up to date with all relevant information and manage financial issues in a timely manner
• Having a thorough understanding of the clients’ business objectives, product strategy and relevant therapeutic area. Clear communication of this to all internal team members, as relevant
• Having an in depth understanding of the relevant policies and processes that impact the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. compliance – ABPI/EFPIA)
• Taking responsibility for building and maintaining professional relationships with opinion leaders (at a UK, EU and global level)
• Managing and influencing senior-level client contacts and maintain positive working relationships, immediately identifying any issues and leading remedial action, as required
• Promoting OPEN Health Medical Communications services to all clients, identifying new business opportunities and working collaboratively across the group as requires
• Highlighting key issues to the MD regarding key accounts and the account team, as appropriate
• Ensuring understanding and implementation of all OPEN Health Medical Communications procedures and quality standards across all account team members
• Ensuring all account team members take ownership for their business and appropriate levels of responsibility
• Supporting the MD as a senior member of the team
• Ensuring the MD is kept up to date on client activities
• Contributing to discussions regarding overall company strategy
• Coordinating effectively and efficiently with appropriate members of the team
• Ensuring effective cross-company working on integrated accounts, where appropriate
• Supporting the development and training of Account Executives, Account Managers and Senior Account Managers
• Line managing AMs, SAEs, AEs, where appropriate

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

• Strong and approachable team player
• Thorough understanding of the client’s therapeutic area and ability to provide strategic input
• Strong understanding of science and medicine, the healthcare environment and the Medical Education/Communications industry
• Manager, trainer, delegator
• Strong leadership skills
• Significant experience in a healthcare agency or pharmaceutical company role
• Excellent project management and analytical skills
• Financial acumen
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise, excellent time management skills
• Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Competent in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
• Sound understanding of the ABPI code of practice

Travel Requirements

• As required by business needs