Account Director

Job Title:          Account Director

Job Title:          Account Director – Medical Affairs

Location:          Paris, France (Hybrid)

Permanent, Full Time                 

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature.

About Springer Health+

Springer Health+, part of the Springer Nature group, is a global medical communications and education provider. Working in partnership with pharmaceutical companies and key opinion leaders, Springer Health+ delivers strategic medical communication solutions, clinical and scientific content and medical education initiatives delivered via multichannel solutions across the full range of therapeutic areas. We provide the essential tools to support healthcare professionals in achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.

About the Role       

Springer Health+ is evolving how we partner with Client Medical Affairs teams in France, building on our strong scientific publishing heritage to become a trusted, long‑term partner in scientific communication, education, and impact.

We are now recruiting an Account Director (Medical Affairs) to lead this next phase.

This is a strategic account leadership role, not a traditional sales position. You will act as sole commercial owner for a small number of strategically critical Medical Affairs accounts, applying deep, long‑term focus rather than broad portfolio coverage.

You will work within a lean, high‑trust team, alongside experienced sales colleagues and dedicated Project Managers, in a model that deliberately prioritizes focus, depth, and credibility over volume.

In this role, you will own and grow strategically critical Medical Affairs accounts in France by:

• Leading upstream, consultative conversations with MA stakeholders

• Positioning Springer Health+ as a scientific partner, not just a publications provider

• Using publications as anchors for broader scientific communication and education where appropriate

• Ensuring strategic thinking is applied where it genuinely adds value

• This role is grounded in Medical Affairs realities and constraints, not promotional or brand‑driven models.

This role applies strategic depth intentionally, not universally — focus and restraint are part of how value is created. Success comes from judgement, focus, and influence, not constant presence.

We are not looking for someone to sell more. We are looking for someone to help our clients think better, earlier, and more confidently — using science as the foundation.

Role Responsibilities:

Strategic Account Ownership (Primary Focus)

• Act as sole commercial owner for a small portfolio of priority MA accounts (typically 3–5)

• 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 (Secondary Focus)

• 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

• This support is episodic and purpose‑driven, not ongoing account co‑ownership

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

Measures of Success

• 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

• 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.

Desirable         

• Experience working alongside dedicated Project Managers

• Exposure to publications as part of MA strategy (not necessarily only publishing)

• Familiarity with global–local MA dynamics

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