Role
As Director, Scientific Services, you will provide senior scientific and strategic leadership across the business unit, driving excellence in scientific delivery, operational performance, and business growth.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop high‑performing scientific teams to deliver high‑quality, compliant, and strategically aligned medical communications that exceed client objectives and uphold Prime's standards.
- Work in close partnership with the Client Services Director to align scientific excellence with business strategy, sharing accountability for financial performance, forecasting and resource optimisation.
- Act as a strategic advisor to clients, shaping communication strategies, challenging thinking, and strengthening long‑term partnerships.
- Ensure robust application of quality, compliance and SOP processes, driving continuous improvement through audits, debriefs and refinement of ways of working.
- Play a key role in business growth and innovation, shaping proposals and pitches, identifying new opportunities, and integrating forward‑thinking approaches, including AI and omnichannel solutions, into client strategies.
- Manage a highly visible leadership role requiring strong scientific expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders and drive performance and growth across the business.
Requirements
- At least 10 years' healthcare agency experience in senior roles.
- A life sciences degree, ideally combined with a higher degree (science Masters, PhD or MD).
- Proven track record in leading and developing scientific/editorial teams within a medical communications agency.
- Extensive medical writing and scientific leadership experience across a broad range of projects and therapeutic areas.
- Strong experience operating at a strategic level, shaping communication strategies and influencing client direction.
- Demonstrated commercial and financial awareness, including experience contributing to forecasting, resource planning and business performance.
- Strong leadership and motivational skills.
- Experience of developing and attending new business pitches.
- Experience building and maintaining senior client relationships, including leading strategic discussions and identifying growth opportunities.
- Experience driving quality, compliance and operational excellence, including oversight of SOPs and review processes.
- Experience working in partnership with Client Services or equivalent disciplines to deliver integrated account and business strategies.
- Experience driving operational improvements, including process optimisation, quality standards or audit frameworks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting to clients.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
- Awareness of innovation in medical communications, including AI and omnichannel approaches.
Benefits
- 33 days annual leave (25 days holiday, 8 bank holidays)
- Birthday day off
- Christmas shutdown period
- 5% pension contribution
- Private medical health insurance
- Medical cash plan
- Hybrid working
