At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to drive innovative strategies in global security and behavioural change.
- Company: A leading strategic communications agency with a focus on impactful global issues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in high-stakes environments while shaping strategic direction.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in leadership roles with expertise in behaviour change and strategic communications.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
A leading strategic communications agency specialising in global security, conflict, and behavioural change is seeking a Chief Strategy Officer to lead and integrate its high-performing strategy, research, digital, and creative teams. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with significant influence on the agency's strategic direction, innovation, and delivery for government and international clients.
Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams including Head of Research & MREL, Creative Director, Head of Digital, and strategists, ensuring seamless collaboration and high impact delivery.
- Drive technical excellence and innovation across strategy, research, evaluation, digital, and creative work.
- Champion quality standards across all client deliverables and strategic frameworks.
- Lead and write technical sections of major bids and proposals, ensuring strategic, methodological, and creative rigour.
- Work closely with the AI & technology team to advance innovative tools for insight, intervention design, and impact measurement.
- Develop new opportunities with existing clients and identify areas for competitive advantage.
- Oversee the design of behavioural change approaches and frameworks for complex interventions.
- Maintain a steady focus on quality assurance across research design, analysis, and evaluation methodologies.
Key Requirements
- 10+ years' leadership experience in behavioural science, strategic communications, change management, or related fields.
- Proven track record leading strategy functions that drive measurable behaviour change.
- Experience integrating multidisciplinary teams across research, strategy, digital, and creative functions.
- Strong expertise in behaviour change frameworks (e.g., COM-B, EAST, B=MAP).
- Experience leading technical bid writing for government, defence, or international development clients.
- Outstanding communication skills, able to translate complex issues into actionable strategies.
- Familiarity with digital product design, technology platforms, and AI tools.
- Strong interest in international affairs, security, and conflict-related communications.
Benefits
- Competitive salary (£100k-£130k).
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Pension contributions.
- Private healthcare.
- Flexible hybrid working, with option to work from abroad.
This role is ideal for a commercially-minded, technically expert leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments, combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and innovation.
Chief Strategy Officer - Strategic Communications Agency in London employer: Harnham
Contact Detail:
Harnham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Strategy Officer - Strategic Communications Agency in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in with insights that show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Chief Strategy Officer. We suggest rehearsing with friends or mentors to get comfortable and confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We believe this shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, making you stand out in a competitive field.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Strategy Officer - Strategic Communications Agency in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic communications and behavioural change. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to emphasise your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and driven successful outcomes. We love seeing tangible results!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex ideas, as we value outstanding communication skills. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and frameworks in behavioural science and strategic communications. Brush up on models like COM-B and EAST, as well as any recent case studies that showcase your expertise. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully led multidisciplinary teams or driven innovation. Be ready to explain how you inspire collaboration and ensure high-quality delivery across various functions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Master the Art of Bid Writing
Since technical bid writing is a key part of the job, come prepared with examples of successful bids you've led. Highlight your approach to ensuring strategic and methodological rigour, and be ready to discuss how you tailor proposals for government or international clients.
✨Stay Current on Global Affairs
Given the agency's focus on international security and conflict, it’s essential to stay updated on current events and global issues. Bring insights into how these factors influence strategic communications and be prepared to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in your role.