At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver impactful brand strategies for global clients, transforming insights into compelling narratives.
- Company: Elmwood, a vibrant agency known for innovative brand strategies and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, private health insurance, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Join a creative team that values new ideas and empowers brands to make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic leadership experience with a passion for brand design and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The Department
At Elmwood, our strategy team creates meaningful brand, business and design strategies. We provoke new thinking and see possibilities that go beyond category norms. We bring clarity to each challenge, crystallising convictions to prioritise what’s critical. And we craft compelling and intuitive brand stories that empower clients and engage consumers. That’s how we help brands get from Intent to Impact faster – translating opportunity into tangible outcomes through agile strategies that you can see and make happen.
The Role
We’re looking for a strategy director to join our team. You’ll play a crucial role in defining, leading and delivering large strategy projects and workstreams for our clients. You will be both a leader and natural collaborator, becoming an indispensable partner for global businesses, confident in classic brand strategy such as purpose, positioning, innovation, architecture, and portfolio strategy, as well as powerful design strategies.
- Deliver the highest quality strategic content across insight and opportunity mapping; to brand and portfolio strategy and creative strategy.
- Demonstrate deep understanding of client audiences, categories, objectives, priorities - transforming insight into ideas with intent.
- Craft compelling stories that make the link between business and brand strategy and show how design can help to deliver this.
- Present with confidence and conviction at all levels, bringing strategic narratives to life.
- Lead workshops and collaborative sessions that inspire teams, generate ideas and help clients to think differently.
- Provoke new thinking, proactively identifying the future agenda for our clients and leading discussions on next.
- Work in partnership with the client and design project leads to direct beautiful, effective work that delivers results for our clients.
- Inputs into creation of new platforms or processes that create opportunity and elevate our strategic output.
- Ensure that every strategy workstream is set up to achieve our creative and commercial ambitions.
- Develop a strategic expertise that becomes a signature capability for Elmwood.
- Bring a T‑shaped attitude – balancing left brain organisation with right brain creativity.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven impact at c‑suite level with clients as a strategic lead that has helped to drive change within an established business or upscale a fast growth challenger.
- Extensive experience in brand design with a deep expertise in the fundamentals of brand strategy as well as a confident understanding in how to design and refresh brand identities.
- Confident in the use and application of Ai tools and platforms to enhance strategy delivery.
- Speak the language of design and with knowledge of its powerful role in digital content and brand experience.
- Rich experience of different clients and sectors at reputable agencies or consultancies.
- Experience in culture/employee engagement, innovation, digital platforms and/or research insights and analytics.
You Will Be
- A true team player who knows their way around brand strategy but retains a passion for learning about and trying new ideas for the benefit of both the team and the client.
- Someone who, whilst has the senior level experience, is willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with some of the lower level staff.
- A brilliant collaborative communicator, able to connect with clients and quickly win their trust and confidence, talking their talk to provide solutions to their brand challenges.
If your experience looks different from what we’ve described, but you believe you’d make a great fit — we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer (London Studio)
We care about our people, and that’s why we create a collaborative culture where new thinking is celebrated, ambition is supported, and people are rewarded for their contribution. Whilst a competitive package, professional development and the opportunity to shape our next chapter is all standard here at Elmwood, we thought we would highlight a few of our favourite benefits:
- Hybrid working with flexi start/end time (8-10am / 4-6pm)
- A vibrant studio space in the heart of Covent Garden with unlimited tea/coffee, fruit baskets, showers, bicycle storage etc.
- 26 days annual leave + wellbeing days + 3 additional days over Christmas & New Year + Enhanced parental leave.
- Workcation (work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks per year)
- Private health insurance.
- Wellbeing initiatives like subsidised Gym, Physio Sessions, GP Services, Life Coaching.
- Apple MAC and iPhone hardware.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Elmwood is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and value difference, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences — including underrepresented groups. Need adjustments to support your application? Let us know. We’re happy to provide alternative formats, remote interviews, or any other support you might need to show your best self.
Strategy Director employer: Elmwood Design Ltd.
At Elmwood, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a collaborative culture that celebrates new ideas and supports ambition. Our London studio, located in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, offers a dynamic work environment with flexible hybrid working options, generous leave policies, and a commitment to employee wellbeing through various initiatives. With a focus on professional development and a strong emphasis on inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Strategy Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in brand strategy and design. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share those success stories that demonstrate how you've driven change and delivered results.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to present your ideas with confidence. Rehearse how you’d explain your strategic approach and how it aligns with the company’s goals. Remember, storytelling is key – make it compelling!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you from Intent to Impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Strategy Director role. We want to see how your unique background can bring value to our team at Elmwood!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, highlight examples of how you've successfully led strategy projects in the past. We love seeing how you’ve turned insights into impactful strategies that resonate with clients and consumers alike.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just a fit on paper but also brings a genuine passion for brand strategy and collaboration. Don’t be afraid to show us who you are!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Elmwood!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elmwood Design Ltd.
✨Know Your Brand Strategy Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of brand strategy. Understand concepts like purpose, positioning, and innovation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the terms but can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Craft Your Compelling Story
Prepare a narrative that links your past experiences to the role. Think about how your previous work has transformed insights into actionable strategies. This will help you demonstrate your ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with clients and stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Elmwood values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight instances where you’ve led workshops or brainstorming sessions that inspired new ideas and drove results. This will illustrate your team player attitude.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Future Trends
Research current trends in brand strategy and design. Be prepared to discuss how you would proactively identify future agendas for clients. This shows that you’re not just reactive but can lead discussions on what’s next in the industry.
