Account Director

Job Title: Account Director Medical CommunicationsLocation: Chester Hybrid (min. 2 days per week in office)Closing Date: 27/11/25Springer Nature Group Springer Nature opens the doors to discovery for researchers educators clinicians and other professionals. Every day around the globe our imprints books journals platforms and technology solutions reach millions of people. For over 175 years our brands and imprints have been a trusted source of knowledge to these communities and today more than ever we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found verified understood and used by our communities enabling them to improve outcomes make progress and benefit the generations that follow.About SpringerHealth(SH)(part of the Springer Nature Group)Springer Health is a leading global medical communications and education provider. Working in partnership with pharmaceutical companies and key opinion leaders. At Springer Health we see beyond the data we see the people behind every breakthrough. We do more than help experts across the medical community keep up with science; we help them move it forward making healthcare smarter and more human.Springer Health are looking for an enthusiastic Account Director with solid experience in Medical Communications to join our busy and expanding team. If you have great attention to detail love multitasking and are looking for a new challenge then we would like to hear from you.We offer excellent opportunities for career progression with a focus on employee satisfaction and retention.Job Role (Main Duties)Strategic and Commercial Insight/ Organic GrowthProvide strategic and commercial direction to clients and the internal team delivering organic business growth for the designated account(s):Apply a thorough understanding of the principles and processes underlying the various components of a strategic communications programme and how these fit within a product life-cycleDemonstrate an understanding of the commercial strategy for products within and across account(s)/franchise(s) and provide relevant advice and recommendations to internal and external clients on how to achieve communication objectivesConstantly review clients plans to ensure communication objectives are being met and make recommendations to fill any gaps in communication strategy to assist and challenge clients own thinking and planningReview proposals developed by other members of your teamSecure profitable ongoing business and expand opportunitiesKeep up to date with developments and attitudes in the worldwide healthcare environment at industry government and health service level and use knowledge in relevant discussions with clientsKeep up to date with innovations in industry and demonstrate forward thinking to clientsMake recommendations and suggestions to the Senior Team regarding best practice and potential for new service and product offeringsShare best practice with client and internal teams2. Client ServiceBuild and sustain long-term influential business relationships with client team(s) and wider company contacts:Develop and maintain awareness and understanding of the clients market product profile competitors product positioning marketing strategy and trendsEnsure a continuing good relationship with all clients (day to day contacts and wider team/influencers) and that a consistently efficient and effective service is providedEstablish trust with key clients and become their right hand person both tactically and strategically offering sound advice where requiredDevelop an extensive client network and become an expert in the needs of those clientsAttend lead or oversee team members leading client meetings (where appropriate)Attend and contribute to client strategy meetings and lead where appropriateReview progress on an ongoing basis both with the client and internal team using feedback/learnings to drive improvementImmediately address any issues arising with clients and ensure that they are resolved so that future relationships are not damaged flag any unresolved issues to the Senior Team outlining business risk and making recommendations for actionEnsure any changes in the internal client services team are managed and communicated appropriately with the clientEnsure consistency of approach across client franchise accounts and facilitate communication with internal client team across products as necessary3. Project ManagementOversee account and editorial teams on allocated accounts ensuring:Clients provide detailed and accurate briefs for projects these are understood by the internal team and re-affirmed with the client where appropriateProjects are driven in a timely manner and managed effectively to a high client standardInternal and external Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are adhered toRegular project debriefs take placeRegular brainstorm meetings take place to review current client offering and any gaps in service offering or communication strategyContribute to account through hands on management of the client and where appropriate liaison with opinion leadersProvide support where required to team in client meetings/callsAct as a wider/senior support to the client and internal team with day-to-day tactical delivery being undertaken by the Senior Account Managers Account Managers Account ExecutivesWork closely with the wider internal and external teams to set up new systems/processes as