About the agency
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.
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.
Title: Client Services Director
Reporting to: Managing Partner
Position Summary:
A visionary and inspirational ‘Client Services Director’ with at least 10 years’ agency experience to head up the Client Service team of the assigned clients. The role requires someone with a flair for problem solving and ability to nurture a client services culture that fosters teamwork, innovation, high-quality and a growth mind-set.
This is a critical leadership role for the agency that will help drive our growth strategy. You will be partnering with our current, prospective clients and department leads to deliver world-class communications and solutions to a range of business challenges.
The Client Services Director will form close partnerships with the Executive Creative Director, Scientific Director, Medical Directors and our team of engagement strategists, to develop proactive and reactive proposals in collaboration with them.
Responsibilities:
* Lead senior client relationships across the business, ensuring high quality planning, proposal and implementation across departments
* Supervise a large team of Account Directors, Senior Account Managers, Account Managers and Account Executive within a complex multi-market environment
* Develop a positive and compelling vision and client relationship standard of excellence for the agency to follow
* Determine the strategic direction and tone for assigned accounts
* Identify and develop new and organic business opportunities both independently and in collaboration with VML HEALTH EU Hub to maximise account growth
* Participate in new business pitches including identifying key team members for new business opportunities
* Support finance in the negotiation of beneficial and competitive rate cards and contracts with client procurement teams
* Manage senior client expectations, increase client satisfaction and engagement
* Ensure optimal financial management across all accounts ensuring all work is completed on time, delivered to the clients’ strategy and budget
* Work closely with the client services team to support interpretation of client needs and develop action plans to maintain excellent relations and delivery
* Mentor the client services team to grow in capability through guidance, training and regular connects
* Manage tracking and reporting of performance for staff development and uphold team accountability to promote quality of service
* Attract, develop and retain industry talent
* Review and hire for roles within Client Services and/or Project Management
* Pursue new ways to contribute to overall agency and client profitability
* Actively input into the development of agency’s strategy and promote the agency’s purpose, vision and values and strategic objectives (both internally and externally)
* Support the Managing Director to ensure goals and milestones are communicated accurately, on time and achieved accordingly
* Establish strong relationships across all agency disciplines, (other operating countries) and other related businesses
Skills & Experience:
* An energetic, influencer with the ability to build relationships, and act as a trusted advisor to clients
* Someone who is comfortable communicating, and motivating employees at all levels within an agency encouraging collaboration and open communication
* Adopts a proactive approach that involves other partners and experts in strategic thinking, incorporating their views into plans, and works collaboratively to align strategic priorities
* Demonstrates a clear understanding of the industry trends, economic factors, and market dynamics
* Challenges teams to deliver with greater efficiency within process requirements
* Works well within a culture of continuous improvement, identifies and implement changes that drive business growth and efficiency across all commercial team processes
* Develops new ideas and knowledge to foster insights and potential revenue streams
* An entrepreneurial spirit identifying opportunities and new potential and encourages innovative opportunities which are feasible and cost-effective
* An ability to articulate with clarity and conviction
* Previous experience leading aacross multi-million revenue accounts, global markets and international teams
* Must have medical communications agency experience
This position can be based in either London or Milan.