VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML's specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world's largest and most awarded health agencies. VML's global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.
Senior Strategist
About the job
The Senior Strategist will support the strategic charge for one of the most innovative brands in the world and also work on other great accounts at VML too. This role requires a mix of creativity, analytical thinking, and market insight. You'll collaborate with our talented creative, account, and data teams to ensure strategies are rooted in cultural relevance and consumer behavior. Your goal? Craft compelling strategies that drive innovation, differentiate the brand, and resonate across every touchpoint—from digital to traditional campaigns.
What You'll Do
- Brand Strategy: Lead the development of brand strategies that elevate the positioning of a client's automotive brand as well as other accounts as well.
- Campaign Development: Partner with creative teams to align messaging across integrated campaigns and ensure creative ideas ladder back to strategic objectives.
- Market & Consumer Insights: Analyze data, research trends, and extract insights to inform strategy and uncover new growth opportunities.
- Client Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with clients, serving as a trusted advisor to translate their business objectives into actionable strategies.
- Thought Leadership: Stay ahead of industry and cultural trends, bringing new perspectives to the table and contributing to the agency's strategic vision.
- Performance Measurement: Develop KPIs, monitor campaign performance, and iterate on strategies to drive measurable business impact.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in brand strategy, communications planning, or related strategic roles (agency experience is a must).
- Automotive experience is helpful but not mandatory.
- A deep understanding of consumer behavior, cultural trends, and digital ecosystems.
- Proven ability to transform data and insights into compelling brand narratives.
- Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence creative ideas and build client trust.
- Excellent presentation skills—you can tell a great story and back it up with logic and insight.
- Familiarity with CRM, digital platforms, and multi-channel campaigns.
- Someone who is research and data driven, with the ability to translate data and insights into simple, compelling recommendations and action to drive business results
- Regular and ongoing thought leadership related to competitive reviews and luxury trends
- Apply cohesive multi-channel key learnings in terms of what worked and didn't, and make data driven recommendations on what to stop, start or continue
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
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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