Account Director

About Ogilvy Health & Wellness

We are the leading advertising agency offering Health & Wellness communications in SA. We have a diverse client base, from consumer health brands, skincare, public health services and prescription medication.

If you are a unicorn, then you will fit in at Ogilvy Health & Wellness. We pride ourselves in being a team of uniquely talented individuals.

Who we're looking for

Are you a seasoned Account Director ready to make an impact in the health space?

Ogilvy Health & Wellness is seeking an experienced and dynamic Account Director to join our team.

We believe in combining compelling creative ideas with effective distribution and optimization to build and nurture some of the most loved and established international brands in the health sector. If you thrive in a constructive and creative operating environment and are passionate about Brand, you are an ideal candidate for this opportunity!

As the primary manager of your accounts, you will be the linchpin connecting our clients with our exceptional agency talent. Your leadership will inspire the highest standards across all disciplines, ensuring the quality of our product and the profitable stewardship of our clients' brands. You will cultivate strong, enduring relationships, drive business growth, and mentor junior team members, all while contributing to the vibrant culture of Ogilvy Health & Wellness.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Client Partnership & Growth:

• Serve as the primary strategic interface and trusted advisor for our key clients, addressing all strategic, creative, and resource needs.
• Cultivate an in-depth understanding of client businesses, therapeutic areas, market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and the evolving regulatory environment to proactively identify opportunities for expanded partnerships and value creation.
• Build and nurture robust, senior-level relationships with client stakeholders, including Brand Leads, Marketing Directors, and Medical Affairs teams, fostering long-term collaboration.
• Proactively anticipate client challenges and opportunities, translating them into strategic agency solutions that align with their business objectives and drive brand success.

Strategic & Creative Leadership:

• Define and champion the strategic and creative vision for client business, ensuring a deep understanding of brand imperatives, scientific foundations, and client aspirations.
• Provide overarching guidance and direction for all creative and strategic output, ensuring alignment with brand objectives, scientific accuracy, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, PhRMA, EFPIA guidelines).
• Act as a discerning judge and advocate for creative excellence, effectively presenting, defending, and negotiating agency work to senior client stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with Strategic Planners to develop incisive medical/health marketing strategies and precise, insight-driven creative briefs that inspire impactful work.

Financial Stewardship & Business Development:

• Contribute significantly to the financial health and growth of accounts through strategic forecasting, budgeting, and proactive identification of new revenue streams.
• Maximize account billings and income, meticulously tracking financial performance and actively seeking organic growth opportunities within existing client portfolios.
• Ensure rigorous financial management, overseeing billing procedures, managing scopes of work, and proactively alerting management to potential risks or write-offs.

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence:

• Bear ultimate responsibility for the seamless, efficient, and compliant execution of client accounts across operational, creative, and financial dimensions.
• Cultivate a high-performance environment conducive to producing exceptional work, ensuring teams are adequately resourced, supported, and motivated.
• Master effective delegation and communication across all levels and departments, optimizing workflow and collaboration.
• Oversee all integrated marketing output, including medical/health media strategy and execution, ensuring quality control, compliance with industry guidelines, and effective resource allocation; stay abreast of evolving media channels and best practices relevant to healthcare audiences.

Your experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a client-facing account servicing role within an agency setting.
• Medical or Health experience is highly advantageous.
• A relevant degree or diploma (e.g., communications, marketing, advertising, business sciences) is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to grow senior client relationships and business.
• Strong financial and budget control acumen.
• Excellent marketing knowledge and experience.
• Outstanding people management skills, with a committed team-worker attitude.
• Intellectual depth and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive service orientation.
• High level of integrity, energy, and creativity.

What we Offer

• Permanent Employment with benefits
• Location – Johannesburg
• Hybrid model of 4:1
• Local client portfolio

Join Ogilvy Health & Wellness and help us make a meaningful impact on health brands globally!