Account Director (Pharmaceutical)

Company Overview

Are you ready to elevate your career in the fast-paced world of marketing, advertising and technology?

Look no further than Operatic, one of Canada’s premier agencies and one of the fastest-growing companies in the country for five consecutive years. Operatic is a results-driven, full-service agency that solves complex challenges with audience-inspired strategy. Our strengths include market research, creative strategy, digital transformation, and traditional and digital marketing tactics that connect brands with their audience and motivate them to act.

If you’re entrepreneurial and passionate about marketing strategy, creative problem-solving, technological innovation, and delivering exceptional results, we want you on our team!

About the Role

An Account Director at Operatic Agency is a leadership role and goes beyond day-to-day execution and strategy, emphasizing strategic growth, mentorship, and a keen interest in the financial health and future expansion of client accounts. The Account Director will report to the Associate Director of Strategy and Client Services, and they are responsible for shaping and executing high-level strategic initiatives, leading a team of Account Supervisors and Account Managers, and fostering client relationships at a senior level.

With a focus on guiding the agency’s overall direction and ensuring financial success for both clients and the agency, the Account Director plays a pivotal role in driving long-term growth. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to mentoring and developing team members. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about creating a marketing strategy and delivering exceptional results in a dynamic agency environment.

What You’ll be Doing

Client Ownership

• Responsible for the overarching management of clients and their respective brands
• Demonstrates accountability for their own and others’ work, delegating effectively to balance a varied and demanding workload
• Leads cross-functional teams in their delivery of a host of different initiatives, including (but not limited to) product launches, events (e.g., speaker training, OLAs, consultancy meetings), and initiatives (e.g., chart audits, video shoots)
• Owns the financial health of their client’s business, always knowing where they are vs. commercial targets
• Understands client objectives and contributes to strategic marketing plans that deliver a positive ROI for our clients and agency
• Has a clear picture of their clients’ margins, profitability and revenue, including what is driving these and what can be done to improve
• Identifies, develops, and converts new business opportunities with existing and future clients
• Collaborates on new business, including developing proposals and pitch presentations, as well as participating in pitches

Technical Expert

• Deeply understands their clients’ businesses, industry, competitors, key drivers, environment, etc.
• Maintains a detailed awareness of relevant market trends affecting their clients and developments in the broader pharmaceutical industry
• Responsible for onboarding new Accounts Team members onto brands, which includes an overview of marketing and medical information
• A deep understanding of CRMs like Veeva, including overseeing the circulation of promotional materials through MLR review.

Team Development

• Responsible for onboarding new account team members into the agency and briefing them on client accounts
• Provide leadership, training and mentoring to Account Managers or Account Supervisors
• Balance team empowerment with the ability to identify challenges and provide guidance as required

Process Implementation & Improvement

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to deliver a positive ROI for clients while maintaining agency profitability
• Ensure implementation of operational systems, which include creating and maintaining notes, contact reports, status reports, project briefs, SOWs and estimates/underpinning, financial tracking and work-back schedules
• Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations, aligning with the vision, mission and values of the agency
• Proactively address client concerns to maintain high levels of client satisfaction and retention

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field
• 3-5 years of experience as an Account Director or equivalent in a dynamic healthcare/pharmaceutical advertising agency environment
• Understanding of the Canadian Pharmaceutical Advertising Landscape
• Self-motivation and the ability to independently execute with minimal supervision in a fast-paced agency environment with rapidly changing priorities
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple client accounts simultaneously
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently as needed
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and proactively provide innovative solutions to client challenges
• A drive to develop range by learning new skills that expand your expertise

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with navigating Canadian Regulatory Bodies like the PAAB and ASC
• Certifications in project management or account management (e.g. PMP, AMI)
• Experience overseeing and managing digital products (i.e. web development)
• Experience or certifications in email marketing

Why Operatic Agency

• Clear Leadership Vision
• Challenging and Meaningful Work
• Competitive Pay and Comprehensive Benefits (Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Mental Health Support)
• Culture of Excellence
• Future-Thinking
• Professional Growth
• Collaborative & Supportive Environment
• Recognition & Reward
• Diverse Clientele
• Vibrant Location & Hybrid Work

Operatic Agency values inclusion and access for all applicants and employees. Should you require accommodation to participate in the application and interview process, please let us know. Operatic Agency continuously aims to foster a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected.

Thank you for your interest in joining Operatic Agency! Only those selected for the next steps will be contacted.