Account Director, Health & Wellness Practice

Who we are:

Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

At Burson Brussels, we blend craft, curiosity, counsel, and camaraderie to deliver cutting-edge public affairs and communications strategies. Thriving in Europe’s political heart, our dynamic team excels in navigating complex policy and communications challenges, shaping reputations, and driving meaningful business, policy and advocacy outcomes for our clients across diverse sectors. We combine strategic expertise with proprietary AI-driven insights to uncover opportunities, crafting compelling narratives that influence key decision-makers. Backed by our global network, we provide innovative, data-driven solutions that connect with audiences and deliver impact. Our inclusive, high-performance culture fuels innovation and empowers individuals to excel, creating a vibrant environment where collaboration and growth thrive. With Burson Brussels, clients gain more than consultancy—they gain a trusted partner committed to achieving success today and anticipating the challenges of tomorrow. 

The Role:  

We are looking for an experienced policy communications and public affairs consultant to join our growing Health & Wellness team in Brussels.   

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to addressing pressing complex public health issues, health innovation challenges in Europe and world-wide, shape policy and political agenda in the time of change. 

 In this role you will have an opportunity to work with leading biopharmaceutical, medical devices and digital, as well as nutrition and lifestyle companies in the world, support the uptake of health innovations across Europe and globally, and partner with relevant   stakeholders (including patients, healthcare professionals, research institutes, healthcare providers, health insurances, foundations, etc.) to drive meaningful and impactful change for the society and for our clients.  

What you’ll do: 

• Maintain and develop further your knowledge of and insight into healthcare and nutrition policies and initiatives in the global, European and local context. 

• Manage and contribute to the growth of a portfolio of healthcare clients, nurturing client relationships and acting as a trusted advisor to your clients.  

• Develop and deliver integrated public affairs and policy advocacy programs at the EU, pan-European, and global levels.  

• Manage multi-market policy environment shaping programs supporting launches and uptake of health innovations across Europe and globally. Provide strategic and tactical advice to the clients and coordinate teams in Brussels and across Burson network for successful project delivery. 

• Develop strategic content in collaboration with the team including public affairs and policy communications strategies and tactical plans, stakeholder engagement plans, policy communications and stakeholder advocacy materials (toolkits, policy papers, messaging, etc.), reputational risk assessment reports, analytical reports on policy trends and their impact on clients’ business, and other. 

• Contribute to business development and growth taking an active part in new business opportunities, proposals and pitches. Contribute to the team’s new business strategy and identifying opportunities with existing clients. 

• Contribute to managing and mentoring team members, supporting their professional development and growth, and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. 

• Work collaboratively with other Burson teams and global network to deliver integrated and innovative solutions to clients. 

• Be open-minded, curious, and agile in learning new approaches, solutions, and ways of working. 

Experience that contributes to success: 

• Considerable experience in EU and/or global public affairs, advocacy and communications in healthcare sector within a consultancy, a pharmaceutical or medical device company, an NGO, a think tank, a trade association, EU institutions, or international / national health authority.  

• Deep understanding of global and European public health issues, trends, regulatory and compliance frameworks.  

• Proven ability to manage several projects at the same time, balancing multiple deliverables and ensuring successful outcomes. 

• Experience of managing / coordinating a multi-cultural project team. 

• Experience in developing and deploying public affairs programs, campaigns and stakeholder relations. 

• Expertise in translating complex topics into clear and compelling communication materials and policy recommendations for diverse audiences. 

• Experience of developing scopes of work, managing financials, and budget tracking. 

• A network of contacts with EU policymakers, the media and with the business community on healthcare issues is desirable. 

• A solution-driven growth mindset. 

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills along with strong attention to detail. 

• Desire to work in a diverse and inclusive organization as an active participant in culture initiatives, training opportunities and employee resource groups. 

#LI-NE1

You belong at Burson:

Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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