HEALTH & LIFE SCIENCES DIRECTOR
About the Organisation
We are an independent, agile strategic communications consultancy with over a decade of experience advising individuals and organisations across the UK, Europe and the US. Our work spans corporate communications, crisis management and public affairs for clients in pharma, biotech, medtech and beyond.
Small enough to give every client our full attention, big enough to handle the most ambitious briefs — our team combines deep sector expertise with creative, expansive thinking and no templated answers.
The Role
This is a senior growth role within our health and life sciences practice. We're looking for a Director who can lead business development, win new mandates and serve as a trusted senior adviser to clients across the sector.
You'll bring deep contacts across major pharmaceutical companies and the UK biotech community, and the commercial instinct to put those relationships to work. You'll lead the full new business process — from prospecting and credentials meetings through to pitch strategy and close.
Equally, you'll provide high-quality strategic counsel on reputation, regulation and issues management to some of the most complex organisations in health and life sciences.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take a genuine leadership role — building on an already strong practice by combining exceptional client work with disciplined, proactive business development. There is also the opportunity to broaden experience by working across other sectors from time to time.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead health and life sciences business development, including prospecting, relationship building, credentials meetings, pitch strategy and fee negotiations
• Build the consultancy's visibility in the market through targeted networks, events, partnerships and external profile-building
• Lead and oversee strategic corporate communications programmes for pharma, biotech, medtech, healthcare provider and life sciences investor clients
• Advise senior clients on reputation, positioning, issues management, crisis preparedness and stakeholder engagement in highly regulated environments
• Build and maintain trusted, long-term client relationships with regular senior-level engagement
• Work with the public affairs team to guide clients on policy and political engagement
• Develop, mentor and lead high-performing teams
• Cultivate and maintain senior relationships across major pharma, UK biotech, medtech, investors and relevant sector media
Candidate Specification
• At least eight years' experience in health & life sciences communications gained in an agency environment; in-house experience within pharma, biotech or life sciences is highly desirable, with health public affairs an advantage
• Proven ability to originate, lead and convert new business opportunities, supported by a strong network across major pharmaceutical companies and UK biotech
• Strong understanding of the regulatory, scientific and reputational landscape affecting health and life sciences organisations
• Proven strategic adviser to senior clients, with the confidence to provide clear, well-judged counsel in complex or sensitive situations
• Strong leadership skills and a collaborative approach to managing and motivating teams
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills
What's on Offer
• Competitive salary, DOE (Director bracket from £90,000)
• New business wins recognised through annual December bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 25 days annual leave rising to 26
• Pension, medical and life insurance, nursery and salary sacrifice schemes
• Cycle to work and technology schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first-aiders
• Busy social calendar, charity bike rides, summer and Christmas events
To apply or find out more, please contact hello@prcrowd.co.uk