Senior Account Director (Patient Advocacy & Policy)

At Real Chemistry, making the world a healthier place isn’t just an aspiration—it’s our everyday reality. Our drive to transform healthcare is informed by our blend of deep scientific expertise, human-centred creativity, and AI-driven insights, fostering a unique environment where innovation thrives and our people are impact-obsessed. As a global agency, we provide a full suite of services across healthcare communications and marketing to our clients, including top players in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Our #LifeatRealChem culture is rooted in our people—we believe we are best together and are committed to excellence for both our clients and colleagues. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, if you share our passion for healthcare and connection, we invite you to explore our opportunities.

Discover your purpose. Embrace innovation. Experience #LifeatRealChem.

Job Summary:

Real Chemistry is currently seeking a Senior Account Director with solid client services experience in life sciences who can lead client strategy engagements and oversee project execution across different communication platforms as well as drive new business opportunities.

The role will be working as part of our Global Advocacy team, supporting on patient advocacy and health policy, across a range of therapy areas.

Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain strong client relationships through exceptional client relationship skills

Identify and lead on opportunities for account growth

Oversee the distribution of client announcements via the appropriate regulatory channels and follow up with media in a timely manner

Develop high-level and persuasive communications plans to meet the clients business objectives

Lead operational efforts and be accountable for the financial performance of engagements through close management of budgets and team members

Ensure the quality of the account team(s) is held to the highest standard and that all client requests are handled in a strategic and timely manner

Partner with shared service leads to run and grow integrated business (social media/digital, creative), and to develop new business opportunities

Directly supervise account staff and promote continuous learning and development to help build a high performing culture

Required Skills & Experience:

5+ years in client services within a healthcare agency, specialising in patient advocacy and health policy

Extensive experience working with pharma and biotech clients

Strong understanding of policy within the UK, European and Global markets

Exceptional presentation skills — both verbal and written, formal and informal

Highly organized, proactive and a solution-oriented thinker under pressure

Project management experience, demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and manage detailed budgets

Supervisory skills, with ability to manage and cultivate junior staff and effectively collaborate with vendors

Positive, team-oriented attitude

Demonstrated experience developing direct reports and influence-managing matrixed teams a must

Exceptional organizational skills leading to flawless execution of tactical plans is required

Please note: this role requires hybrid working with 2 days per week from one of our offices - London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks. Learn more about our great benefits and perks at: http://www.realchemistry.com/

Real Chemistry is proud to be Great Place to Work® certified; check out what our people shared about our culture and workplace on our Great Places to Work Profile here .

We believe we can do our best when feeling our best, which is why we’ve put together a benefits program designed to give you the support you and your family need at every stage of life. Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks, tailored to your region. Globally, this includes offices in our key markets with free snacks to keep you running all day long, generous holiday and paid time off, options for private medical, dental, and vison plans, and support in saving for the future. Other perks include mental wellness coaching and support and access to more than 13,000 online classes with LinkedIn Learning. Learn more about our great benefits and perks and search specific offerings in your region at: www.realchemistrybenefits.com .

At Real Chemistry, we believe we're at our best when we're connected. Our Real Hybrid and Regional Teams (Real HART) approach is designed to foster collaboration, learning, innovation, and meaningful relationships while providing flexibility where appropriate. Because our workforce spans multiple countries, regions, and client needs, work arrangements may vary by role and location. Some positions offer hybrid or remote flexibility, while others require regular in-office presence. For example, certain teams and regions, including some of our UK operations, have office-based requirements. Your recruiter will discuss the specific expectations for the role you're pursuing during the interview process and keep you informed throughout the hiring journey. For employees located within a one-hour commute of a Real Chemistry office, we require in-person attendance two days per week, either from a Real Chemistry office or when working onsite with clients. Employees in regions without a nearby office may work remotely and come together throughout the year for collaboration, culture-building, learning, and team connection opportunities. While these guidelines reflect our current workplace model, we understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique. If you require additional flexibility, we welcome an open conversation with your recruiter and our HR team to discuss your needs and determine what may be possible.

Real Chemistry is an Equal Opportunity employer. We continually strive to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees feel empowered to leverage all they bring from their personal lived experience and professional expertise, to make our team the best in the industry. We encourage motivated and qualified applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Real Chemistry operates. Should you require accommodations throughout the interview process please let your recruiter know.

*Notice: Real Chemistry and its affiliates' names are being misused by scammers through messaging services, fake websites, and apps. Do not share personal or financial information or make payments to any unverified sources claiming to be connected to Real Chemistry. We are working to stop these unauthorized activities and protect our community. Read more here .