Managing Director, Brand Strategy

Who we are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Where you shine:

As Managing Director of Strategy, you will quarterback a human-centered approach to translating human empathy and understanding of the world into meaningful and impactful experiences. We work to anticipate emerging opportunities at the intersection of people, culture, technology, and business, identifying where to play and how to win for our clients. As Managing Director of Strategy, you will lead by understanding the root of client business challenges, framing problems in unexpected ways, and providing inspiration and clarity through thought leadership.

Core Responsibilities

• Supervise all aspects and delivery of quality research as well as strong insights

• Proactively identify and recommend research needed to craft strategy for client or pitch

• Ensure strong final product is delivered; Challenge team's analytical thinking to ensure clear, compelling, and actionable analysis for clients or pitches

• Guide junior strategists in developing skills in analysis and insight mining

• Ensure junior strategist are trained in positioning fundamentals and that positioning statements are well articulated, competitively differentiated and reflective of the scientific evidence.

• Oversee and guide brief development in collaboration with internal partners (Creative, Client Engagement); Secure CSO and client approval

• Partner with Creative Director to ensure all creative work for account is on strategy and reflective of agency's best work- bold, differentiated and compelling

• Inspire and challenge team to take creative risks. Ensures final creative shown to clients is aligned to the Creative brief

• Partner with client to drive business and strategy; Propose/sell-in of high impact, profitable workshops. Ensure excellence in logistics, creativity of approach and client satisfaction

• Develop innovative new types of workshop offerings to drive businesses

• Proven track record of influencing award-winning creative work

Skills & Experiences

• 10-15+ years' experience of overall research and strategic planning experience

• Critical and analytical thinker, innovator and visionary that inspires creativity

• Brand Launch experience is essential

• Managerial experience (previous experience leading & building a team)

• Able to develop strong client relationships and trust based on deep immersion in the client's business

• Highly collaborative and able to work effectively across internal and external stakeholders

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Multidisciplinary background, including developing business strategy, marketing strategy, consumer insight, and/or account planning

• Prior automotive experience a plus

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization-creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers-who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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