Director of Healthcare Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs

We are working with a leading award-winning communications consultancy that works across businesses, charities, public sector and institutions to elevate reputations and increase recognition. This is an opportunity to join a fantastic team of professionals in the Healthcare Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs team in London and will direct the team to ensure positive outcomes for patients and healthcare. Their clients include over half of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies, as well as NHS organisations, institutions, charities and health tech businesses. Our client is looking for a Director with excellent leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset to work across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors operating across public affairs, government relations, market access, corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement as well as policy advocacy. As a senior member of the team, this candidate would have an active voice in strategy development and sit within the Health Leadership Team and SLT to lead on group wide agendas. Key responsibilities:

• To lead on strategy development and leadership of the team as well as nurture talent and agree a training strategy for team members.
• Provision of comprehensive strategic overview on all clients and prospective clients as well as client counsel on relevant political environments and how best to navigate the political process.
• New business development and maintenance of regular senior level client contacts to identify and build relevant opportunities and threats.
• Provide support on research to new business pitches and tender documents; develop materials crucial to pitches.
• Financial management and implementation of a system that drives quality assurance and standards across the team.
• Internal communications and co-ordination of regular team meetings and announcements.

• A proven track record of working across public affairs in a consultancy or in-house setting – this candidate may also have come from a government agency or the civil service.
• The candidate must have experience delivering public affairs strategies and programmes in the healthcare space and have engaged with system and NHS leaders – prior work with advocacy groups and other influencers will also be necessary.
• Strong understanding of major issues and policy changes that may impact the UK healthcare system and pharma industry.
• An extensive network is crucial in addition to a good insight and knowledge of pharma pipelines and generation of innovative therapies.
• A complete understanding of political environments and processes at different levels as well as experience of Westminster and Whitehall operations.
• A keen interest in new business and experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams.