To write, manage and lead the strategic and editorial development of medical communication projects with a focus on key messages, content and overall quality of all materials. Together with relevant colleagues in teams, to provide both tactical and strategic contribution and efficient project management, helping to build client and KOL advocacy and helping clients fulfil their marketing and strategic objectives across a range of therapy areas.

Accountabilities:

Scientific responsibilities:

Research, write at all stages, or edit and proof scientific and commercial materials over a full range of educational materials and target audiences for pharmaceutical clients including:

Data checks and provision of full marked up references for all projects
Identification of areas where copyright permissions are required and liaison with Editorial Assistant to ensure copyright compliance

Identification of suitable reference material where appropriate.
Interpret and implement client and author amendments to written materials with the highest level of completeness and accuracy.

Contribute to the development of clients’ product strategy, publication plans and key message development where appropriate.
Assist clients in disseminating marketing messages, making recommendations as appropriate for the most appropriate formats for materials and communications.

Provide scientific and commercialadvice, expertise and consultancy in a range of therapy areas, competitors, new products, new indications, etc to actively challenge and encourage client thinking.

Manage on-site support to meet client / speaker / requirements e.g. on-site content development, editing, production, faculty support, slide previews, A/V, data gathering, general assistance.

Liaise confidently with KOLs and authors to establish, develop and maintain opinion leader relationships and advocacy.

Keep up-to-date with client preferences in witing styles, wording, etc.

Provide ideas and direction for the development of creative designs where appropriate.

Project management responsibilities
Take responsibility for and manage a portfolio of projects across a range of clients and therapy areas, driving the day-to-day project management of all assigned projects.

Set-up and maintain project files (paper and electronic copy). Track and file correspondence and project work containing all relevant project status knowledge.
Work with account services colleagues to produce and communicate regular status updates for client.

Work with Account Director and Project Manager to ensure suitable schedules are drawn up and updated as necessary.
Act as the primary point of contact for the clients on own projects.

Liaise with client, opinion leaders / speakers and staff to ensure full, timely and documented approvals for all scientific project work.
Work closely with Editorial Leads to help plan and allocate resource to match project/programme needs

Proactively identify resource shortfalls with own allocated project work that will necessitate transfer of projects or additional resource. Liaise with Editorial Leads to ensure project coverage.
Ensure that all projects requiring review are scheduled in; liaise with Editorial Leads and nominated reviewer as appropriate.

Ensure that project timelines are met and budgets adhered to; record and monitor actual vs budgeted time, and complete timesheets accurately and regularly.

Quality control and reviewing responsibilities:
Review scientific content of written materials for colleagues to ensure that materials comply with client brief, internal quality standards, deadlines and other agreed specifications; provide timely, consistent and constructive feedback to colleagues

Carry out FIRe checks and Pre-print checks on written materials for colleagues across the company according to the QC schedule. Pro-actively liaise with Editorial Leads and appropriate writer to ensure timely reviews.
Client focus, liaison and service:

Lead client meetings and TCs where appropriate and follow up any assigned actions from those meetings
Confidently demonstrate proactive client service both to clients and to the wider team.

As a primary point of contact, endeavour to build client relationships and advocacy through proactive and value-added interaction.

Business development responsibilities:

Contribute to the development of new business proposals and pitches wherever appropriate, for existing and new clients.
Play a leading role in client-facing meetings or pitches for new business as appropriate.
Actively pursue business development opportunities with existing clients, liaising with Management Team, Account Director and Business Development Team as appropriate.

Pro-actively contribute to the drive for organic growth and new business development for new and existing clients.
General areas:

Effectively mentor more junior staff and contribute to objective setting, training and performance appraisals where appropriate.
Manage internal and external communications efficiently
Comply with company SOPs, guidelines and standards.
Attain / maintain a good working knowledge of the computer software required.

Qualifications:

Educated to at least degree level in the physical or life sciences.

Previous work experience:

Agency editorial experience, including experience of good multidisciplinary teamwork is essential.

Job Specific Competencies:

Demonstrable competence in scientific and commercial writing.
Confidence in client-facing situations; ability and willingness to lead client meetings and make presentations where necessary

Ability to adapt quickly and competently to different therapy areas and target audiences.
Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and therapy areas efficiently and competently.
Ability to identify areas for organic growth and facilitate recommendations to clients.
Attention to detail – style/consistency, grammar, syntax, scientific accuracy, layout etc.
Good knowledge of a number of therapeutic areas, medical products and the pharmaceutical industry.
Excellent project / time management and organisational skills.
IT skills (including MS Office, database searching, internet use).
Keen budgetary awareness.
Familiarity with code of practice guidelines for medical copy / copyright issues.
Familiarity with drug development process.
Excellent interpersonal / communication skills including client/opinion leader contact skills.
Ability and willingness to mentor more junior staff.

Competencies:

Customer focus
Teamwork
Integrity
Accountability
Innovation
Communication
Business awareness
Self development