Account Manager - Communications & Advocacy

Account Manager

Team – Communications and Advocacy Practice

Location – London (UK), Hybrid

About AXON

AXON is a global healthcare communications agency that ignites change in healthcare.

Through the power of life-changing communications, we contribute to medical advances that improve lives. At the heart of every scientific innovation and advancement is a compelling story, and we know how to bring those stories to life – using the right insights, channels and creative approaches to reach the right audiences at the right time and provoke meaningful change.

Our Communications & Advocacy (C&A) Practice works with clients to navigate complex healthcare challenges and create communications programmes that engage audiences, shape conversations and support meaningful change.

You’ll be joining an experienced and collaborative team of healthcare communications and advocacy professionals, working across a varied portfolio of client programmes. AXON specialises in medical affairs, clinical studies, real-world evidence, marketing, advocacy and communications, underpinned by insights and creative strategy

With offices in Copenhagen, London, New York and Toronto, as well as a worldwide affiliate network, AXON combines international reach with deep healthcare communications expertise. We are proudly part of the AVENIR GLOBAL network

Role

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Account Manager to join our Communications & Advocacy Practice.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is an expert within communications and advocacy, enjoys working closely with clients, taking ownership of projects and playing an important role within a busy, collaborative agency environment.

As an Account Manager, you’ll be a trusted day-to-day contact for your clients, working closely with senior colleagues to deliver high-quality healthcare communications programmes that meet client objectives. You’ll have the opportunity to build strong client relationships, lead projects, and contribute to proposals

You’ll also take real ownership of the commercial and operational side of your accounts – from briefing and budgeting through to forecasting, timelines, profitability and delivery.

This role would suit someone who is confident working with clients, naturally organised, commercially aware and excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare communications.

What you’ll be doing

Client & Account Management

• Act as a trusted day-to-day contact for clients, build strong relationships using your expertise within Communications & Advocacy and develop a clear understanding of their needs, priorities and ways of working.
• Proactively identify client challenges and opportunities, providing practical recommendations and solutions and knowing when to bring in senior counsel.
• Translate client objectives and brand strategy into clear, effective tactical delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, working collaboratively across AXON, other practices and network partners where required.
• Maintain clear, proactive communication with clients and internal teams to ensure everyone is aligned on objectives, priorities and timelines.

Project Leadership

• Take ownership of projects from briefing through to delivery, ensuring milestones, quality standards and client expectations are met.
• Develop and refine project briefs with clients and ensure delivery plans are realistic, clear and well managed.
• Manage competing priorities and delegate effectively across the project team.
• Monitor timelines, progress and risks, proactively addressing issues and escalating where appropriate.
• Ensure a consistently high standard of quality and attention to detail.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Develop accurate budgets and forecasts and ensure projects are delivered within agreed parameters.
• Monitor project spend, manage and reconcile budgets, and communicate any potential variations or issues promptly.
• Proactively manage scope creep and support discussions with clients and senior colleagues to protect account profitability.
• Understand how time, investment and utilisation contribute to the financial health of the agency.

New Business & Growth

• Contribute to and help drive tactical proposals and Requests for Proposals (RfPs).
• Bring your knowledge and experience to communications programmes, including strategy and creative tactics, with senior support where needed.
• Develop an understanding of your clients’ businesses and identify opportunities to grow existing accounts and broaden the support AXON can provide.
• Work with senior colleagues on new business opportunities, including credentials and proposal development.

People & Team Leadership

• Provide clear, constructive feedback and contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment.
• Help create clarity around priorities, responsibilities, deadlines and quality expectations.
• Contribute to team discussions and decisions, sharing your ideas and perspectives.
• Work effectively with senior colleagues, keeping them appropriately informed and knowing when to seek their support.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is already building their career in healthcare communications and is ready to take greater ownership and responsibility within an agency environment.

You’ll bring:

• Experience in an Account Management role within healthcare communications, communications & advocacy, public relations, policy, science or marketing.
• Strong client relationship and consultancy skills, with the confidence to become a trusted day-to-day client contact.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• An understanding of project budgets, forecasting and financial management, with a genuine interest in the commercial side of agency work.
• The ability to identify opportunities and contribute to new business proposals and account growth.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt your communication style to different clients and stakeholders.
• An interest in healthcare, patient advocacy, health policy and the wider life sciences environment.
• An awareness of relevant healthcare industry regulations, GDPR and issues/trends affecting clients and the sector.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the judgement to know when to take ownership and when to seek senior support.

A degree or qualification in communications, science, marketing or a related subject is desirable, but we also welcome transferable learning and relevant professional experience. The previous advert specifically referenced at least one year of AM experience within relevant sectors.

Why join AXON?

At AXON, we want our people to have the opportunity to contribute beyond their immediate role. Whether that means getting involved in our social activities, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, CSR electives, networking events or sharing your expertise through training, there are opportunities to get involved and make your mark.

We also have a strong focus on learning and development, with employees encouraged to dedicate time to their own professional growth.

AI Culture & Expectations

At AXON, we harness AI not to replace what makes us exceptional, but to elevate it.

AI expands our reach, sharpens our insights and accelerates discovery – but it is our people who turn that potential into meaningful impact.

We’re looking for candidates who are curious, adaptable and enthusiastic about embracing AI and emerging technologies as part of their everyday working practices.

You’ll be encouraged to learn new tools, experiment with new ways of working and use AI responsibly and transparently. Whether your background is technical or non-technical, we value digital confidence and a willingness to evolve alongside rapidly changing technologies.

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary
• Company pension scheme with 5% employer pension contribution
• Private Medical & Dental Insurance for you and your family
• Critical Illness cover
• Travel insurance for you and your family
• Employee Wellbeing benefit, plus EAP, eye tests, flu vaccinations and sick pay
• Hybrid working options
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service up to 30 days
• Income Protection and Life Assurance at 4x your salary
• Paid sabbaticals after 5 years’ service
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Ongoing investment in personal development, training and career growth

A little more about you

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being close to clients, takes pride in delivering excellent work and wants to develop their career in a genuinely collaborative healthcare communications environment.

You’ll be someone who is curious, proactive and commercially aware, who enjoys solving problems, bringing people together and taking ownership. Just as importantly, you’ll be excited by the opportunity to work alongside experienced Communications & Advocacy specialists and contribute to work that can make a meaningful difference in healthcare.

Ready to take the next step in your Account Management career? We’d love to hear from you.