Account Director

Account Director – Medical Affairs

Location: Paris, France (Hybrid) – Permanent, Full Time.

Role Overview

Springer Health+ is evolving how it partners with Client Medical Affairs teams in France, building on its scientific publishing heritage to become a trusted long‑term partner in scientific communication, education, and impact. This is a strategic account leadership role, not a traditional sales position. The focus is on deep relationships with a small pipeline of priority accounts, applying strategic depth rather than broad portfolio coverage.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Ownership – Act as sole commercial owner for 3–5 priority MA accounts.
• Develop and maintain long‑term account visions aligned to client MA objectives.
• Lead senior‑level discussions around evidence dissemination, scientific narrative, and MA impact.
• Be involved before briefs exist, helping clients define the right problems to solve.
• Selective Portfolio Influence – Provide targeted strategic input to colleagues managing core/growth accounts at defined moments (e.g., annual MA planning, major data milestones).
• Support framing of complex or high‑stakes discussions without taking day‑to‑day ownership.
• Act as a sounding board for strategic decision‑making, not an additional layer of attendance; support is episodic and purpose‑driven.
• Internal Leadership & Orchestration – Work closely with Project Managers to ensure a clean handover from strategy to execution.
• Involve editorial and scientific colleagues early when insight is required.
• Model what high‑quality, MA‑appropriate commercial conversations should look like.
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of Springer Health+’s MA partnership approach in France.
• Commercial Judgement & Value Protection – Defend publication pricing discipline as a core asset.
• Shape bundled strategy‑and‑execution engagements where integration adds value.
• Avoid commoditised or execution‑only work that undermines long‑term positioning.
• Use scope and focus— not discounting—to manage commercial pressure.

Success Measures

• Depth and quality of strategic dialogue with MA clients.
• Evidence of early involvement in MA planning conversations.
• Sustainable, multi‑year account growth where appropriate.
• Reduced dependency on single‑asset engagements.
• Feedback that positions Springer Health+ as a trusted advisor, not just a supplier.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Essential: Proven experience in account direction or strategic account management (agency, med comms, scientific communications, or adjacent fields).
• Strong understanding of Medical Affairs environments and constraints.
• Comfort working with highly scientific content and stakeholders.
• Experience managing accounts beyond individual projects or transactions.
• Natural inclination toward listening, framing, and advising.
• Confident but measured communication style with senior clients.
• Able to balance strategic thinking with commercial accountability.
• Comfortable working in a small team with shared responsibility.
• Disciplined about focus and prioritization.
• Desirable: Experience working alongside dedicated Project Managers.
• Desirable: Exposure to publications as part of MA strategy (not necessarily only publishing).
• Desirable: Familiarity with global‑local MA dynamics.

Languages

Full professional fluency in English and French required, with the ability to operate confidently with both local French affiliates and global English‑speaking Medical Affairs stakeholders.

EEO Statement

Springer Nature is an equal‑opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion.