Senior Account Director (Health) in London

Who We Are

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever‑evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end‑to‑end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

About You

You’re an experienced and strategic Senior Account Director with a passion for shaping bold, imaginative health communications, from Rx to OTC to consumer wellness. You know how to turn complex science into simple, powerful ideas that move people. You believe in the power of radical empathy, getting to the heart of health to create work that’s not only smart, but deeply human. You’re a natural leader who inspires teams and builds strong client relationships where brave, brilliant ideas can flourish. You blend creative excellence with commercial acumen to deliver work that drives both impact and growth. You thrive in a fast‑paced environment and are always thinking ahead – spotting opportunities for organic growth, strengthening client partnerships, and positioning VML as the partner clients can’t live without. You’re driven by the opportunity to build our health offering and champion excellence and innovation in healthcare marketing. This role is based in Sydney, Australia; we have expanded our search globally and are open to providing visa sponsorships for candidates looking to relocate.

Your Role in a Nutshell

The Senior Account Director plays a key role in leading communication strategy across multiple healthcare brands, therapeutic areas, and capabilities, including medical education, HCP promotion, consumer campaigns, OTC activations, medical events, patient engagement, and disease‑state awareness. You’ll lead key client accounts and create an environment where best‑in‑class scientific and creative work can flourish. The role encompasses project leadership, financial management, client satisfaction, organic growth, and team development. Above all, you’ll empower your teams to produce great work that makes a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the senior lead and trusted partner for key clients, building enduring relationships founded on openness, trust, and shared ambition.
• Develop a deep understanding of your clients’ businesses and categories across Rx, OTC, and consumer health and well‑being.
• Guide the long‑term strategic direction of accounts, ensuring alignment between client objectives and the agency’s creative and commercial goals.
• Lead proactive opportunities to enhance client value, from thought leadership to new initiatives and innovations.
• Oversee flawless delivery of projects from briefing to execution, ensuring work is on time, on budget, and on strategy.
• Define and optimise client processes to enable smooth delivery and set teams up for success.
• Collaborate with internal specialists, including creative, strategy, CX, digital, and editorial, to produce integrated, high‑impact campaigns.
• Anticipate challenges, manage risk, and ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance.
• Drive the financial health of your accounts including forecasting, budgeting, reconciliations, and performance tracking.
• Identify and lead organic growth opportunities, expanding relationships across client organisations.
• Play an active role in new business efforts, leading RFIs, RFPs, and pitch development.
• Partner with agency leadership to shape the ongoing growth and direction of VML Health in Australia and New Zealand.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, from senior clients and healthcare professionals to internal VML teams and partner agencies.
• Facilitate and manage key opinion leader engagements, advisory boards, and steering committees as required.

Required Experience/Capabilities

• Extensive healthcare expertise – 8+ years’ experience in healthcare communications or pharmaceutical marketing across Rx, OTC, and consumer health and well‑being.
• Strategic and medical communications – Proven ability to lead medical education (promotional and non‑promotional, including accreditation programs), craft persuasive health brand strategies, and translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Leadership and collaboration – Dynamic leader with strong team‑building, mentoring, and people‑management skills. Able to delegate effectively, motivate others, and drive integrated agency collaboration across functions and markets.
• Client partnership and influence – Skilled in building trusted senior‑level relationships and navigating multiple stakeholders with confidence, diplomacy, and influence.
• Analytical and commercial acumen – Combines strategic thinking with strong financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability oversight.
• Operational excellence – Expert in project management, process development, and implementation across complex, multi‑channel programmes. Adept at managing multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Creative and scientific precision – Meticulous attention to detail, with a balance of scientific accuracy and creative flair to ensure work is both credible and compelling.
• Communication and presentation – Exceptional communicator with confident presentation, facilitation, and storytelling skills. Able to clearly articulate strategic and creative recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Regulatory and industry insight – Deep understanding of healthcare regulations and compliance frameworks, including the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, and a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and advancements.

VML AUNZ HIGHLIGHTS

• Energise Leave – 5 paid half days off each year, for time to recharge.
• Birthday Leave – a paid day off to celebrate your birthday each year.
• Loyalty Leave – a paid day off each year to celebrate your work anniversary.
• Employee Assistance Program access – 24/7 support. Mental health support.
• LinkedIn Learning access for all employees.
• Foundation Day – the anniversary of our establishment where every employee works together to give back to the community.
• PerkSPACE – a dedicated platform for employee benefits that help you save, grow and generously make life easier.
• Parental Leave – time off for new parents.

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.