Strategist (Health)

VML South Africa; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000

Job description

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 the position

Title: Strategist

Reports to: Group Strategy Director

Hybrid role - London OR Manchester

Position Summary:

This is a key role in which you will work within our global brand team to help develop compelling strategies that unleash the potential of our clients’ brands.

Day to day, you will work alongside multiple strategic and creative disciplines to consider the needs and challenges of a brand and its audiences (patients and HCP). With the team’s collective ingenuity, you and your expert colleagues will deliver work that truly makes a difference.

Responsibilities:

1. Working closely with senior members of the strategy team to develop breakthrough and actionable brand strategies for pitches and client work.
2. Defining research needs before carrying out data and insight mining across primary and secondary resources.
3. Strategic reporting on market and brand landscape, as well as cultural/technology/health trends that may impact client business.
4. Crafting enlightening insights to unlock key strategic opportunities.
5. Presenting strategic outputs to internal and external stakeholders.
6. Supporting in workshop development and implementation, contributing to strategic planning and crafting client presentations.

Requirements:

1. Clear communicator, good listener, agile thinker.
2. Driven by curiosity, guided by creative, yet critical, thinking.
3. Understands what is required to successfully achieve work objectives.
4. A can-do attitude, willing and eager to work in a hands-on capacity.
5. Collaborative, connecting many disciplines to deliver strategic outcomes.
6. Clear understanding of standard qual/quant research tools, experience in adopting innovative approaches.
7. Experience in helping to craft insights and brand strategies for healthcare-related clients.
8. Strong persuasive communication and presentation skills to advocate for strategy, both internally and externally.
9. Experience in leading small to mid-sized clients, with support from senior team members.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in public health, science, marketing, sociology, psychology, history or communications or comparable degrees.

Experience:

3+ years in strategic planning or comparable role in research or analysis 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.