Program Manager - Freelance

Who We Are

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. 

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel. 

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn  #WeAreVML.

Freelance Program Manager - Pharma

Division: Health

Location: NYC - Hybrid

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a Freelance Program Manager - Pharma, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery, including all related processes, for a dedicated group of pharma clients, and act as a primary point of contact with client leadership, creative, strategy and technical stakeholders and serve as the “connective tissue” between internal resources and external connections.  This role will serve as part Project Leader, part Management Consultant and part 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 roll outs and workstreams across different interagency teams and agency partners with ease. You have your finger on the pulse on the latest trends, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. You are a leader, able to convey strategic insights and offer consultation to internal and external stakeholders.

What you will do:

• You will work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive innovative initiatives, analyze, plan and implement the delivery solutions that are part of our roadmap and drive cross-brand related projects acting as the primary point of contact for clients.
• 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 the counterparts at our clients, such as internal IT groups, Business Leaders and License Owners and you will have an active role within VML, with visibility and involvement in the development of new proposals, products and services.

Who you are:

• A Builder, possessing an entrepreneurial attitude coupled with strong business acumen. You possess the gravitas and appetite to bring people together, while marshaling people and building consensus to drive ideas and launch solutions.
• Open and collaborative: Our team is close-knit and supportive and we’re working with a lot of unknowns. You must be a champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging.
• Optimistic and resilient: Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Exemplify a “Yes and why not?” posture. Takes care of self and team. Balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.
• Ego-less: We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.

What You’ll Need:

• Ideally 5+ years of project and delivery management experience in advertising or marketing communications; a minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience managing technical, digital projects and other 360 campaigns in the Pharmaceutical sector (digital, CLM, CRM, etc.)
• PMP certification is nice to have and successful implementation of Agile a plus
• Experience of working in (preferably large) agencies on large global accounts
• Experience in the Health/Pharma space, understanding the unique needs therein
• Knowledge of the Immunology, Oncology, Cardiovascular Metabolism, Neuroscience, Pulmonary Hypertension and/or Infectious Diseases and Vaccines or Medical Devices sectors are most welcome
• Self-driven with proven experience working with multi-disciplinary teams (CX, UX, Tech, Creative, PM/AM) across North American offices
• Good understanding of emerging web standards, user-centered design, optimization and search practices
• Experience with Veeva PromoMats, Vault and CLM assets a plus
• Experience with SalesForce Marketing Cloud a plus
• High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them
• Proficiency in MS Office products
• Availability to travel within the US and to other Wunderman Thompson MSC offices

The compensation for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package. Click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$70—$95 USD

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. 

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