required to optimally manage the account(s)Manage project risks problem solve effectively and take corrective action e.g. ensure that contingency planning techniques are used4. New Business Development Identify new business opportunitiesUse experience and knowledge to develop new opportunitiesIn conjunction with the Business Development Manager lead pitch preparation (following company process) and delivery where appropriate5. Financial ManagementProvide accurate monthly and yearly sales and revenue forecasts to Client Services Director to assist in the forward planning of the business unitDemonstrate forward thinking and be aware of position in relation to yearly financial targetsHighlight and manage any shortfalls earlyMeet or exceed Springer Health sales revenue and profitability expectations within the assigned account(s)Submit proposed sales and revenue targets each year for assigned accounts to Client Services Director based on detailed client discussionsOversee Springer Health monthly financial processLead the client services team(s) to deliver against agreed key performance indicators e.g. recoverability utilisationTake overall responsibility for client negotiations agreeing terms and conditions and contractsOversee the client financial processIdentify procurement contact for relevant accounts and develop relationship to facilitate streamlined communication/financial discussionsManage professionally any disputes regarding costs with the clientAuthorise supplier invoices ensuring that they are accurately codedComplete accurate and timely timesheets and ensure timely completion by line reports6. Internal Leadership/ManagementLead and develop client services team(s) to reach full potential both personally and for the benefit of the business:Input to the vision set by the Business Leaders and communicate this vision to the team during day-to-day working practicesLead motivate and drive account team(s) providing support and advice on client and project issuesContribute to succession planning for both account and editorial teams and develop staff as appropriateReview the performance of direct report(s) through the Appraisal Process (AP) process including year-end and mid-year reviews and any other ad hoc discussions (as required) involving the Client Services Director where necessaryIdentify skill gaps and develop personal development and training plans for direct reports involving the Client Services Director where necessaryCo-ordinate relevant training for line reports with Human ResourcesCoach and mentor direct and wider team members where possible to fill skill gapsLead staff recruitment for direct line reports involving the Client Services Director and assessing suitability of candidates as requiredEnsure effective resource planning:With input from the wider team plan resource requirements in advance so that adequate resource is in place to meet client demandsIdentify any resource issues and recommend solutions/work with Client Services Director and Scientific Services Directors to develop planCommunicate resource demands on other departments/suppliers well in advance to allow them to plan appropriate resource to meet client demands7. Springer Global Support Build relationships with key internal clients in other offices of Springer Healthcare and Springer Science Business Media to ensure that maximum leverage is gained from business opportunitiesFacilitate and ensure sharing of business opportunities with other teams/departmentsSkills Experience Qualifications:EssentialHigh level of Account Director Management Experience within Medical CommunicationsExcellent internal and external communicator motivator team player happy to get involved in any type of work if needed by the team or client i.e. non-hierarchicalSuperb time keeping financial and project management skills and good level of business knowledgeUnderstanding of sales revenue and EBITDAUnderstanding of the drug development and communication processHigh level of managing staff and ability to influence and grow people skills in a positive and supportive mannerWillingness and availability to travel abroad a few times a year5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and EnglishDesiredBroad range of therapeutic knowledgeGood sense of humour open and direct communicatorKnowledge of Veeva and iEnvision systemsEducated to degree level (preferably in science)A commercial qualificationEuropean language(s)#LI-RP1Springer Healthcare is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and we encourage applications from candidates with disabilities. If you consider yourself to have a disability or learning difficulty and wish to submit your application in an alternative format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process please get in touch either by phone on 44 (0) or by email so we can make any necessary arrangements.At Springer Healthcare we value and celebrate the diversity of our people. We recognise the many benefits of a diverse workforce and strive for an inclusive workplace that empowers all our colleagues to thrive. Our search for the best talent fully encompasses and embraces these values and principles. r duties as requested by the Client Services DirectorJob Posting End Date:Required Experience:Director Key Skills Abinitio,Customer Service,Business Solutions,Cost Estimation,Drafting,Activex Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1