Principal Medical Writer

Our client is a leading integrated International Medical Communications Agency; they currently have a requirement for a Principal Medical Writer to join their award winning team.

Purpose:

To partner with clients on medical writing programmes, providing technical expertise and communications consultancy services.

Responsibilities:
Medical Writing and Editing:

• Writes and manages delivery of scientific content for a range of medical communications activities that meet client needs, internal quality standards and timelines
• Provides impeccable writing services to key clients, applying extensive breadth and depth of medical communications experience and wide therapy area expertise
• Develops and delivers highest-quality communications and education initiatives
• Is the Lead Writer for one or more major accounts
• Provides the main point of contact on matters of scientific content for the client and medical experts
• Forms close working relationships with clients, thought leaders and internal agency teams; is recognised as an expert by these parties
• Oversees editorial delivery for themselves and other editorial team members; monitoring the quality, style and accuracy of editorial work across a range of activities and provides timely, consistent and constructive feedback
• Able to juggle several projects and accounts, managing incoming workload effectively and maintaining standards of excellence in finished products
• Takes briefs directly from clients / other stakeholders with no supervision; provides briefs to other team members
• Ensures editorial style is appropriate and of the highest standard
• Resolves queries on behalf of medical experts; liaises effectively with client team to find answers and provide them in a timely manner
• Provides sets of validated references as required
• Capable of creating many types of project (e.g. manuscripts, slide decks, websites, training programmes, advisory boards)
• Able to work with clients to develop their claims, key messages and marketing objectives
• Can develop appropriate agendas for several types of meeting/event
• Has a basic understanding of the brand development process and is able to input into this process
• Ensures consistency within and between relevant documents
• Incorporates editorial comments and solves queries to present a ‘finished'''''''' final document
• Understands the different types of proof-reading - rough reading and close reading - and when they should be used
• Uses proof-reading marks routinely

Editorial Team Development:

• Has line management responsibility: actively involved in constructing personal development plans for editorial team members, including setting short- and long-term objectives and conducting reviews and appraisals
• Coaches and mentors junior writers
• Advises the editorial team on best practices and is a champion of editorial processes and working practices
• Provides editorial training in relevant therapy area / discipline / editorial processes or relevant topics of interest
• Assists in recruitment by interviewing candidates
• Understands the remit of other disciplines and is able to discuss these coherently with clients
• Encourages collaboration between departments and business units
• Provides senior editorial advice and support to all members of the team and across the department
• Works with management team to identify / plan resources to match programme needs, including the use of freelance resources
• Utilizes and manages freelance assistance (commissioning and briefing freelancers)

Strategy:

• Can design, develop, implement and manage strategic publication plans, including writing of manuscripts, abstracts, posters, oral presentations and all other publication plan deliverables
• Can design, develop and implement full strategic communications plans, ensuring appropriate consideration of strategic goals and communications objectives, and providing high-quality content for all projects within a communications plan
• Analyzes and assimilates market, therapy area, product and competitor information, and applies, as appropriate, to client deliverables
• Uses strategic insight to provide practical input to communications programmes
• Can provide medical advice / expertise across many therapeutic areas and quickly develop expertise in new therapeutic areas
• Leads discussions relating to assigned accounts/projects, at both a tactical and strategic level, with clients, thought leaders and internal colleagues

Client Service:

• Is the primary client contact on specific programmes/projects, interacting appropriately with colleagues, clients and medical experts, and keeping them updated on project status and issues
• Establishes and maintains highly professional business relationships with clients
• Establishes and maintains professional relationships with thought leaders
• Understands the role that medical education plays in the client''''''''s business environment
• Provides scientific input to complement account management in developing new opportunities within accounts - organic growth

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Life science degree, preferably higher degree
• Previous experience of crating and developing a range of pharmaceutical marketing materials
• Ability to lead client update meetings
• Professional, client-focused communication at all times
• Encourages teamwork and innovation
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to give and receive feedback in a constructive manner
• Active in self-development of career plan
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Package:

In return you can expect a great package including 25 days holidays, healthcare, pension and bonus.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market leading company. If you would like further details on this role please contact Jon Gawley on 01932 797996 or by email.