Portland is a global advisory firm, helping companies, foundations, governments and organisations communicate effectively, grow and succeed.

We advise clients navigating business and reputational challenges, including regulatory change, political transition, and legal disputes and crises, ensuring they seize opportunities to engage in policy discussions and in the media when it matters most.

Headquartered in London, with a network of team members in critical markets, our advisors are drawn from the worlds of politics, business, law and journalism. Our work is supported by specialist digital, research and creative teams, and backed by Omnicom’s global network and capabilities.

Combining political nous and cultural savvy, Portland’s advisers build strategies and campaigns tailored to clients’ needs, delivering outcomes that make a difference.

Health Team

Portland’s Health team consists of strategic communications experts, working with clients to shape the future of health in the UK and across Europe. We’re trusted by the most high-profile organisations in the world, including 5 of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies.

We advise clients on the biggest issues facing the sector, from the launch of cutting-edge therapies to major population health issues. And we pride ourselves on deep, joined-up thinking, grounded in insights. Often working at the intersection of health policy and communications, Portland offers strategic problem-solving and high-level counsel alongside quality, creative execution.

The Role

We're looking for someone with at least 1 years experience, working full-time in a consultancy or in-house at a relevant organisation or company. You will likely be working on both Public Relations and Government Affairs programmes, with a focus on UK, Pan-EU and Global communications. You will be joining a team of consultants with unrivalled first-hand PR and GA experience at the highest level, who’ll support and guide your development.

While the work itself is very varied, it will likely include researching and drafting policy positions and high-level corporate affairs narratives, executing global stakeholder engagement strategies and contributing to overarching strategy and client counsel.

Specific elements to the role will include:

• Responding quickly and accurately to journalist, MP, stakeholder and client requests;
• Helping develop action plans, assigning tasks to the team and otherwise implementing the client programme;
• Developing close working relationships with client teams and managing regular contact with them, both face-to-face and through teleconferences and emails;
• Proactively highlighting relevant policy, political, regulatory and media developments to clients;
• Supporting senior colleagues to develop comprehensive political, stakeholder and media engagement strategies;
• Drafting communications materials such as press releases, spokesperson and stakeholder briefing documents, reference packs and tracking/managing client approvals;
• Regularly supporting new business activities, including contributing to proposals and pitches, and attending networking and industry events as a representative of Portland.

Key Requirements

• A basic understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.
• A passion for communications and an understanding of how to utilise insights-based strategy to reach different audiences across multiple channels.
• At least 1 years experience working full-time in a consultancy or in-house at a relevant organisation or company, with a demonstrable interest in global/UK policy and public affairs and health sector issues.
• Previous experience working in a fast-moving policy-focused or media-focused environment.

Applications for this role close Wednesday 19th March at 12pm 

What we offer in return:

We are committed to employee development and have an open doors culture where you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in the business. We regularly reward and promote success, and actively encourage staff to take on new challenges and responsibilities to aid progression.

Our remuneration package also includes our competitive pension contributions, private healthcare life assurance cover, company contribution to gym membership, wellbeing workshops and activities, company parties, lunch contribution each week and much, much more!

At Portland we take a flexible approach to work and encourage our colleagues to do the same. All our roles are open to flexible working requests, and we will consider all options during our recruitment process. This includes but is not limited to: flexible hours, home working, compressed hours and job sharing.

Other information

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond directly to all applicants, only to those whose candidacy is being pursued. In addition, the length of the recruitment process varies based on the vacancy needs. Traditionally, the process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Therefore, your patience is greatly appreciated.