Publicis is an omni-channel communications agency with over 600 employees across our Canadian operations. The office is the largest in our industry in Canada and boasts talent across various disciplines of marketing and advertising expertise. Publicis carries a balanced split of Canadian, U.S. and Global clients for which we are Agency of Record. Publicis supports a range of D&I actions through our Driving Change team as well as giving back to the community through a long-standing participation in the Out of the Cold Program. With a strong, active and familial culture, Pub United is the agency’s social club, hosting events as wide reaching as Curling, Trivia Nights and more.
Overview
This is an 18-month contract - start date March 2026
Position sits in Montreal or Toronto Publicis Health office (hybrid 3 times/week in office)
You see the white space before others do. You write creative briefs that ignite ideas, not just align teams. And you translate complex science into human stories that move markets, HCPs, and patients.
As Senior Director of Brand Strategy, you’ll lead the strategic thinking behind breakthrough work for pharma and life sciences brands. You’ll turn insight into action, data into differentiation, and clinical complexity into clear, compelling brand strategy.
You’re a big-picture thinker with a sharp eye for detail. Fluent in healthcare for HCP and DTC across Canada and US. Trusted by clients. And a true partner to creative, account, and medical teams.
What You’ll Do
- Lead brand strategy from insight to execution, developing positioning platforms, messaging architectures, and strategic narratives
- Craft insight-driven creative briefs that inspire breakthrough work
- Serve as the day-to-day strategic lead and trusted client advisor
- Support tactical and integrated channel planning efforts
- Market research collaboration: Collaborate with internal and client teams on
- Translate complex medical and scientific information into clear strategic frameworks
- Lead workshops and strategic sessions that push thinking forward
- Ensure strategy connects across creative, content, and activation
- Contribute to new business pitches and growth initiatives
- Mentor and develop junior strategists while raising the bar for strategic thinking
Responsibilities
Shape Strategy That Drives Business
Lead brand strategy from insight through execution—developing positioning platforms, messaging architectures, and strategic narratives grounded in research, data, and real human insight
Own strategic direction for assigned brands, ensuring every recommendation is clear, compelling, and aligned to client business objectives
Craft insight-driven creative briefs that inspire breakthrough work and give creative teams true strategic clarity
Serve as the day-to-day strategic lead and trusted client counselor, translating complex insights into actionable communication roadmaps
Lead workshops, stakeholder interviews, and strategic sessions that push thinking forward—not just document what exists
Ensure strategy connects across all key touchpoints, from creative development and content planning to activation and optimization
Drive Growth
Contribute meaningfully to new business efforts—shaping strategic approaches, crafting pitch narratives, and presenting with confidence
Stay ahead of industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities while keeping teams grounded in marketing fundamentals and human behavior
Bring Deep Healthcare Expertise
- Act as a subject matter authority on client brands, therapeutic areas, and competitive landscapes and audiences (HCP, patient, DTC)
- Translate complex medical, scientific, and clinical information into clear strategic frameworks that guide creative and communication planning
- Apply deep knowledge of biopharma and life sciences—especially in rare or hard-to-treat diseases—to create positioning that truly breaks through
Lead Through Collaboration
Partner closely with account, creative, medical, digital, and client teams to ensure strategic alignment from kickoff to delivery
Elevate internal thinking by clarifying brand ambition, audience insight, and strategic opportunity
Build strong, productive relationships that enable great work and shared ownership
Qualifications
10+ years of brand strategy or strategic planning experience in pharmaceutical marketing and advertising industry.
Proven success developing positioning, messaging, and integrated communication strategies
Deep understanding of biopharma and healthcare dynamics; leading strategy for AOR client across Canada and US
Strong client-facing presence with the ability to present complex thinking clearly
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus
Additional information
This is an 18-month contract - start date March 2026
Position sits in Montreal or Toronto Publicis Health office (hybrid 3 times/week in office)
Transparency matters to us. The salary range for this position is $160,000-$175,000 per year. Actual compensation within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and applicable certifications. This range reflects what we reasonably expect to offer based on current market data.
AI Use
We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of our hiring process, such as reviewing applications or analyzing resumes. These tools assist our recruitment team but never replace human decision-making. We believe in a human-first approach, where your experience and potential are recognized by people.
Publicis Canada is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of our community. We encourage and are pleased to consider all qualified candidates, without regard to race, colour, citizenship, religion, sex, marital / family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, aboriginal status, age, disability or persons who may require an accommodation, to apply. If you require a specific accommodation please contact Human Resources.
