Communications Associate Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Associate Director

🔹 Company: Health Unlimited

🔹 Location: London, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (Remote & On-site)

🔹 Category: Communications & Public Relations

🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Mix of remote and on-site work)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a range of accounts and projects, ensuring effective management and implementation of account activities.
• Gaining client trust and respect by demonstrating innovation and creativity beyond client expectations.
• Developing exceptional communications, marketing, and PR programmes.
• Managing and mentoring teams to build their communications expertise and client service skills.
• Proactively developing existing accounts through identification of opportunities for organic growth and conversion into new or ongoing work from clients.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong leader and team player who can work collaboratively while also being confident in making key strategic decisions and growing the business.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Account and Team Responsibilities:

• On-going effective leadership and management of all accounts under your remit.
• In-depth and confident understanding of clients’ strategic goals.
• Provide insights into new therapy areas and key audiences quickly and confidently.
• Flawless implementation of account activities as well as directing and managing others to do so.
• Regular and appropriate updates with the management team.
• Management and mentoring of teams to build their communications expertise and client service skills.
• Strong leadership to engage and inspire your teams and the wider team within the consultancy.

✅ Financial Responsibilities:

• Effective financial planning and awareness of the implications of profitability, financial reporting and forecasting of accounts as assigned to you.
• Ensuring accounts under your remit are profitable and over-service is kept to a minimum.
• Ensuring accurate and timely invoicing, budget tracking and reconciling by the team.

✅ New Business Responsibilities:

• Confident development and presentation of new business proposals.
• Proactive development of existing accounts through identification of opportunities for organic growth and conversion into new or ongoing work from clients.
• Identification of new business opportunities in target areas.
• Mentor/line-manage multiple team members within the company and help develop their ability and experience through coaching and experience building.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, team leadership, and financial management, with a focus on driving business growth and client satisfaction.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field. A postgraduate degree would be an asset.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in ethical health marketing or integrated communications, with a working knowledge of omnichannel marketing and integrated brand campaign delivery.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with clients at senior levels.
• Polished, persuasive, and strategic communicator – both written and verbal/presentation, with a solid understanding of the editorial skills needed for excellence in communication.
• Insight development and understanding of end user needs (Patient, KOL, HCP, client, etc).
• Confident management of the creative process, from brief creation through to evaluation and presentation of ideas, campaigns and assets.
• Communications strategy experience including leading client workshops and developing strategy/plans.
• Experience delivering integrated communication, marketing, or advertising toolkits/campaigns at a regional or global level.
• Experience with Veeva and Salesforce Marketing Cloud or other CRM platforms.
• Patient and HCP journey planning

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a healthcare or pharmaceutical environment.
• Fluency in additional languages.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in communications, with a proven track record in leading teams and driving business growth. Experience in the healthcare industry is highly desirable but not essential.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a role of this level in London)

Benefits:

• Holiday Entitlement – 25 days per year, increasing by one day per year after two years of service (up to a maximum of 30 days per holiday year)
• Purchase Holiday – opportunity to purchase up to five additional days of annual leave per year
• Birthday Day off
• Christmas Office Closure (usually three days) – separate to holiday entitlement
• Flexible Bank Holiday Days
• Volunteering Day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption benefits
• Pension Contributions - in line with auto enrolment guidelines, 5% employee contribution and 3% employer
• Electrical Car Scheme
• Tastecard
• Opportunity to Working Abroad (up to 4 weeks)
• Long-Service Awards – at each five-year milestone
• Healthcare cashback scheme
• Social events

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically working 40 hours per week. Some flexibility in working hours may be available.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level in London. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Health Unlimited is an integrated healthcare communications agency, specialising in public relations, advertising, marketing, behaviour change, medical education, data, digital engagement, content, and creative services. They work with clients in the healthcare sector to deliver impactful, long-lasting outcomes that enhance brand ambitions.

Company Size: Health Unlimited is a small agency with 11-50 employees, providing a close-knit and collaborative work environment. This size allows for more personalised career growth and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the business.

Founded: Health Unlimited was founded in 1998 and has since established itself as a leading agency in the healthcare communications sector. They have a proven track record of delivering award-winning work for their clients.

Company Description:

• Health Unlimited is an integrated healthcare communications agency, brimming with talent from diverse specialisms.
• They are Fluent in Human and assemble senior-led teams that deliver results through combining strategy, human insight and data.
• For more than 25 years, they have been creating award-winning work in organisational, ethical and consumer health that their clients recommend.

