Senior Associate Director or Director, Health Policy/Communications

Overview

In this role you will lead APCO’s healthcare offerings, driving new business and delivering strategic public affairs counsel for high-profile clients in pharma, medtech and related health sectors. You will manage teams, oversee major campaigns, and serve as a senior adviser on client engagements across the UK, collaborating with APCO’s international network. You will shape messages, navigate policy landscapes, and grow key relationships with policymakers, industry groups, and stakeholders. This is an opportunity to influence healthcare communications at scale within a dynamic, global agency.

Pay / Benefits

• private medical insurance
• mental health support
• enhanced parental leave from day one
• APCO Gives Back community scheme
• annual health, wellbeing and fitness allowance
• industry-leading global exchange program

Responsibilities

• Identify and lead new opportunities to grow domestic health business
• Lead healthcare, strategic communications and issue campaigns for clients
• Manage client relationships, oversee projects, allocate resources and review work
• Provide high-level client service and supervise staff to maintain and grow relationships
• Design and implement integrated campaigns targeting policymakers, civil servants, media, and other stakeholders
• Lead strategy development and craft messages for new business and existing clients
• Monitor developments in client issue areas and flag opportunities for engagement

Key requirements

• At least 9 years of UK healthcare, public affairs and strategic communications campaign experience
• Exceptional presentation, writing and analytical skills with ability to write strategically and creatively under tight deadlines
• Solid project management experience including team oversight and multiple deliverables
• Proven success in formulating and leading strategic engagements with external stakeholders
• Track record in developing and leading new business initiatives and driving organic growth
• Strong enthusiasm and connections in the UK health space; understanding of NICE process and UK reimbursement landscape for pharma and med tech
• Understanding of ABPI code and advising clients on navigating it
• Strong enthusiasm for UK politics with deep Westminster & Whitehall knowledge

• ambitious
• proactive
• client-focused
• public affairs
• strategic communications
• stakeholder engagement

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