At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative commercial strategies in the healthcare sector and shape impactful client relationships.
- Company: Join VML Health, a global leader in creative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by driving strategic initiatives and collaborating with top talent.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in healthcare strategy with strong leadership and research skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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 and follow along on Linked In #We Are VML.
- Associate Director, Commercial Strategy
- 12-month maternity cover | VML Health | London
- We’re looking for an experienced
Associate Director, Commercial Strategy to join VML Health’s Global Strategy Team on a 12-month maternity cover contract.
This is a senior, hands‑on strategy role for someone who understands the pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape and can turn complex scientific, market and stakeholder insight into clear commercial direction.
You’ll work with global healthcare clients across the product lifecycle, from early pipeline and commercialisation through launch and indication expansion, helping shape how assets, franchises and portfolios can create sustainable competitive advantage.
- What you’ll do
- Lead complex commercial strategy programmes across early commercialisation, launch and indication expansion.
- Shape strategy across competitive differentiation, category and ecosystem strategy, evidence, scientific narrative and value proposition.
- Turn scientific, market, competitor and stakeholder insight into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Lead research and strategic engagement with HCPs, KOLs, patient advocates, policymakers and other external experts.
- Build trusted senior client relationships and lead integrated teams across strategy, creative, medical education, engagement and marketing.
- Manage projects confidently across scope, resources, risks and delivery.
- Identify opportunities to grow client relationships and support pitches and new business.
- Coach and support junior strategists.
- What you’ll bring
- Around 7+ years' experience in healthcare strategy, consulting or a related pharma/biotech environment.
- Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape, ideally across multiple therapy areas.
- Experience delivering commercialisation strategy from early pipeline through launch and/or indication expansion.
- Confidence leading complex strategic engagements and working with senior clients.
- Strong primary and secondary research skills, including workshops, advisory boards and expert engagement.
- Excellent strategic thinking and storytelling, with the ability to create clear, compelling, executive‑ready recommendations.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to connect asset‑level strategy to the wider portfolio, category and market context.
- A collaborative leadership style and experience supporting more junior team members.
- 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.
Associate Director - Commercial Strategy in London employer: VML HEALTH
VML Health is an exceptional employer that champions creativity, innovation, and collaboration in the healthcare strategy sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for mentorship and leadership development, ensuring that our team members thrive in a supportive and dynamic work culture. Located in a vibrant environment, our team enjoys the unique advantage of working at the forefront of medical communications, where impactful narratives and strategic insights drive real-world health outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Commercial Strategy in London
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like VML HEALTH. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at VML HEALTH.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at VML HEALTH.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Commercial Strategy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at VML HEALTH and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at VML HEALTH
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like VML HEALTH will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to VML HEALTH.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at VML HEALTH.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at VML HEALTH. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