Company Specialties:

• Healthcare public relations
• Healthcare print and digital communications
• Digital communications
• Media relations

Company Website: http://www.healthunlimited.com

ASSUMPTION: Health Unlimited is a well-established agency with a strong reputation in the healthcare communications industry. Their focus on combining strategy, human insight, and data to deliver results sets them apart from their competitors.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-to-senior level, requiring a balance of strategic thinking, team leadership, and financial management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director will report directly to the Managing Director and will be responsible for leading a team of account managers and executives.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring a mix of remote and on-site work. The specific arrangement will be discussed during the interview process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Director or Managing Director role within the agency.
• Expanding the team's expertise and client base through new business development.
• Gaining experience in managing and mentoring more junior team members.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the agency. The successful candidate will have the chance to make a real impact on the business and help shape its future.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Health Unlimited's headquarters are located in Central London, providing a vibrant and dynamic work environment.

Office Location(s): 7-11 Lexington Street, London, England W1F 9AF, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global city with a thriving healthcare industry, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The office is located in the heart of Soho, a bustling and culturally diverse neighbourhood with numerous amenities and attractions.
• The UK has a well-established healthcare system, with a strong focus on innovation and research.

Work Schedule: The working schedule for this role is typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with some flexibility for remote work.

ASSUMPTION: The location and work environment at Health Unlimited provide an ideal setting for professionals looking to grow their careers in the healthcare communications industry.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to discuss the role and assess cultural fit.
• First-round interview with the Managing Director and a member of the HR team to discuss the role in more detail and assess skills and experience.
• Second-round interview with a panel of senior team members to assess strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Final interview with the CEO to discuss the role and the company's future plans.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and team management abilities.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Financial awareness and business acumen.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare examples of your strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to discuss during the interview.
• Research the company and the healthcare communications industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.

ATS Keywords: Communications, Associate Director, Healthcare, Marketing, Public Relations, Leadership, Team Management, Strategic Thinking, CRM, Veeva, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Patient Journey Planning, HCP Journey Planning

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Health Unlimited is designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills, as well as a passion for the healthcare communications industry.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Veeva
• Salesforce Marketing Cloud
• CRM platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience with CRM platforms, such as Veeva and Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and be comfortable using project management tools to manage their team's workload and progress.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Expertise
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Entrepreneurial
• Collaborative
• Creative
• Strategic
• Results-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and enjoy taking the initiative to drive business growth?
• Are you a strong communicator with excellent presentation skills?
• Do you have experience managing and mentoring teams to build their expertise and client service skills?
• Are you comfortable working with CRM platforms and using data to inform strategic decision-making?

ASSUMPTION: Health Unlimited values a collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment, where employees are encouraged to bring their best ideas to the table. Successful candidates will be strategic thinkers with strong communication and leadership skills, who thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, team leadership, and financial management, which can be challenging for some candidates.
• The healthcare communications industry is constantly evolving, requiring candidates to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.
• The role involves managing and mentoring multiple team members, which can be demanding and requires strong leadership skills.
• The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration with team members who are working remotely.

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to balance the demands of the role and adapt to the challenges of working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Account Manager or Account Director role in a communications or marketing agency, with a focus on the healthcare industry.
• However, this role places a greater emphasis on strategic thinking, team leadership, and financial management, making it a more senior-level position.
• Career progression from this role could lead to a Director or Managing Director position within the agency, or a similar role in a larger healthcare communications or marketing agency.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a senior-level position within a small healthcare communications agency, providing the chance to make a significant impact on the business and help shape its future.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic communications plan for a new pharmaceutical product launch, including media relations, digital marketing, and patient engagement activities.
• Managing a team to deliver a global advertising campaign for a major healthcare brand, including market research, creative development, and campaign execution.
• Conducting a competitive landscape analysis and developing a unique value proposition for a healthcare client looking to differentiate itself in the market.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning and team management to creative development and campaign execution.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the agency's overall strategy and growth plans?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and career progression within the agency?
• How does the agency support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the agency's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help candidates better understand the role, the agency, and its culture, allowing them to make an informed decision about whether the position is the right fit for their career goals and personal values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Workable link provided.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare examples of your strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to discuss during the interview.
• Research the company and the healthcare communications industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
• Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.