Director Scientific Services

The 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.

You will lead and develop high-performing scientific teams to deliver high-quality, compliant, and strategically aligned medical communications that exceed client objectives and uphold organisational standards.

You will work in close partnership with senior client services leadership to align scientific excellence with business strategy, sharing accountability for financial performance, forecasting, and resource optimisation.

As a senior leader, you will act as a strategic advisor to clients, shaping communication strategies, constructively challenging thinking, and strengthening long-term partnerships.

You will ensure robust application of quality, compliance, and standard operating procedures, driving continuous improvement through audits, debriefs, and refinement of ways of working.

You will also contribute to business growth and innovation by supporting proposals and pitches, identifying new opportunities, and integrating forward-thinking approaches, including AI and omnichannel solutions, into client strategies.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong scientific expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and drive performance and growth.

Requirements

• At least 10 years’ experience within a healthcare or medical communications environment in senior roles
• A degree in life sciences, ideally with a higher qualification (e.g., Master’s, PhD, or MD)
• Proven track record in leading and developing scientific or editorial teams
• Extensive experience in medical writing and scientific leadership across a range of projects and therapeutic areas
• Strong strategic experience in shaping communication approaches and influencing client direction
• Demonstrated commercial and financial awareness, including forecasting and resource planning
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities
• Experience contributing to or leading new business pitches
• Experience building and maintaining senior client relationships and identifying growth opportunities
• Experience ensuring quality, compliance, and operational excellence, including oversight of processes and review frameworks
• Experience working cross-functionally to deliver integrated account and business strategies
• Experience driving operational improvements, including process optimisation and quality standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client presentations
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Awareness of innovation in medical communications, including AI and omnichannel approaches