Program Manager - Freelance

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. The agency is recognized for innovative, human-first, award-winning work for blue-chip clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy’s. VML is a Leader in Forrester Wave™ Reports across multiple categories, including Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, and Global Digital Experience Services.

About the role

VML is seeking a Freelance Program Manager – Pharma to oversee the overall delivery, including all related processes, for a dedicated group of pharma clients. This role acts as the primary point of contact with client leadership, creative, strategy, and technical stakeholders, serving as the “connective tissue” between internal resources and external connections. The ideal candidate will thrive in an agile and collaborative environment, managing complex production delivery projects from inception to completion while navigating the regulatory complexities of pharma marketing.

Responsibilities

• Work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive innovative initiatives, analyze, plan, and implement delivery solutions as part of our roadmap, and act as the primary point of contact for clients on cross-brand projects.
• Consult and support internal production and account teams by identifying opportunities for streamlining, automating, or implementing efficient processes within VML and for clients.
• Own and grow relationships with client counterparts, including internal IT groups, Business Leaders, and License Owners, while contributing to the development of new proposals, products, and services within VML.

Requirements

• Ideally 5+ years of project and delivery management experience in advertising or marketing communications, with a minimum of 3+ years managing technical, digital projects, and 360 campaigns in the Pharmaceutical sector (e.g., digital, CLM, CRM).
• Experience working in (preferably large) agencies on large global accounts.
• Deep understanding of the Health/Pharma space, including familiarity with Immunology, Oncology, Cardiovascular Metabolism, Neuroscience, Pulmonary Hypertension, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, or Medical Devices sectors.
• Self-driven with proven experience collaborating 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 is a plus.
• Experience with SalesForce Marketing Cloud is a plus.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ) and ability to motivate teams.
• Proficiency in MS Office products.
• Availability to travel within the U.S. and to other WPP offices.

Qualifications

• PMP certification is a plus, as is successful implementation of Agile methodologies.
• Entrepreneurial attitude with strong business acumen, capable of marshaling teams and building consensus to drive ideas and launch solutions.
• Open, collaborative, and resilient—able to thrive in close-knit, supportive team environments with a “Yes and why not?” mindset.
• Ego-less approach, willing to take on varied responsibilities to support team success.

Pay

$70—$95 USD per hour.

Schedule

Hybrid role based in NYC, with teams in the office an average of four days a week.