Senior Account Executive

Agency :

Havas SO

Job Description Summary :

The Senior Account Executive (SAE) takes ownership for specific aspects of account projects, assuming responsibility for the tactical implementation of the healthcare communications programme.

The SAE will be expected to continue to refine and enhance their PR skills, taking on the daily management of projects, coaching and delegating to the more junior members of the team, and helping with managing their workloads.

The SAE will need to be confident in their own capabilities and begin to take ownership in driving specific client activities.

Job Description :

Core Responsibilities

Communications (PR, Advocacy and Medical Communications)

• Consolidate writing skills, preparing key press materials, correspondence and client information, as well as starting to draft elements of more complex written materials i.e. proposals. Oversee electronic and hard copy referencing.
• Support and monitor AAE/AE’s written materials, advising on key areas of development and improvement, and ensuring internal/client deadlines are met at all times
• Identify news hooks and develop story lines for press releases
• Participate and contribute to the generation of creative ideas & platforms
• Generate content for different platforms and audiences (Medical, media, client, social, etc)
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of the media, social media & advocacy to clients when required and take a key supporting role in developing media strategies around news platforms (researching press rules/regulations and considering wider environment)
• Oversee media outreach from start to finish, ensuring AAE/AEs continue to strengthen their media monitoring skills
• Continue to build relationships with journalists and clients, becoming a key contact person for both
• Build a portfolio of press contacts across all media to achieve targeted coverage

Account Management

• Manage time effectively, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines
• Take ownership and accountability for individual projects or elements of account activity (e.g. research, defined projects, events); play an active role in development of initial proposal/timeline/budget and manage implementation through to final delivery
• Prepare forms to open HSO client project codes & supplier POs
• Assist with budget management by ensuring all costs are accurately captured in the budget trackers
• Build and manage supplier relationships e.g. designers, film production agencies
• Oversee the development of coverage and evaluation reports
• Take responsibility for the basic financial elements of client accounts e.g. budgeting, time management and cost controls
• Assist with new business opportunities, at research, preparation and pitch stage
• Increasingly contribute to planning and brainstorm meetings
• Start to develop strategic thinking and creative tactical proposals
• Ensure all written communication is of the highest quality (good grammar; spelling)
  

Client Activity

• Liaise with clients and offer advice where necessary – becoming a regular point of contact for clients
• Demonstrate an increased appreciation of the bigger client picture, including competitors and overall business objectives
• Prepare for and present in client meetings, as appropriate

Coaching & Development

• Effectively delegate/allocate tasks to other members of team
• Coach junior members of the team in the basic principles of PR and account management
• Act as a intermediary between account manager and account executive to help manage junior team workloads and highlight any potential issues

Industry Awareness

• Proactively develop an understanding of the NHS/international health systems and broader health environment, applying growing knowledge towards the implementation and development of client and new business programmes (UK and global)
• Build knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and internal/external environment
• Keep updated on the ABPI, PAGB codes and MHRA and other regulatory bodies that impact on client business
• Regularly read industry titles (PM Live, PR Week, Pharmaceutical Marketing) together with key UK and international healthcare/consumer titles and keep up-to-date on new titles/changes to editorial team; identify potential opportunities

Key Performance Indicators

• Performance appraisal & performance objectives
• Anecdotal client feedback
• Post-event/project analysis – reflect on smooth running of those areas managed by SAE

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Effective coaching skills
• Good knowledge of pharma, healthcare and media environments

Competencies

• Team player
• Reliable
• Diligent
• Challenging and forward thinking
• Organised
• Approachable
• Enthusiastic
• Resilient

Level of Experience

• Minimum of 12 months experience at AE within a comparable industry

Qualification

• Degree or of graduate calibre

Skills :

Contract Type :

Permanent

Here at Havas across the group we pride ourselves on being committed to offering equal opportunities to all potential employees and have zero tolerance for discrimination. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants irrespective of age, sex, race, ethnicity, disability and other factors that have no bearing on an individual’s ability to perform their job.

Due to high volume of applications, only eligible or matching candidates will be contacted by us.