Associate Director Consumer Engagement

Location: sydney
Salary: Excellent package and benefits
Job Type: permanent
Contact: Rachel Shermer
What if you had the opportunity to build a consumer function from the ground up at a time when the way people seek, understand and engage with health information is changing faster than ever?

Our client is a leading global pharmaceutical business operating at the forefront of some of Australia's most significant health conversations.  As consumers become more informed, digitally connected and increasingly proactive about understanding their health and the options available to them, the organisation is evolving how it engages directly with consumers or pateints. A dedicated Consumer function is now being established within Marketing, creating an exciting opportunity for an experienced consumer marketing leader to define the strategy, operating model and capability for this new function.  This is not simply about developing campaigns or brand. It is about rethinking the end-to-end consumer journey, from awareness and education through to digital engagement, patient support and ongoing relationships, and creating a more connected, consumer-led experience across the organisation.

The Opportunity
As Associate Director, Consumer Engagement, you will provide strategic leadership for the emerging Consumer function in Australia.
You will define what great consumer engagement looks like for the organisation and translate that vision into a clear strategy, planning framework and operating model. Working across Brand, Product, Digital, Social, Patient Support Programmes, Medical, Corporate Affairs and other functions, you will connect the different parts of the consumer journey and ensure consumers experience a cohesive and meaningful relationship with the organisation.
The role combines strategic leadership, commercial thinking and hands-on consumer expertise. You will need to be comfortable setting the direction at an enterprise level, while remaining close enough to the detail to understand how the experience is actually being delivered across channels and touchpoints.
You will also have the opportunity to shape and lead a growing Consumer team, including two Campaign Planner positions, and build the capability and partnerships required to bring the strategy to life.

What you will do
  • Develop and own the Australian Consumer Engagement strategy, establishing the vision, priorities and strategic planning framework for the function.
  • Define the operating model, capability and ways of working required to build a sophisticated consumer-led approach within Marketing.
  • Develop a deep understanding of consumer needs, behaviours and journeys, identifying opportunities to improve the experience across every touchpoint.
  • Connect consumer engagement across Brand, Product, Digital, Social, Patient Support Programmes, eHealth, education and media.
  • Lead the development of integrated consumer engagement programmes spanning awareness, education, acquisition, engagement and ongoing support.
  • Shape the annual consumer strategy, campaign roadmap and investment priorities, using insights, analytics and evidence to optimise effectiveness.
  • Lead relationships with key agency partners, including media, creative, digital, social, research, data and analytics partners.
  • Work at a senior level with APAC and global stakeholders, influencing across a complex matrix organisation.
  • Ensure consumer engagement is delivered within the requirements of a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment, with strong governance and compliance-by-design.
  • Consider the consumer experience beyond traditional marketing channels — including websites, social platforms, patient support programmes, packaging, pack inserts and supporting materials.
  • Partner closely with Medical, Regulatory, Legal, Digital, Corporate Affairs, Finance, Brand and Product teams to ensure consumer activity is both effective and compliant.
  • Build and lead the emerging Consumer team, providing strategic direction, coaching and people leadership.
  • Explore the role of AI, emerging technologies, search and new digital behaviours in changing how consumers discover, understand and engage with health information.
  • Establish meaningful measures of consumer engagement effectiveness, health literacy, audience reach, trust and channel performance.
About You
We're looking for a senior consumer marketer who can combine strategic thinking with commercial and executional credibility.

You'll bring:
  • Significant experience in consumer, brand or commercial marketing 
  • A strong track record developing consumer strategies and integrated engagement programmes.
  • Deep understanding of the consumer journey across digital, social, media and content.
  • Experience leading agencies, senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams in a complex matrix environment.
  • Strong commercial acumen and an evidence-led approach to investment and effectiveness.
  • The curiosity to challenge traditional thinking and explore new technologies and ways of engaging consumers.
  • OTC or consumer health product experience is essential, with an understanding of operating within a highly regulated environment.

This is an opportunity to build something rather than inherit something.
You'll help establish a new Consumer capability at an important point in the organisation's growth, shaping how a global pharmaceutical business connects with consumers across some of Australia's most important health conversations.

If this sounds like you then feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation to Rachel Shermer on 0485858841 or email me at rachels@sde.com.au

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