Account Director (Healthcare PR & Comms)

realchemistry

Edinburgh - UK; London - UK; Manchester - UK · London

Posted Aug 18, 2026

Other
Remote
Communications

Job description

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.

Real Chemistry is a global health innovation company with offices across Europe and the US. We believe that the way to real, transformative change is through the uncommon combination of disciplines, technologies, and our greatest asset – our people. We are currently looking to add to our alchemic mix of more than 1,800 talented professionals. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-growing global company committed to making the world a healthier place for all.

Job Summary:

Real Chemistry is looking for driven, savvy game changers who are ready to dive into the trenches and make an immediate impact. We are currently seeking an Account Director with solid client services experience in pharma who can lead client strategy engagements and oversee project execution across different communication platforms as well as drive new business opportunities. The position offers a great opportunity for an individual with a passion for healthcare to work with leading clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and health IT fields.

Responsibilities:

Manage multiple client engagements of varying sizes in a fast-paced environment.
Develop and maintain strong client relationships through exceptional client relationship skills
Seamlessly flex between big picture strategic development/ad hoc guidance, and assure execution of associated tactics are flawless
Guide clients on integrated marketing/communications decisions, identifying new opportunities to increase visibility their brand including consultative selling
Develop high-level and persuasive communications plans (annual, quarterly, etc.)
Lead operational efforts and be accountable for the financial performance of engagements through close management of budgets and team members
Manage client budgets and resourcing, budget tracking, staffing and billability
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:

Already working as an Account Director or established as an Associate Account Director and looking to step up.
Experience working within a health PR agency.
Experience working with pharmaceutical clients.
Experience working across global PR accounts.
Ability to work within and lead cross-functional teams internally
Develop multi-faceted, multi-channel and multi-market strategies and campaigns to deliver against business objectives and strategic imperatives
Work with analyst teams to identify key client KPIs, develop measurement and learning plans that communicate program performance reveal opportunities to increase success
Experience in strategy development and execution of global programs, as well as local implementation
Ability to relay high science of clinical trials or products to audiences with different levels of knowledge
Ability to support and drive new business operations alone and as part of bigger team
Experience with annual planning, resourcing and forecasting
Professional presence, performs with a sense of urgency and with a client service orientation
Has confidence to manage upward when required; able to communicate with managers when deadlines will not be met or when issues are foreseeable
Excellent business communication ability including informal/formal presentation and writing skills; this includes confident public speaking both internally and externally with clients, vendors, and affiliates
Project management experience, demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and manage detailed budgets

The position requires some international travel for client meetings and conferences (20 - 30 percent)

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 committed to being an Equal Opportunity employer. As such, we seek motivated and qualified applicants 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. We strive to employ, motivate, advance and reasonably accommodate any qualified employees and applicants. We believe diversity of persons and ideas forms the most comprehensive, forward-looking company.

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.