Principal Promotional Medical Writer

About Ogilvy

Ogilvy, part of WPP, has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity – innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

About the Role

Are you an exceptional scientific leader with a passion for shaping compelling healthcare communications? We’re seeking a Principal Promotional Medical Writer to join us in Ogilvy Health UK. This is a unique opportunity to provide expert scientific and editorial leadership across multiple commercial accounts, drive strategic content, foster account growth, and mentor a talented editorial team.

This is a senior and influential position on the advertising side of our business, where you will be the driving force behind scientific accuracy, strategic relevance, and editorial excellence. You’ll not only design and oversee the delivery of high-impact commercial branded materials but also play a critical role in shaping scientific strategy, identifying growth opportunities, and inspiring the development of our editorial talent.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and development of a diverse range of commercial branded materials, overseeing their successful implementation from concept to delivery.
• Direct the creation of high-quality, scientifically accurate, and strategically relevant content, ensuring full compliance with industry regulations.
• Serve as a key scientific and editorial leader, guiding and inspiring cross-functional teams across multiple accounts.
• Act as a trusted scientific advisor, leading engaging discussions with clients and external experts, both in-person and remotely.
• Develop and execute robust scientific strategies that inform tactical planning and drive impactful communications.
• Optimally manage editorial resources, ensuring efficient project delivery and resource allocation.
• Champion organic account growth by proactively identifying and pursuing new opportunities.
• Be the scientific voice for new business proposals and pitches, providing strategic direction and expert insight.
• Shape the next generation of talent by providing exceptional line management, mentoring, coaching, and training to both junior and senior team members.

What You’ll Need

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience within a commercial healthcare communications agency, demonstrating a robust understanding of the sector.
• A proven track record of providing significant scientific and editorial leadership on large, complex accounts.
• Success in driving organic account growth and providing critical scientific input for new business pitches and proposals.
• Experience collaborating with global clients on impactful campaigns.
• Expertise in leading product and/or indication launches, including the development of key commercial materials (e.g., CVAs, DSAs, branded websites, congress booths).
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to translate intricate scientific concepts into clear, concise, and compelling narratives.
• High emotional intelligence to navigate complex client relationships and foster positive team dynamics.
• Strong adaptability, flexibility, and a proactive approach to managing evolving challenges and opportunities.
• Impeccable project management and organizational skills, capable of overseeing multiple priorities with a keen eye for detail.
• A comprehensive and current understanding of pharmaceutical industry regulations and guidelines (e.g., ABPI Code of Practice, GPP3, ICMJE).
• Experience in genetics, endocrinology, and/or rare disease is a definite plus, but certainly not essential.

Our Culture & Benefits

Join a friendly, non-hierarchical, and eclectic team united by a shared commitment to doing the best work of our lives (it’s one of our values!). Beyond client work, you’ll have opportunities to engage with our vibrant culture and social teams, and contribute to our fantastic DEI initiatives, championing diversity across our agency and industry.

We offer a flexible working hybrid model: 2 days in the office (all-agency anchor days for collaboration and socialising) and 3 days working remotely from wherever you work best.

• 25 days holiday + your birthday off and a paid volunteering day - after 2 years service you can purchase up to an additional 5 days per year
• Enhanced parental leave
• A generous pension scheme - you pay in 4% we pay 6%, following probation contributions are matched up to 10.5% (17.5% in total)
• Choose from either Private Medical Cover (Bupa from day one) OR Dental cover OR a monthly leisure allowance of £45 to spend on your health & wellbeing
• A fantastic Employee Assistance Programme provided by Telus which offers brilliant support, expert advice and specialist counselling
• Help at Hand - quick free access to a remote GP, mental health support, physio or a medical 2nd opinion
• Free 1-2-1 Coaching - online coaching for your professional or personal growth provided by Thrive Partners
• A comprehensive Learning & Development programme

At Ogilvy, our people are at the heart of what we do: a creative agency that sparks game-changing ideas across culture and business through collaboration, integrity, and a celebration of self-expression.

We believe in building powerful teams with purpose - and we relentlessly curate transformative initiatives that make our commitment to fairness, and equity a reality.

Our ultimate mission is to leave a positive impact on the world, creating a better future for all, while supporting and uplifting the global communities we serve.  This is central to our mantra of Borderless Creativity.

Ogilvy is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.

If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact us at accommodations@ogilvy.com. Please note that this contact is only for candidates who are requesting accommodation. Emails for other purposes, including application status requests, will not receive a response.