Account Director, Healthcare, Public Affairs, Brussels

pHanson Search is partnering with an international public affairs and strategic communications consultancy to appoint a Healthcare Public Affairs Account Director to its Brussels office. The role sits within a well-established Healthcare and Life Sciences practice, leading client accounts on high-profile EU health policy files. /p h3About the Healthcare Public Affairs Account Director Role /h3 pThe team advises organisations across the healthcare ecosystem on the political and regulatory issues that shape their ability to succeed, as well as their reputation. It combines detailed sector knowledge with a clear grasp of what policymakers, patients, healthcare providers and innovators prioritise across the EU and globally. /p pClients include healthcare trade associations and companies across pharmaceuticals, biotech, medtech and the wider life sciences sector. The work ranges from shaping policy positions and engagement strategies to building coalitions and strengthening advocacy. It also includes disease awareness campaigns, issues management, media engagement and stakeholder mobilisation. /p pThe Brussels healthcare team is a close-knit group of six, working with established and newly won clients on some of the most significant files in EU health policy. Colleagues bring public affairs and strategic communications expertise, with backgrounds in healthcare policy, science, finance and journalism. /p pAs Account Director within the Brussels healthcare team, you will take ownership of client accounts, steering strategy and delivery day to day. You will work alongside healthcare specialists and colleagues from the firm’s public affairs, strategic communications, crisis and digital teams. /p pThis Healthcare Public Affairs Account Director role suits someone with hands‑on grounding in EU health policy who is ready to lead accounts and guide colleagues. Shaping client advice is part of the role, though it does not call for a senior board‑level adviser. /p pYou will work across a varied set of healthcare policy files, including: /p ul liThe EU pharmaceutical legislation review /li liAntimicrobial resistance /li liPandemic preparedness /li liOncology, with a particular focus on early‑stage cancer /li liGeneral EU health policy /li /ul h3Healthcare Public Affairs Account Director Responsibilities /h3 pClient Leadership /p ul liAct as day-to-day lead and first point of contact on client accounts, building trusted relationships with clients. /li liDevelop and deliver public affairs strategies and advocacy plans that support clients’ policy and business objectives. /li liManage multiple priorities in parallel, coordinating workstreams with colleagues so that clients receive consistent service. /li /ul pPolicy Analysis and Advice /p ul liDeliver insightful analysis on political, regulatory, media and market developments, with clear recommendations for clients. /li liMonitor and interpret developments across EU institutions and key files in pharmaceutical, biotech, medtech and wider health policy. /li liDraft and manage policy briefings, position papers, presentations and other client documents, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. /li /ul pStakeholder Engagement /p ul liEngage with EU policymakers, patient groups, healthcare stakeholders and industry bodies on behalf of clients. /li liSupport coalition-building and media engagement where relevant to client objectives. /li liHelp organise client meetings and events, ensuring smooth execution. /li liBuild your own network across the Brussels health policy community. /li /ul pTeam and Business Development /p ul liCoach more junior colleagues and give them constructive feedback. /li liContribute to brainstorming and pitch preparation, including research and drafting. /li liThink strategically and tactically about client issues and account development. /li /ul h3Healthcare Public Affairs Experience and Skills /h3 pbEssential /b /p ul liExperience in healthcare public affairs, gained in a public affairs consultancy, a trade association, an EU institution or an in‑house policy team. /li liStrong knowledge of EU institutions and decision‑making. /li liA clear understanding of how the healthcare and life sciences sector works, including the policy environment for pharmaceutical, biotech, medtech and other life sciences companies. /li liSolid knowledge of business issues and current EU and global debates, with a strong understanding of how business interacts with media and politics. /li liA track record of working on client accounts and delivering strategic advice, with the readiness to take on greater account leadership. /li liExcellent research and writing skills, with the ability to distil complex information into clear analysis for business audiences. /li liExcellent written and spoken English. /li liProven project management abilities, with the ability to oversee multiple fast‑moving workstreams and deliver under pressure. /li /ul pbDesirable /b /p ul liFamiliarity w