Associate Director Healthcare APCO Worldwide

Job title: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR HEALTHCARE

Location: Brussels

Our established and fast-growing Healthcare practice in Brussels and in EIMEA has an opportunity for an Associate Director to join and lead client projects independently as well as to provide essential tactical support to the Senior Healthcare Directors. We require an experienced senior account manager within this field who can demonstrate significant proven experience in a Public Affairs and Communications environment and add real value to the growth of this core practice going forward. We will also consider a professional with Consumer Goods experience for this role.

This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting edge client issues, lead local and interoffice client projects as well as to work as an integral member of a diverse and dedicated team of consultants. The Associate Director interfaces with all levels of staff and serves as the primary client contact. He/ she manages client projects by supervising project teams, identifying the strategy which supports the client’s objectives, developing communication plans, consulting clients regarding project issues. The Associate Director is responsible for proper scoping and pricing work, delegating projects and tasks effectively as well as managing work activities and resources within agreed upon budgets. In addition, he/she would be required to show demonstrated strategic and tactical abilities, as well as have strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement Public Affairs & Communications strategies and work programs; Produce accurate written reports and other client materials that require little or no revisions;
• Manage all client work on a daily basis; initiate internal practice and client meetings and conference calls; serve as client contact for specific tasks or projects; identify and pursue ways to grow current client accounts; ensure that all project deadlines are met; conduct research and analyze issues that may impact client business
• Delegate and manage work of junior staff and follow–up on progress and completion; manage and conduct performance appraisals for designated staff; manage internal communications with project team and other staff; mentor junior staff
• Responsible for local and regional new business development; closely monitor healthcare relevant trends and business/government issues and opportunities
• Develop budget and track expenses against client budget; monitor expenses and costs charged to project accounts; ensure that client bills are accurate and timely, and manage vendor relationships and ensure payment of expenses
• Active role in execution of the business plan for the office
• Other responsibilities assigned
• Aim to achieve 6.25 billable hours on average per day

Qualifications & Standards:

• Undergraduate degree in related field essential and post graduate qualification desirable
• Minimum 6 - 10 years relevant experience in a consulting firm, corporation, industry association, or diplomatic post
• Proven experience to a senior account manager competency level in a Public Affairs and Communications or NGO environment essential
• In-depth knowledge EU healthcare policy agenda
• Goal –oriented and experience developing and running EU / pan-European Public Affairs and Communications programs including disease awareness &advocacy, lobbying, market access support, etc.
• Healthcare sector knowledge and experience essential but Consumer Goods experience will also be considered
• Strong EU institutional background and/or understanding and network
• Fluent written and spoken English essential; at least one additional language

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT: The physical abilities needed to perform the duties of this position, in addition to the office climate.

• Office environment is general office setting
• Local and international travel required