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 Us: VML HEALTH
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. 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
Where you shine
As Senior Engagement Strategist, you will quarterback a human-centered approach to translating human empathy and an understanding of the world into meaningful and impactful experiences. We work to anticipate emerging opportunities at the intersection of people, culture, technology, and business, identifying where to play and how to win for our clients. 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 Senior Engagement Strategist often operates independently, leveraging a team of junior engagement strategists to help drive projects, organic growth, and new business. You will manage the discovery, synthesis, development, and business impact of engagement strategies. You are expected to inspire change through curiosity, impact-driven thinking, and a proactive approach to strategy execution.
What your success will look like
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, connecting strategic goals to engagement priorities and channel-specific strategies (e.g., social, CRM, website, paid media, apps, rep-delivered, etc.). This includes building connected ecosystems and enabling personalization at scale to maximize impact and drive results.
* Set expectations for how the segment/audience profile fits into the project and helps set the stage.
* Utilize analytical frameworks and methodologies to analyze data and translate insights into compelling stories.
* Lead workshop planning, measurement strategy development, engagement planning, tactical exercises, and content presentation strategies.
Your role with clients:
* Manage strategic development for at least one major client and/or oversee multiple clients.
* Engage with and help manage senior client relationships as a key strategic partner.
* Lead and support engagement strategy development in new business pitches.
* Continuously seek to improve client work by analyzing challenges and opportunities.
* Guide strategic direction in brand development and marketing approaches.
Your Role in Team Growth:
* Provide guidance and support to junior and mid-level engagement strategists.
* Motivate team members, identify learning opportunities, and foster contribution.
* Encourage innovation and pursuit of growth opportunities.
* Inspire the team to challenge conventions and take risks.
* Collaborate effectively across disciplines such as strategy, client engagement, medical, and creative teams.
Who you are and what you bring
1. 7-13 years of experience in research and strategic planning.
2. Experience in HCP and DTC marketing agencies.
3. Critical thinker, innovator, and visionary with a passion for the practice.
4. Deep understanding of global, regional, and local communication contexts.
5. Passionate about driving innovation in engagement strategies.
6. Excellent collaboration skills across various functions including tech, data, digital, and production.
7. Ability to develop strong client relationships based on deep immersion in their business.
8. Highly collaborative, effective with internal and external stakeholders.
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
10. Minimum bachelor’s degree with a multidisciplinary background including business strategy, marketing, consumer insight, or