Senior Strategist (Oncology)

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.

VML Health’s Global Strategy Team (GST) is home to a diverse set of strategic thinkers and consultants. It represents the highest levels of strategic competency and consulting acumen 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 loss of exclusivity: Medical Strategy, Engagement Strategy, Brand Strategy, and Medical Consulting. This role sits within the Medical Consulting discipline.

The Medical Consulting team is part of VML HEALTH, a global healthcare organization with a vision to make the world of health human-centric with connected brands. VML HEALTH has offices across the world and three global healthcare hubs in London, New York, and Milan. The Medical Consulting team focuses on early engagement across a range of disciplines including Commercial, Medical Affairs, HEOR, Market Access, Clinical Development, Patient Advocacy & Policy, Development, and Regulatory teams – notably biopharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostics companies, as well as healthcare service industries and patient advocacy organizations. We have offices in London and Manchester.

We support organizations to achieve more effective decision-making through a focus on early cross-functional working initiatives, enhanced focus on patient perspective programs, and integrated planning and execution of value-based development and commercialization projects and programs. We run a variety of global accounts involving close collaboration with our creative, digital, medical education, and marketing teams to bring creative solutions for clients as they move forward in development and launch of their assets.

Our philosophy is one of realizing potential for everyone who joins our team (“We Grow our People to Grow our Business”) – in whatever form that takes. We believe in open feedback, clear career development pathways, and supporting people to achieve their goals. The Manchester Medical Consulting team represents a new opportunity for individuals to grow their skills in a person-centric environment while contributing to the growth of the business.

Position Summary

This is a key global role that will help develop and deliver world-class strategies for our clients. In collaboration with other global team members, the senior brand strategist will play a central role in developing and growing the Global Strategy team’s practice among internal and external-facing clients. With a growing and exciting portfolio of projects in Oncology, we are looking for a strategist with experience and passion for this therapeutic area.

Responsibilities

• Play a leading role in developing the VML HEALTH global strategy practice.
• Strategic leadership and client interaction as needed for priority accounts/projects.
• Creating organic growth strategies.
• Leveraging data to develop deep insights about customers and market environments that result in brand ideas and experiences that will drive growth.
• Strategic/tactical planning.
• Collaboration with global partners to deliver winning new business pitches.
• Active participation as an integrated team member with account services, creative, analytics, medical, and engagement colleagues across the VML HEALTH network.
• Development of market research and insights practice to help internal and external customers grow their business.
• Be an active member of a vibrant community of strategists across the VML HEALTH network.

Must haves

• Experience in brand launches and brand planning in the Oncology space, and at least two other Rx therapeutic categories.
• Capable of independently drafting a creative brief based on client needs.
• Deep understanding of marketing, market research, and brand strategy principles.
• Excellent problem solver with proficiency in uncovering insights, connecting the dots, articulating strategic implications, and creating succinct, compelling stories.
• Strong ability to partner and collaborate across functional areas and cultures.
• Ability to independently deliver distinct components of key deliverables across projects.
• Knowledge of HCP marketing and the healthcare ecosystem across EU and global markets.
• Agency experience with blue-chip pharmaceutical clients at a global level.

Qualifications

• Degree in marketing/communications, business, or life/physical sciences.
• Experience 5+ years in a marketing/branding capacity in areas such as healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.