Strategy Director

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. VML HEALTH’s Global Strategy Team (GST) launched in 2020 and is now an established, thriving practice. Home to a diverse team of strategic thinkers, it represents the highest levels of strategic competency and is the fastest growing practice in our network. The GST is an incubator for new capabilities, creator of strategic best practices and a think tank for solving some of the world’s biggest health challenges. More than anything, we are a close, supportive, and entrepreneurial team that flourish on collaborating and growing together.About the position Title: Strategy Director (Brand)Reports to: Global SVP Brand StrategyPOSITION SUMMARY:In this role you will partner with our brand teams as we develop compelling strategies for our clients’ business that unleash the potential of their brands.EXPERIENCE:· Extensive experience in strategic planning within a healthcare advertising or creative agencyExtensive data and insight mining: qualitative and quantitative research, primary and secondaryStrong experience in leading global strategy projects (global pitches, global brand positioning, global brand planning, etc)Excellent creative brief writing skills and development of clear insight stories and propositionsExtensive experience briefing and collaborating creative teamsDevelop competitive analysis and audits, market and brand landscape reviewsProven reporting on important cultural/technology/health trends, and their potential application to and impact on client businessRepeated experience of developing brand strategies across the product life cycleStrong pitch experienceResearch and development of customer experience mappingRegular workshop development and delivery excellenceResponsibilities:· Build persuasive and inspiring stories to present strategy and achieve successful outcomes· Provide direction and guidance to junior strategists to identify data sources & analytical frameworks and formulate a POV· Mentor and support junior strategists on their path to growth· Ensure effective collaboration across teams by setting a positive tone, assigning roles as needed and ensuring accountability.· Lead client work with supervision from strategic leadership· Create and maintain authentic relationships with senior clients· work product· Challenge the team to continually seek innovative solutions and growth opportunities· Own the integration of innovative tools, methodologies and resources into strategic processes and documents· Demonstrate leadership in pursing growth opportunities and incorporating into daily workREQUIREMENTS:Clear communicator, good listener, agile thinkerCurious and analyticalHas an understanding of what is required to successfully achieve work objectivesAble to be an individual contributor, willing and eager to work in a hands-on, proactive capacityStrong persuasive communication skills to advocate for strategy both internally and externallyCollaborative and drivenEntrepreneurial spirit Qualifications:Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in public health, science, marketing, sociology, psychology or communications or comparable degrees Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & InclusionVML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical or mental disability. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.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.#vmlhealthcareers