Senior Account Director

About VML

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.

VML is a global brand and customer experience agency that harnesses creativity, technology, and culture to create connected brands. The agency is behind award-winning campaigns for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Caltex, Monash University, Ford, and Defence Force Recruitment. VML is made up of more than 30,000 employees worldwide. Locally there are more than 300 of us within our 6 offices in Australia and New Zealand.

In the newly formed VML Health practice, we create connected health experiences. We resist the usual ways of seeing, doing and thinking - by harnessing creativity, technology and science to reimagine the entire connected health experience. Our goal? Improve health all over the world by making science meaningful. We believe in getting to the heart of health by building connected brands that touch lives, inspire new behaviours and fuel better health.

About You

You have a real passion for leading and developing innovative healthcare communication strategies and thinking about creative and effective ways to communicate complex data and disease stateconcepts. A strong desire to jump in and contribute at all levels is critical, asthisis a collaborative team-based environment. You will need to be a planning genius, a problem solver, a strategic thinker, a relationship builder and possess insatiable curiosity and an entrepreneurial spirit. You have the ability and desire to work in a fast-paced environmentwhere connection amongst local and global scientists, client engagement teams, strategists, creatives, technologists and client partners is key to success. You are energised by the opportunity of building a new health offering and driving excellence and innovation in healthcare marketing.

Responsibilities

The Senior Account Director plays a key role leading the communication strategy across multiple healthcare brands, therapeutic areas and capabilities including medical education, HCP promotion, medical events, patient engagement and disease state awareness.

The Senior Account Director is responsible for leadership of key client accounts and accountable for creating a team and relationships where best in class scientific and creative work can flourish. This role is responsible for the project leadership, financial management and profitability of your business, ongoing client satisfaction, organic growth, and team development. You will be responsible for creating an environment where your teams are empowered to produce great work.

Key Responsibilities

• Day-to-day key client contact and strategic lead
• Operational excellence of the account including flawless project management ensuring all elements are completed on time, budget and to strategy
• Develops and sustains expert knowledge of client's business, industry, competitive landscape and compliance regulations
• Provides oversight and guidance on current work whilst also pursuing organic growth opportunities
• Builds and maintains strong client relationships, both with day-to-day clients and senior level cross functional partners

• Leads and proactively drives new business opportunities including RFIs, RFPs, new business presentations and pitches
• Cultivates relationships with key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals, including stakeholder management, facilitation of steering committees, advisory boards and workshops

• Works in collaboration with editorial, creative, CX and digital experts to deliver innovative and effective solutions
• Financial management including forecasting, budget development, reconciliation and monthly budget reviews with clients
• Collaboratively responsible for the development of long-term account success and growth by driving value add solutions, developing and executing communication plans
• Proactive thought leadership on areas of interest and new opportunities
• Responsible for the growth and development of the team, including mentoring, goal setting and performance evaluations

• Lead role in collaborating with other VML disciplines to upskill team members on health and drive internal engagement

Required Experience/Skills/Capabilities

• 6+ years of experience in healthcare communication/pharmaceutical marketing (Rx, OTC, medical devices) focusing on project management, team leadership, strategy and innovation
• Medical education experience, promotional and non-promotional
• Understanding of industry regulatory environment and compliance requirements
• Ability to lead large multi-channel health projects that require multiple layers of stakeholder approval
• Experience leading medical strategy and communication planning for new business opportunities
• Strong strategic, analytical and effective problem-solving skills
• Adept at leading integrated agency relationships working with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to develop and disseminate the strategic direction across internal cross-functional teams
• Proactive approach to client and team leadership as well as overall team and account growth
• Incredible attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality assurance
• Strong communicator, excellent persuasive presentation and facilitation skills
• Ability to manage workload of self and others with minimal supervision
• Strong financial acumen, with experience developing budgets, forecasting and all aspects of financial management
• Demonstrated people management skills and desire to mentor and train junior team members

VML AUNZ Highlights:


There are many things that make VML AUNZ an awesome place to work, but we think these are worth a special mention:

• Birthday Leave - a paid day off to celebrate your Birthday each year
• Summer Days - 5 paid afternoons off each year during daylight savings time
• Loyalty Leave - a paid day off each year to celebrate your work anniversary
• Employee Assistance Program access and 24/7 support
• LinkedIn Learning access for all employees.

VML is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.