Managing Partner- Medical Communications

VML South Africa; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Managing Partner for Medical Communications to lead strategic growth initiatives within the pharmaceutical sector. This pivotal role involves mentoring a talented team, fostering key client relationships, and driving innovative solutions to enhance client outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in medical communications and a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets. Join a dynamic organization that values creativity and collaboration, and be part of a team that shapes the future of healthcare communications. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of senior healthcare agency leadership experience preferred.
• Experience with Sanofi is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team in medical communications.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders at Sanofi.
• Drive innovation and business development within the Sanofi accounts.

Skills

Pharmaceutical Industry Expertise

Medical Communications Expertise

Client Relationship Management

Strategic Thinking

Leadership & Team Management

Business Development

Financial Acumen

Communication & Presentation Skills

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

Innovation & Creativity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (MBA, PharmD, PhD)

Job description

Managing Partner- Medical Communications

VML

Department: Medical & Scientific

Expertise: Health

Location:

Last Updated: 4/16/2025

Requisition ID: 9551

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.

Managing Partner, Sanofi Client Engagement, Medical Communications

Reports to: Managing Director, Medical Communications, Global/ EU Department: Client Services Country: Italy or United Kingdom City Milan, London or Manchester

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. And when these experiences are personalized, unique and relevant at every touchpoint, their power is all the more profound.

Position Summary:

The Managing Partner - Sanofi, is a critical leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, growth, and overall success of the Sanofi EU/Global medical communications business within the EU/Global Medical Communications team. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Managing Partner will lead and mentor a high-performing team, foster strong client relationships, and drive innovation to expand our business across new therapeutic areas. This role requires a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, medical communications, and a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building successful client partnerships. The Managing Partner will work closely with the Strategy, Medical, Creative, and Account leadership to achieve revenue targets, growing revenues, capitalizing on market opportunities, and innovation to ensure balanced, ambitious, yet realistic growth across each account team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Sanofi business within VML Health EU/Global, aligning with the overall company vision and objectives.
• Client Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders at Sanofi, acting as a strategic advisor and partner.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of account professionals within the EU Hub Medical Communications, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities within Sanofi, expanding our service offerings and market share.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure efficient and effective operations across all Sanofi accounts within the EU Hub Medical Communications, optimizing workflows and resource allocation.
• Innovation & Integration: Drive innovation in medical communications, leveraging digital solutions and emerging technologies to enhance client outcomes.
• Financial Performance: Achieve and exceed revenue targets, managing budgets effectively and maximizing profitability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with other departments within VML Health, VML and WPP, including Health Studios, Enterprise Solutions, and other relevant teams.

Role Requirements:

• Provide senior account leadership, motivation, and supervision of team members for multiple accounts.
• Engage in forward thinking and planning for accounts and mine for opportunities for additional growth.
• Act as mentor to the individuals in the account group and identify opportunities for individual growth and experiences by setting goals and coaching, when appropriate.
• Identify and help resolve people/departmental conflicts with practical solutions.
• Keep management informed of client activity/issues/opportunities.
• Understand client forecast/budget issues.
• Assist in recruitment of new team members when necessary.
• Be a steward of company culture and environment.
• Be a team player and help fellow senior managers when necessary.
• Network and work in partnership across VML Health and WPP, when appropriate.

Desired Skills and Experiences:

• Pharmaceutical Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including drug development, regulatory affairs, and commercialization.
• Medical Communications Expertise: Extensive experience in medical communications, including medical education, scientific publications, and digital engagement.
• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior-level clients.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive business growth and achieve client objectives.
• Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team.
• Business Development: Proven track record of identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial principles and budget management.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to identify and solve complex problems, making sound decisions under pressure.
• Innovation & Creativity: A passion for innovation and a desire to push the boundaries of medical communications.

Qualifications:

• Senior healthcare agency leadership experience (15+ years preferred).
• Experience working directly with Sanofi is highly preferred.
• Exemplary oral and written communications skills essential.
• Must be able to persuasively articulate values, information and present compelling cases to multiple audiences.
• Able to balance multiple priorities.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in a related field (e.g., MBA, PharmD, PhD) preferred.

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.