Account Manager – Healthcare & Life Sciences

Practice Area: Healthcare & Life Sciences

Location: London

ROLE

A rare opportunity has arisen to join the established healthcare and life sciences team in this fast growth, top 10 UK PR firm. Building on our 30-year position as key players in the healthcare and life sciences sector, most recently we have been able to play an instrumental role in supporting current and new clients during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.  We are seeking a talented, motivated and experienced account manager to join our expert team.

We are looking for a confident individual who has a passion for the sector and wants the opportunity to progress their career at one of the UK’s largest and most fast-growing business communications agencies, where healthcare & life sciences is a priority area for growth. Our client base encompasses a range of high-profile household names and exciting growth companies which we intend to keep building.  We are friendly and motivated, prepared to work hard but have fun too.

The role offers enormous scope to gain experience as a rounded communications professional. You will be part of integrated client teams with colleagues from across corporate and campaign communications, financial (capital markets), public policy, design & creative and advanced digital practices, working together to execute long term strategies and campaigns. Our dynamic culture means that the role requires someone who is a capable and confident communicator with excellent organisation skills, and a ‘have a go’ attitude.

 

http://lifesciences.instinctif.com

 

Client management:

• Point person for everyday account management for a portfolio of clients – proactively planning at least 3-6 months ahead.
• Work closely with account lead to plan integrated communications strategies, potentially encompassing a blend of PR, marketing and digital.
• Develop and maintain close client relationships, ensuring regular interaction.
• Develop and maintain close media relationships to identify both earned and paid media opportunities.
• Use digital and social media to support client objectives.
• Lead on understanding key messages for each communications/marketing piece and briefing/overseeing others appropriately.
• Copywrite/copyedit client materials e.g. press releases, web copy, articles, marketing emailers etc.
• Review materials drafted by Account Executives and other client team members
• Demonstrate commercial awareness, including the ability to take responsibility and raise issues with account lead e.g. understanding value-add activities, identifying over or under servicing, client feedback etc.
• Proactively suggest creative ideas that enhance client PR/marketing programmes e.g. spotting media opportunities, commissioning research, speaker opportunities, award submissions.
• Support the financial management of clients, reviewing client spend and timesheet records, preparing invoices, ensuring costs are captured and passed on, and helping pre-empt any billing issues.

Healthcare & Life Sciences team support:

• Actively reading around sector and current affairs to continually deepen understanding of sector and keep team and clients updated.
• Identify and take forward opportunities to develop own skill sets and knowledge, as well as those of the team e.g. internal and external training, industry body members events and networking.
• Support learning and mentoring of other team members – using experience and knowledge gained from reading around the sector to share key sector news, best practice advice, strong examples of client work etc.

Business development:

• Research and support in the drafting of new business credentials, case studies, pitch decks and proposals.
• Support senior team in new business meetings and pitches.
• Opportunity spotting – create and identify ways to expand existing client accounts with additional projects or introducing other Instinctif expertise, where appropriate.
• Expand your own network of influencers (e.g. media, venture capitalists, analysts and corporate financiers as appropriate) that could recommend opportunities.
• Attend sector events and networking opportunities.

 

 

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• 2-5 years’ experience in a PR or marketing communications role.
• Understanding of and interest in the Healthcare and Life Sciences industry.
• Excellent media relations skills – strong journalist network and track record of pitching stories
• Experience in a PR / marketing consultancy, in-house, in a university/charity or media environment.
• First degree in a life sciences subject or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Excellent writing, communications and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook).
• Competency in social media (e.g. Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram).

Desirable:

• Experience in digital marketing campaigns
• Production of PowerPoint presentations to a professional level using templates
• PhD and past research experience

 

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• A well-presented communicator, both verbally and written.
• Proven ability to build rapport with colleagues and stakeholders.
• An individual that shows initiative and takes responsibility for planning and organising their own work.
• A team-player who can work flexibly within a team and will seek help when appropriate.
• An individual that embraces change and is quickly able to adapt to team needs/demands and priorities to deliver to set/multiple deadlines.
• An analytical problem-solver who is able to quickly and accurately identify key issues, will proactively support the team and has a passion for delivering communications in a business environment.
• An engaged individual who demonstrates enthusiasm for keeping up to date with current affairs and the healthcare & life sciences sector.
• A professional individual with exceptional attention to detail.
• Personal gravitas and standing to interact with clients and other advisors at C-suite level.