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 is seeking a Program Manager- Freelance
VML is seeking a Program Manager – Pharma, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall technology stack, all related processes, software and hardware for a dedicated group of pharma clients, and act as a primary point of contact with client leadership, technical stakeholders and serve as the "connective tissue" between internal resources and external connections. This role will serve as part Project Leader, Management Consultant and Delivery Manager both for our pharma client stakeholders and internal production teams.
The ideal candidate will have experience leading in and thriving in an agile and collaborative work environment. You will have worked on complex production delivery projects/campaigns, inclusive of all project elements and phases from inception to completion while remaining cool under pressure. You are familiar with the complexities and regulations within pharma marketing content and its production. You consider yourself a team captain — someone who can manage scopes of work, complex technical roll outs and workstreams across different interagency teams and agency partners with ease. You have your finger on the pulse on the latest technology trends, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. You are a leader, able to convey strategic insights and offer consultation to internal and external stakeholders.
This role will be a W2 Freelance position on VML Payroll- we are not considering 3rd Party Candidates or 1099 IC's at this time
Where your focus will be:
- Build and maintain a solid project focused base for the growth of VML, from the point of view of processes, campaign management and launch and the adoption of new technologies. You will work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive omni channel campaigns, innovative initiatives, analyze, plan and implement solutions that are part of our roadmap and drive across brand related projects acting as the primary point of contact for clients, both internal and external.
- Consult and support and serve as a key pillar to our internal production and account teams as you identify opportunities for streamlining, automating or implementing efficient processes within VML and for our clients.
- Own and grow the relationship with counterparts at our clients, such as internal groups, Business Leaders and Product Owners and you will have an active role within VML, with visibility and involvement in the development of new proposals, products and services.
- Experience with Pharma related projects and programs is essential.
- Client | Partner with Account Leadership to oversee the translation of our clients' vision into a roadmap that will achieve client goals, while generating work that is creatively brilliant, measurable and has a cultural impact. You'll be the point person for all day-to-day client communications across multiple teams.
- Team | Manage, inspire and motivate project, product and development teams for the new .com experience. Review team deliverables. Provide strategic oversight and ensure the work gets noticed, used and appreciated.
- Process | Drive profitability at scale within the teams and as VML sells in new offerings. Find innovative ways to build new best practices.
- A builder | Entrepreneurial attitude couple with a strong business acumen. Ability and appetite to bring people together. Innate ability to marshal people and create gravity around ideas.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in a creative agency with a minimum of 3 years of client-facing experience
- Specific experience managing complex project, programs and builds with multiple work streams across omni-channel media, and familiarity working in an agile environment
- Passion for building relationships that result in new, profitable revenue opportunities as well as driving incremental growth on existing work
- Proven ability to negotiate Statements of Work and contracts – effectively forecasting and scoping work with teams in close collaboration with Project Management.
- Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
- Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
- Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.
VML 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, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. 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.
VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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