Senior Strategist

About the role

The Senior Strategist is a key member of the VML Brand Strategy team, playing a significant role in the development and execution of innovative brand strategies for our key clients. This role requires a seasoned strategic thinker with a proven ability to translate business challenges into actionable marketing solutions, including ones clients may not yet see themselves. The Senior Strategist will lead strategic workstreams within engagements, collaborating with Creative and Account leadership, subject matter experts, and client teams, while mentoring junior strategists and contributing to business growth for both VML and our clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop and contribute to strategic approaches and outcomes that effectively solve client challenges, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market environment.
• Create compelling and insightful strategies and frameworks, craft clear and concise strategic narratives, and translate complex data into actionable opportunities, with the Creative Team as a critical audience.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using various research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative) and actively utilize VML tools/resources while proactively learning about new tools.
• Conduct and design breakthrough research and analysis to identify key findings and deliver transformative insights for teams and clients.
• Support the implementation of approved strategies, ensuring effective execution, and defend strategic recommendations with data and cultural evidence.
• Contribute to the writing of WARC 100 Award entries, such as Cannes Lions and Effies, showcasing the impact and effectiveness of the team's work.
• Support strategy leadership in building and demonstrating how strategy and work create measurable change for clients' businesses using internal tools.
• Understand the capabilities and limitations of AI in marketing and brand strategy, and experiment with AI tools to enhance strategic development and execution.
• Identify and communicate opportunities to grow client business and contribute to new business pitches by developing strategic insights.
• Assist in tracking progress and ensuring deliverables are completed on time.
• Actively participate in client meetings, presenting strategic insights and recommendations, and building strong working relationships.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams to ensure seamless communication, efficient workflow, and high-quality deliverables.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior strategists, fostering their professional development and contributing to a positive team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• 5 - 7 years of relevant industry experience in brand strategy, ideally within an agency setting.
• Experience working with a variety of clients across different industries.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and emerging technologies.
• Experience with brand positioning, messaging, and narrative development.
• High emotional intelligence to connect data points with human insights.
• Proven ability to contribute to strong client relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability and interest in mentoring and guiding junior team members.
• Passion for innovation and commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with specific industry verticals (e.g., CPG, Financial Services, Healthcare), previous work in human or animal health, and/or B2B is a plus.
• Active participation in industry organizations, events, and conversations.
• Dog- or cat-lovers encouraged – and we love to see their pics!

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $60,000—$140,000 USD.

Schedule

We’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package. For more details, visit WPP Benefits.