Senior Account Manager - Health

Portland is a global advisory firm, helping companies, foundations, governments and organisations communicate effectively, grow and succeed.

We advise clients navigating business and reputational challenges, including regulatory change, political transition, and legal disputes and crises, ensuring they seize opportunities to engage in policy discussions and in the media when it matters most.

Headquartered in London, with a network of team members in critical markets, our advisors are drawn from the worlds of politics, business, law and journalism. Our work is supported by specialist digital, research and creative teams, and backed by Omnicom's global network and capabilities.

Combining political nous and cultural savvy, Portland's advisers build strategies and campaigns tailored to clients' needs, delivering outcomes that make a difference.

The Health Team

Portland's Health team consists of strategic communications experts, working with clients to shape the future of health in the UK and across Europe. We're trusted by the most high-profile organisations in the world, including 5 of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies.

We advise clients on the biggest issues facing the sector, from the launch of cutting-edge therapies to major population health issues. And we pride ourselves on deep, joined-up thinking, grounded in insights. Often working at the intersection of health policy and communications, Portland offers strategic problem-solving and high-level counsel alongside quality, creative execution.

The Role

1. Develop and oversee public affairs strategies that address client objectives and develop tactics that engage priority audiences.
2. Oversee the delivery of multiple projects and account team management for several clients, simultaneously, from concept to completion.
3. Provide strategic counsel to clients, individually and as part of a team.
4. Identify potential engagement and advocacy opportunities in the UK political and policy environment and turn these into successful strategies to influence policy change and deliver client objectives.
5. Oversee the Health Team's monitoring process, providing steer and sign-off on client notes.
6. Support the growth and development of the team through high quality management of junior colleagues.
7. Contribute to commercial success by helping to grow existing clients and win new business.
8. Build internal and external networks with colleagues, politicians, policymakers, PAGs, journalists, professional associations, and other relevant third parties.

Key Requirements:

1. Be an experienced programme lead with at least 4 years of public affairs experience working for pharmaceutical clients on behalf of a communications consultancy or in an in-house role.
2. Have experience in developing and delivering healthcare public affairs strategies for engaging priority audiences including - but not limited to - politicians, policymakers, payers, HCPs and patients/PAGs.
3. Have strong knowledge of, and interest in, the UK political and policy environment.
4. Have a strong understanding of UK parliamentary and HTA processes, the health system and policy influencing mechanisms.
5. Have proven experience of leading the delivery of high-profile accounts/work programmes and be able to anticipate clients' challenges and develop strategies to solve them.
6. Be highly organised with the ability to manage and oversee multiple projects at any one time and meet deadlines.
7. Have a strong understanding of monitoring processes, including identifying when a note is needed, providing a steer to junior colleagues and ensuring the note is client ready.
8. Have the credibility to earn the respect of peers and team members, supporting juniors to develop and seniors to provide strong client counsel.

Applications for this role close Thursday 20th February at 12pm.

What we offer in return:

We are committed to employee development and have an open doors culture where you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in the business. We regularly reward and promote success, and actively encourage staff to take on new challenges and responsibilities to aid progression.

Our remuneration package also includes our competitive pension contributions, private healthcare life assurance cover, company contribution to gym membership, wellbeing workshops and activities, company parties, lunch contribution each week and much, much more!

At Portland we take a flexible approach to work and encourage our colleagues to do the same. All our roles are open to flexible working requests, and we will consider all options during our recruitment process. This includes but is not limited to flexible hours, home working, compressed hours and job sharing.

Other information

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond directly to all applicants, only to those whose candidacy is being pursued. In addition, the length of the recruitment process varies based on the vacancy needs. Traditionally, the process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Therefore, your patience is greatly appreciated.