Account Director - Healthcare & Corporate Communications (m/w/div)

POSITION: Vice President (Associate Director), Healthcare Public Affairs & Policy

PRACTICE: HEALTH

LOCATION: BRUSSELS

 

A little bit about us in Health

It’s never been a more challenging and exciting time to work in health communications. Artificial intelligence, data-driven insights and tangible tech solutions are all being used to communicate with a public – including patients, healthcare professionals and media – who are more engaged than ever before. At Weber Shandwick, we’ve always been on the front foot when it comes to innovation within the industry. We delve deeper to deliver genuine impact, empowering audiences to manage their own health whilst meeting business objectives for our clients.

It’s no surprise that big changes call for bold approaches. While Health is a serious business, campaigns can still be engaging and inspiring! Our diverse team is known for bringing science to life through digital innovation and multi-platform creative work. We handpick the best talent in the industry to include not only science communicators, but also specialists in strategy and planning, health analytics & digital experts, award-winning creatives, media experts & corporate & public affairs specialists to name but a few, to help our clients seamlessly navigate the ever-changing landscape. At Weber Shandwick, we push boundaries in health to deliver meaningful and industry leading inclusion offerings such as the Weber Shandwick Women’s Health and Health Equity initiatives.

 

Role Summary

We are looking for a Vice President (Associate Director level) candidate with solid experience in healthcare public affairs & policy, to join our impressive Health team in Brussels. Reporting to the Head of Health, you will support in leading a team of EU & Global health communications and policy specialists whilst also building on the success of WS in corporate healthcare; to expand and propel the business forward. As part of this, we are looking for a candidate who can bring fresh thinking, new business opportunities and prospects in pharma and health and a proven track record in securing organic growth

Your primary responsibility is to support in leading and managing the client portfolio, including large pharmaceutical and biotech companies, patient advocacy groups and medical societies. You will be the senior point of contact for clients, understanding their needs, and translating them into effective integrated communications and advocacy strategies. As a senior member of the team, you are responsible for maintaining client satisfaction, managing client relationships, and ensuring that projects are executed in alignment with the clients’ expectations & goals. 

The SVP Lead will also take charge of resource allocation for their clients, taking into account the budgets & the required skill sets working in close collaboration with the expertise members across The Weber Shandwick Collective. This involves understanding the expertise required for each project and communicating these needs to the appropriate expertise leads. 

 

CLIENT AND WORK:  

• Leads client and inter-agency relationships, including all aspects of a client relationship and integrated account team   
• Develops fully integrated plans, from the big idea through to media strategy by leveraging agency expertise and corralling integrated teams

• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of how to design and implement public affairs, advocacy and issues management campaigns on behalf of pharma and biotech companies, medical associations and patient groups

• Supports business development, strategic program planning, and the development of creative concepts

• Acts as effective, two-way translator between clients and integrated teams, actively counseling development of work in best interest of all parties

 

LEADERSHIP AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT:  

• Reports to the Head of Health and mentors account leads & portfolio team members.  You will also partner closely with our teams across the broader EMEA health & corporate business as well as developing close relationships with health & corporate leads in both Brussels and across other EMEA offices to navigate additional business opportunities and help drive new business into Brussels.

• Mentors, coaches and develops direct reports to deliver high performance while supporting personal and professional development goals

• Actively participates in the hiring and onboarding of talent; Supports and develops processes to enhance inclusive hiring practices for team

 

GROWTH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:  . 

• Identifies new areas of growth with existing clients and introduces specialists to expand assignments; Actively participates in new business pitches

 

What we’re looking for

• 8-10 year’s proven experience working on EU & Global Public Affairs & Policy campaigns for the healthcare sector, particularly pharma & biotech.
• Ideally experience of working in an agency environment, having reached Account Director level 
• EU Citizen and currently living in Brussels
• Strong communicator combined with strong project management and people management skills.
• Fluent in English

 

What do we offer?

Weber Shandwick Brussels offers invaluable opportunities for enthusiastic and driven individuals to grow as Public Affairs professionals. We offer a competitive salary with excellent benefits (mobile phone, group insurance, hospitalization & extra medical costs insurance, a representation allowance, lunch vouchers), 20 days annual leave + 10 days extra legal holidays, and flexible working (including up to 6 weeks working from abroad).

We are a global company so we offer the advantages of a big firm, including leading-edge AI and analytics tools and the resources to invest in your personal and professional growth. But, at our heart, we still have the spirit of the small company we used to be: entrepreneurial, ambitious, fun. We are known for our imaginative and powerful campaigns that drive policy change, great client relations, collaboration, and teamwork – and our success is down to our amazing people. We look for original thinkers, who are passionate about policy and politics, and have a point of view, those who are constantly curious, commercially-driven, deliver to a high standard, and are keen to contribute to our success. 

 

About us

Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands, businesses, and organizations in major markets around the world. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, we have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. The Weber Shandwick Collective is part of the wider Interpublic Group.

With over 15 different nationalities in the office, Weber Shandwick Brussels truly represents the heart of Europe. We’re lucky to attract some of the best minds in PA, PR & Comms. At Weber Shandwick, you can be yourself and own your impact. We encourage an inclusive work environment where being authentic, caring for each other, and being entrepreneurial is part of our core values. We foster a culture of growth and collaboration, we celebrate the hard work we do, and we care for each other’s wellbeing while doing it. Come work with us and be a part of shaping culture.

 

Note from the Talent Acquisition Team

Weber Shandwick is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability status. We make our careers website accessible to all users, if you need accommodation to participate in the application process, please let your Recruiter know. We got you!

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Who is Weber Shandwick?  

We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity.  

Our talented team builds brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses e.g. Mars, Princes, IKEA and Pinterest to name a few.   

We earn affection, attention, affinity and purchase by delivering value to people around the world, with deep specialisms across food & drink, travel & tourism,  tech,  health, automotive, sports sponsorship, entertainment & lifestyle and energy. We are known for: 

• Developing data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact   
• Creating impactful campaigns that tap into culture   
• Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically  
• Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned 

 

What’s happening?

Weber Shandwick is looking for a talented Manager who wants to be part of the Corporate practice in our Manchester office. The practice is made up of a smart, dedicated and fun team with expertise spanning B2B, Corporate, FMCG, Public Affairs, Crisis/Issues, Social Impact/ESG and Technology.  

The ideal candidate will be an experienced practitioner who is curious, ambitious, proactive and friendly. The role offers a portfolio of diverse and well-known brands, as well as work on integrated campaigns involving earned media, strategy, creative, analytics and digital specialists. You’ll lead the day-to-day running of accounts, provide counsel, support in the development of campaign and media strategies, and manage the flawless execution of activities.  

While we’re looking for a corporate practitioner, the beauty of our agency is that there is plenty of opportunity to grow your skills in different areas – whether that’s diving into digital and design, or an appetite to engage more in public affairs. We’re keen for this role to deliver as many new opportunities for the candidate as possible!  

 

What will you be doing?

• Be responsible for the delivery of an exceptional client experience by acting as a primary day-to-day contact for clients, who will come to you for valued counsel and recommendations 
• Develop and oversee the execution of media/campaign strategies 
• Manage the day-to-day running of accounts, including client/internal meetings, materials (e.g media lists, status updates), media monitoring and reporting 
• Overseeing all facets of media programmes and materials, and a play substantial role in media pitching 
• Stay on top of industry news, trends and influencers in specific industries and be able to link these to your clients’ objectives 
• Supporting the development and presentation of new business pitches 

Who are you?

• Previous experience in Corporate PR, ideally in an agency environment 
• An interest in the complex world of Corporate comms – in fact, an interest in the world full stop. The corporate team is an incredibly curious one, with interests spanning tech, retail, FMCG, sustainability, education, politics and more. We use this to bring fresh perspective, helping tell client stories through the lens of so many other industries   
• Proficiency in both media relations and the delivery of an exceptional client experience 
• A comprehensive roster of journalist contacts with corporate, technology, B2B and vertical sector beats at titles covering international, national and trade/vertical sector publications 
• Experience working with multiple disciplines and specialists to deliver integrated campaigns 
• Mastery in developing media materials including press releases, key message documents, pitches, social media content, etc. 
• Strong presentation skills and a desire and experience being involved in new business pitching 
• Experience developing and managing campaigns and being a day-to-day lead for clients, with a track record of providing strategic counsel 
• Be an excellent communicator and possess exceptional writing skills, particularly the ability to digest complex information and turn it into compelling, understandable content 
• A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for the client, practice and team 
• Attentive to detail and quality 
• Fluency in Microsoft programs and digital/social media platforms, tools and solutions 

Core Benefits:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Personal pension plan
• Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits:

• Buy or sell holiday
• Additional life assurance cover
• Critical illness insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Travel insurance
• Health screening
• Gym discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health cash plan
• Flexible working with our 3:2 hybrid work model
• Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6 month + contract to support home working setup
• 25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off work and discretionary festive closure
• Flexible public holidays
• Sweets and snacks in the office
• Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
• Annual eyecare voucher
• Season ticket loan
• Referral bonus scheme
• Long service bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Inclusive and invisible health policies
• Monthly social events organised by the Manchester office’s ‘Culture Club’  

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