Associate Director, Commercial Strategy

About this role

WHO WE ARE

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. 

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel. 

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on  LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, COMMERCIAL STRATEGY - HEALTH 

12-month Fixed Term Contract | VML Health | London - hybrid 

We’re looking for an experienced healthcare strategist to join VML Health’s Global Strategy Team on a 12-month maternity cover contract.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong grounding in pharma or healthcare strategy who is ready to broaden their experience across commercialisation, launch and portfolio strategy.

You’ll work on global healthcare accounts, helping teams and clients make sense of complex scientific, market and stakeholder information and turn it into clear, practical strategic recommendations.

You’ll have the opportunity to work across different stages of the product lifecycle, from early commercial thinking through to launch and indication expansion, while working alongside experienced strategists and colleagues across creative, medical education, engagement and marketing.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Play a key role in delivering healthcare and commercial strategy projects for global pharmaceutical clients.
• Support strategic thinking across areas such as commercialisation, launch, positioning, competitive differentiation and portfolio strategy.
• Turn scientific, market, competitor and stakeholder insight into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Undertake primary and secondary research to build a strong understanding of clients, markets and audiences.
• Help plan and deliver workshops, advisory boards and engagement with HCPs, KOLs and other external experts.
• Work directly with clients, confidently presenting your thinking and contributing to strategic discussions.
• Collaborate with teams across strategy, creative, medical education, engagement and marketing.
• Contribute to pitches and new business opportunities.
• Share your experience with and support more junior members of the strategy team.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

You’ll already have experience working in healthcare strategy, consulting, pharma/biotech or a related healthcare environment and be looking for an opportunity to build on that experience in a broader strategic role.

We’d ideally like you to bring:

• A good understanding of the pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape.
• Experience working on strategic healthcare or pharmaceutical projects.
• Some exposure to areas such as commercialisation, launch strategy, brand strategy, positioning or portfolio thinking.
• The ability to understand complex scientific and market information and identify what really matters.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Confidence communicating your thinking clearly, both in writing and with clients.
• Experience contributing to workshops, advisory boards or other forms of stakeholder research.
• Strong strategic storytelling and presentation skills.
• A collaborative approach and an interest in working with different disciplines and perspectives.

You don’t need to have done everything on this list. If you have a strong grounding in healthcare or pharmaceutical strategy and are ready to take the next step in your career, we’d be keen to hear from you.

ABOUT VML HEALTH

VML Health is a global healthcare agency with a vision to make the world of health human-first. With global healthcare hubs in London, New York and Milan, we bring together strategy, science, creativity and engagement to help solve complex healthcare challenges.

You’ll join our Commercial Strategy team in London, working as part of an integrated global strategy community across Medical, Engagement, Brand and Commercial Strategy.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. 

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