Our client is one of London's leading full service medical communications agencies. They have a great opportunity for an outstanding PR Account Director to join their multi-award winning team.

This company prides itself on its creativity and innovation and nurtures and develops some of the best talent in the business.

Purpose:

The account director is the key driver of client, business and team growth, with responsibility for leading and directing account teams on a day-to-day basis. As part of the management team, the AD will be seen as an ambassador for the company, building respect and support both internally and externally. They will be expected to have the ability to think 'big picture' in the development of long term strategic plans to drive client business and further establish the company as a premier healthcare agency.

Responsibilities:

Account Direction and Management:

• Lead the development of strategic programmes, reviewing, amending and finalising programme activity and financial arrangements with the client
• Direct account team activity to ensure the most appropriate strategic approach and tactical programme of activity is developed and implemented to achieve client business objectives
• Oversee the financial status of accounts ensuring efficient and effective budgetary control
• Direct the team appropriately to outside issues that may impact upon programme and client objectives day to day management and implementation of client campaigns/client teams to drive the business forward
• Ensure appropriate resourcing of account, highlighting any under/over servicing when appropriate
• Ensure all written communication for all account teams is produced within house-style, format and quality

Public Relations:

• Provide strategic and tactical direction and input to documents including pitches, proposals and presentations
• Maintain and cultivate strategic media contacts and contact with key editors
• Drive the development and implementation of issues/crisis management
• Continue to give shape, coherence and direction to all written materials, ensuring they meet strategic needs and oversee quality control for all written materials
• Continue to strengthen external relationships with industry experts and identify opportunities to leverage partnerships

Client Management:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients through appropriate regular contact and account direction
• Contribute to client marketing and communications strategy to ensure client starts to view
• The company as a strategic consultant rather than an implementer
• Provide counsel and strategic advice to client, constructively challenging where appropriate to ensure programme is effective as possible
• Identify opportunities for organic growth
• Negotiate adequate agency resource and appropriate fees from client
• Ensure an annual external strategic review of client accounts is executed
• Direct meetings, ensuring everyone makes a contribution

Leadership:

• Lead and motivate the account team members by providing support and guidance, to ensure they fulfil their potential
• Conduct regular appraisals and ensure challenging personal development objectives are set
• Assist with the recruitment of new team members when necessary
• Identify areas of development where necessary and highlight to HR director
• Provide coaching when necessary

Business Management:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the company vision and business objectives
• Develop and implement an area of the company business plan
• Participate and contribute to management meetings

Industry Awareness:

• Utilise understanding of the NHS and broader health environment, applying growing knowledge towards the implementation and development of client and new business programmes
• Build an in depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and client environment
• Keep updated on new developments within the PR industry and other PR agency activity
• Keep updated on the ABPI, PAGB codes and MHRA and other regulatory bodies that impact upon client business

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Degree or of graduate calibre
• You will have account management experience within a healthcare PR agency or equivalent
• Team working
• Leadership skills
• Excellent people management skills - managing performance, delegation and coaching
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Ability to use own initiative
• Financial management skills - budgeting and commercial acumen
• Excellent negotiating and influencing skills

Package:

In return and excellent salary and benefits package is offered including bonus, car allowance, 26 days holiday, life assurance, healthcare, non-contributory pension scheme, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, early finish on Fridays, lots of paid social events and brilliant incentives.

At ID Search & Selection we operate in a highly consultative way, taking time to understand your requirements. So if this role isn't the 'right' role please call 01932 797996 to speak with one of our highly experienced consultants.

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