Associate Director - Commercial Strategy in London

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. 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.

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.

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.