Vice President of Strategic Planning

Location: Remote First (with routine office visits and client travel)Reports To: Chief Executive OfficerJOB SUMMARYThe Vice President of Strategic Planning leads the Strategy team to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that drive client brand objectives and growth. This senior leadership role serves as a trusted advisor to client executives, shaping brand direction, uncovering growth opportunities, and translating complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies. The VP mentors and elevates the Strategy team, strengthens cross-functional collaboration, and plays a key role in organic growth and new business development.The VP upholds Purohit Navigation’s (PNAV) core values by consistently going beyond expectations to deliver impactful work, while modeling accountability, sound decision-making, and smart stewardship of resources.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic LeadershipOwn client strategic needs; maintain expertise in brand positioning, market dynamics, competitive landscape, and therapeutic insightsShape the strategic direction of the team while continuously raising standards for execution and outcomesOperate as both a strategic leader and contributor, comfortable shifting between big-picture thinking and tactical executionDefine quality standards and strategic rigor across deliverablesDevelop multi-year strategic roadmap and lead annual practice planningBalance efficiency with innovation: maximize repeatable frameworks while confidently developing customized solutions for unique challengesEmbrace new project types lacking historical precedent, pioneer innovative approachesNavigate sensitive projects with confidence and professionalismClient PartnershipServe as senior strategic contact to client C-suite; maintain trusted advisor statusAnticipate market opportunities and competitive challenges; deliver innovative recommendationsAdapt communication style with clients to build rapport and influence outcomesMaintain resilience and professionalism regardless of feedback; take ownership without taking criticism personallyBusiness DevelopmentDrive organic growth and manage revenue potential across the practiceSupport new business pitch development and presentationsConfidently pursue emerging service opportunities without established playbooksTeam LeadershipProvide strategic leadership and mentorship to Strategy staff; develop high-potential strategistsFoster collaborative, high-performance culture of excellence and innovationManage diverse personalities effectively; adjust leadership style to individual needsLead through direct authority, referent power, or persuasive influence as appropriateAddress difficult conversations and performance issues directly and constructivelyFinancial & Operational ExcellenceManage account finances, budgets, and profitable utilization of Strategy resourcesEstablish strategic planning methodologies and quality assurance protocolsBuild reusable frameworks while maintaining flexibility for customizationEvaluate and implement innovative solutions—including AI, automation, and analytics—to continuously improve strategic operationsDrive continuous improvement through initiative reviews and post-campaign analysisCross-Functional Collaboration & CompliancePartner with Creative, Digital, and Project Management teamsAdapt collaboration style across functional areas; facilitate consensus across diverse perspectivesMaintain current knowledge of FDA, OPDP and pharmaceutical regulatory guidelinesREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS10-15+ years strategic leadership or consulting experience in pharmaceutical marketing, advertising agency, or brand managementProven success developing strategic and executing marketing plans for pharmaceutical/healthcare brandsServe as the visible champion and primary spokesperson for PNAV strategy, both internally and externallyDemonstrated success in organic growth, new business development, and senior client relationship managementEntrepreneurial mindset: thrives in situations requiring innovation, not just executionExperience creating innovative solutions for unprecedented challenges; comfort with ambiguityHistory building/scaling marketing consulting practices and/or teamsManagement experience leading high-performing strategy teamsProven ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with clients and staffStrong facilitation, persuasion, and consensus-building capabilitiesDemonstrated success mentoring and developing talentWillingness to travel for client meetings and business development as needed (20-30%)PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSRelevant graduate degreeMulti-therapeutic area experienceDemonstrate and maintain a genuine interest in understanding clinical science and translating it to evidence-based approachesPublished thought leadership in pharmaceutical marketingAs Navigators, we’re committed to a high level of quality and innovation. We share these core values:Passion for work at all levelsHigh-quality work that is strategically groundedSuperior level of client serviceCulture of trust, empowerment, and commitmentCollaborative and team-oriented spirit (no ego)Purohit Navigation offers an excellent benefits package that includes medical insurance, a 401(k) plan, company-paid employee dental and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance coverage.And, as a woman- and minority-owned firm, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. In fact, we are the first recipient of the MM&M "Diversity and Inclusion Champion" award for “the best commitment to diversity and inclusion.”Purohit Navigation (www.purohitnavigation.com) is a unique full-service healthcare strategy and marketing firm. For nearly 35 years, the firm has combined groundbreaking insights with strong creative expertise to achieve behavioral change. Current and former clients include companies in the pharmaceutical (including genetic and rare diseases), diagnostic (molecular and plated media), medical device, hospital product, and disease awareness areas, giving Purohit Navigation extensive experience with more than 200 brands in 60 therapeutic areas.