At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engagement strategies to transform healthcare experiences for clients.
- Company: VML Health, a global leader in healthcare marketing and strategy.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by shaping customer engagement strategies.
- Qualifications: 7-13 years in strategic planning with a focus on healthcare marketing.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
VML HEALTH is a leading global healthcare agency that partners with clients to build connected experiences across the healthcare ecosystem. A deep understanding of individual needs and behaviour, and how they are connected, allows us to create seamless experiences. And when these experiences are personalized, unique and relevant at every touchpoint, their power is all the more profound.
We power connections beyond science into human behaviour. We believe that science can change the world and that changing the world starts with a single person behaving differently. Overcoming beliefs and barriers to make life better for patients and healthcare communities is second nature to us.
Within VML HEALTH is the Global Strategy Team (GST), home to a diverse set of strategic thinkers. It represents the highest levels of strategic competency under an agile business model, working independently with clients or as part of an integrated agency team. The GST brings together four key disciplines to build brands and shape the healthcare environment from as early as pipeline development through to loss of exclusivity: Medical Strategy, Engagement Strategy, Brand Strategy, and Medical Consulting. This role sits with the Engagement Strategy team and our European Hub.
About the Position
- Reports to: Head of Engagement Strategy
- Location: Can be based either in our London or Manchester office (hybrid)
This role requires someone with experience either working within a dedicated health agency or managing pharma clients.
As Senior Engagement Strategist, you will lead by understanding the root of client business challenges, framing problems in unexpected ways, and providing inspiration and clarity through thought leadership. Engagement strategy is core to the VML Health strategy capability, providing leadership across strategy, and innovation in customer engagement practices.
The Strategy Director operates independently, leveraging a team of junior engagement strategists to help drive projects, organic growth and new business. The Senior Engagement Strategist is expected to manage the discovery, synthesis, development and business impact of engagement strategies. Like all strategists on our team, you’ll be expected to inspire change through innate curiosity, a drive for impact, and an orientation that puts strategy into immediate action.
Your Day-to-Day Impact
- Develop a deep understanding of our clients’ customers’ wants, needs, and behaviors across the full customer journey
- Oversee the development and orchestration of engagement and omnichannel strategy – connection of strategic goals to engagement priorities to channel specific strategies (e.g. social, CRM, website, paid media, apps, rep-delivered and more). This includes building connected ecosystems and enabling personalization at scale to maximize customer impact and drive business results.
- Set expectations for how the segment/audience profile fits into the project and how it helps set the stage
- Strong understanding of various analytical frameworks and methodologies, and the ability to analyze and translate data into a concise story
- Lead workshop planning and proposals, development of measurement strategy and analytics approaches, execution of engagement planning and tactical exercises, and content generation and presentation strategies
Your role with clients
- Oversee strategic development on at least one major client and/or oversee multiple clients
- Engage with and help manage senior client relationships as a key strategic and business partner
- Lead and support engagement strategy development on new business pitches
- Constantly seek to improve client work and actively analyze client’s challenges and opportunities
- Provide key support and partnership in leading key strategy deliverables by guiding the strategic direction in relation to our clients’ brand development and marketing approach
Your Role in Team Growth
- Provide guidance and support to Junior and Mid Engagement strategists in strategy development
- Recognize how to motivate junior strategists – what they need to learn and where they can contribute
- Challenge team to uncover innovative tools and ideas, and to pursue growth opportunities
- Demonstrate and inspire team to take risks and challenge convention
- Collaborate effectively with other strategists, Client Engagement, Medical, and Creative disciplines on business, brand and communications strategies
Who you are and what you bring
- 7-13 years of experience in overall research and strategic planning experience
- HCP and DTC marketing agency experience
- Critical and analytical thinker, innovator and visionary that inspires creativity
- Demonstrates passion, familiarity, and curiosity with the practice
- Deep understanding of Global, Regional and local communication context, and strong experience in developing communication plans across these levels
- A genuine passion for driving innovation within engagement strategy practices
- Excellent collaboration skills across various business functions, from tech enablement, data, and digital and hybrid production
- Able to develop strong client relationships and trust based on deep immersion in the client’s business
- Highly collaborative and able to work effectively across internal and external stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a multidisciplinary background, including developing business strategy, marketing strategy, consumer insight, and/or
Digital Strategy Director (Health) 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 Digital Strategy Director (Health) in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for VML HEALTH and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like VML HEALTH are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with VML HEALTH on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at VML HEALTH. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Strategy Director (Health) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit VML HEALTH. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of VML HEALTH:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about VML HEALTH’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VML HEALTH
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at VML HEALTH will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At VML HEALTH, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
