VP, Group Account Director (Pharma Agency)

About Avalere Health

Avalere Health, established in 2001, is a purposefully built commercialization partner for the biopharmaceutical, medical technology, and wellness industries. Our 1,500+ experts combine knowledge and expertise across core disciplines—Consulting; Medical; Policy; Value, Evidence, and Access; Marketing; and Digital Experience Technology—to create connections that make better health happen. We partner with clients to navigate the complex and rapidly changing healthcare ecosystem, helping connect patients with life-changing therapies. Our values—authenticity, integrity, valuing difference, teamwork, and enjoying the journey—guide everything we do.

We are part of the Disability Confident Scheme, ensuring fair interviews for candidates with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodiversity. Adjustments can be requested during the application process.

About the Role

We are seeking a VP, Group Account Director to lead key client account(s) at a global pharma agency, providing strategic leadership to ensure client success and satisfaction. This role involves maintaining senior-level client relationships, overseeing brand planning, strategic and tactical deliverables, and ensuring the profitability of assigned brands. The VP, Group Account Director will also contribute to new business activities and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the client’s business within the agency, leveraging deep knowledge of marketing strategy, competitive landscape, brand planning, and medical/legal requirements.
• Develop and maintain senior-level client relationships as a strategic thinker, problem solver, and team leader.
• Lead agency teams in annual brand planning and support a strategically focused client/agency team.
• Direct and motivate Account Directors, Account Supervisors, and Senior Account Executives to deliver value to clients.
• Guide team members’ career paths and skills development through regular feedback sessions.
• Manage and monitor account financial performance, including productivity and profitability.
• Collaborate with the creative team to develop and produce high-quality creative work.
• Ensure proper management of timelines and cost efficiencies.
• Propose and supervise client relationship-building activities.
• Develop, monitor, and advance internal operating procedures with the Project Management Department.
• Identify and lead new business opportunities with existing or prospective clients.
• Serve as a strong advocate and representative of the agency’s vision, mission, and values.

Requirements

• Deep and thorough understanding of the pharma/healthcare advertising industry.
• Expertise in marketing to key healthcare audiences, including HCPs, Affiliated Medical Professionals, Patients, and Caregivers.
• Marketing acumen and demonstrated experience leading integrated agency teams in brand planning, budget development, execution, and measurement.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in managing multiple clients and account teams.
• Proven success in developing valued relationships with senior-level client management.
• Experience as a strategic partner to clients, with digital and multi-channel expertise.
• Active participation in new business initiatives, including planning and pitch presentations.
• Proven success in identifying opportunities and securing organic client growth.
• Superior presentation skills.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of Brand AOR account experience, with 5+ years in pharmaceutical advertising agencies.
• 5+ years of leadership and supervisory experience.
• Rare disease experience highly preferred.
• Brand launch experience required; prelaunch market-shaping disease state education preferred.
• Experience developing, producing, and leading multi-channel marketing plans and initiatives.
• Hands-on proficiency in developing and delivering PowerPoint presentations.
• Ability to travel based on client business needs (e.g., client meetings, market research).
• BA/BS degree required.

Benefits

• Industry-benchmarked compensation and benefits package.
• Generous company pension/retirement plan.
• Private medical insurance.
• Comprehensive employee wellbeing initiatives.
• Compelling time-off policy.
• Additional excellent employee benefits.

Work Environment

Avalere Health offers city hubs across North America, Europe, and Asia for collaboration, training, and socializing while fully supporting flexible working practices. We are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our organization, encouraging diversity of thought and inclusive behavior. Employees are also encouraged to participate in community engagement efforts supporting healthcare programs and wellbeing causes worldwide.

Our Career Experience team provides purpose-driven career development, with personalized learning approaches to help employees grow within the company and leverage our global scale and scope.