At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and innovation for healthcare clients, driving impactful communications.
- Company: Cognite, a dynamic agency focused on transformative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, discretionary bonuses, and vibrant team events.
- Other info: Join a culture that values curiosity, integrity, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by shaping strategies that inspire change.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc with 5+ years in healthcare strategy or medical writing.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
In the fast-changing world where our clients deliver life-changing medicines and technology, Cognite’s dynamic team drives our mission of bringing science to life. As an independent agency, we create clear, compelling communications, focusing on the transformative therapies that are inspiring the future of healthcare and the highly complex diseases they treat.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and analytical Medical Strategy Director to join our growing team. Reporting to the SVP Strategy and Growth, you will be responsible for:
- Actively contributing to the development and refinement of Cognite’s strategic frameworks and playbooks, ensuring our ways of working remain best-in-class.
- Sharing market insights, therapy area knowledge and competitor intelligence across teams to strengthen agency-wide capability.
- Acting as a bridge between junior strategists and directors, ensuring agency thinking is consistently applied to client work.
- Driving innovation in how the agency approaches client strategy, embedding new thinking.
- Acting as a visible thought leader within the agency, championing continuous improvement and inspiring the broader Strategy team.
- Leading the strategic vision and directing strategic planning for your accounts.
- Understanding clients’ challenges and defining the focus areas and hooks to change the conversation.
- Anticipating market shifts and proactively adapting strategic approaches to keep Cognite and its clients ahead of the curve.
- Helping teams with client research, including competitive landscape research, disease area research and patient insights.
- Supporting account teams with client strategic work (e.g. brand strategy, brand planning, tactical planning, advisory boards, workshop preparation, customer journeys and segmentation).
- Challenging internal and client thinking with evidence-based insights.
- Ensuring strategic excellence is consistently embedded across teams.
- Being the final signatory on new strategic briefs for your accounts to ensure they align with the overarching brand or disease strategy.
Client relationships:
- Acting as a go-to strategic partner for senior clients.
- Confidently leading strategic discussions in client workshops and meetings.
- Providing foresight into emerging opportunities and risks.
- Holding ultimate accountability for the strength of strategic relationships.
- Building long-term trust by consistently bringing fresh insights, foresight and practical recommendations.
- Challenging and stretching client thinking to help them navigate uncertainty and position their brands for success.
- Identifying and creating action plans/proposals for growth opportunities across current accounts.
- Mentoring strategists and account teams, ensuring high standards of delivery.
New business:
- Leading strategic development of pitches in assigned therapy areas.
- Being accountable for pitch quality, innovation, timing and team collaboration.
We believe someone with the following experience could be a good match for this role:
- PhD or Master of Science (MSc) degree.
- 5+ years’ experience in one or more healthcare agencies (medical writing or strategy roles).
- Strong commercial acumen and familiarity with using market insights to drive business performance.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Analytical mindset.
- Strong proficiency in PowerPoint.
Cognite’s agency values – Everyone matters; Science at the heart; Entrepreneurial mindset; True partners; and Doing the right thing – shape how we work every day. We believe every individual can make a positive difference; we put science at the core of everything we do; we embrace curiosity and courage to find solutions; we build lasting partnerships focused on shared goals; and we act with integrity and inclusivity in all our interactions.
Our benefits include:
- Discretionary company bonus and incentive schemes.
- Hybrid working (home-based + co-working space in Holborn, Central London).
- Frequent social and team events.
- Company closure between Christmas and New Year.
If you are passionate about bringing science to life, then we would love to hear from you.
Medical Strategy Director in London employer: Cognite
Cognite is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where innovation thrives and challenges are embraced. With a flat organisational structure, employees have direct access to decision-makers and the opportunity to collaborate on ambitious projects using cutting-edge technology. Located in a modern environment at Fornebuporten, employees enjoy unique perks such as subsidised lunches, private health services, and a fully-staffed gym, all while being part of a diverse team dedicated to redefining industrial digitalisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical Strategy Director in London
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Cognite.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Cognite.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Cognite, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Medical Strategy Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Cognite.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Cognite.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Cognite. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Cognite. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognite
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Cognite’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
