At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic direction, inspire creativity, and shape brand narratives.
- Company: Award-winning design agency with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Career growth, supportive environment, and a chance to work with top brands.
- Other info: Dynamic culture that values diversity and encourages curiosity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in branding and strategy while working with innovative teams.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in branding, especially in personal care, with strong strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Where creatives are problem solvers, JDO Strategists are problem finders, investigators with tenacious minds that obsess over the most minute details to identify the real problem at the heart of a client’s brief. Balancing objectivity and empathy, they dive into the deep end to unearth valuable insights that can unlock the potential, not only of what is creatively possible for our client’s brands, but also what is practical and purposeful.
WHO YOU ARE
You’re a confident strategic thinker and communicator who can guide a project, a client and a team. You know how to inspire belief – in the work, the thinking behind it, and the opportunity ahead. You bring energy to strategy, structure to complexity, and a generosity that grows those around you. You’re increasingly trusted by clients to lead conversations and by your team to shape the direction. You balance rigour and imagination, and are as interested in where a brand is going as where it’s been.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic thinking & insight generation: You confidently shape and drive the strategic direction of projects, drawing from research, culture and intuition to frame and direct distinctive thinking that resonates with clients and inspires creativity.
- Creative briefing & storytelling: You compile or direct on briefs and narratives that unlock meaningful ideas – translating positioning, insight and strategy into stories that are exciting, inspirational, relevant and strategically sound.
- Brand & business strategy: You lead work defining brand promises, architecture, and tone with confidence, ensuring each brand’s strategic foundation is strong, flexible and creatively rich. You challenge, adapt and deepen models as needed.
- Client relationships & influence: You’re a trusted partner to senior clients – guiding decisions, asking better questions and presenting thinking with confidence and clarity. You handle pushback with maturity and keep momentum moving.
- Team leadership & mentoring: You support the growth of strategists and junior strategists through honest, constructive feedback and day‑to‑day coaching. You model clarity, curiosity and collaboration – helping others stretch their thinking with support and challenge.
- Commercial acumen: You understand how to balance ambition and scope, shaping proposals, timelines and pitch responses that are both inspiring and deliverable. With creative and client partnership leads, you’ll drive project momentum, shape thinking, and grow trusted client relationships.
LOCATION AND FLEXIBILITY
Full‑time (40 hours per week) ideally, with 3 days per week in the London office.
EXPERIENCE
6+ years of branding experience that spans different markets, categories and industries; must include working with brands in the personal care sector. A proven track record of success working with both established and entrepreneurial brands in delivering strategically driven creative strategies with an emphasis on 2D/3D packaging, identity and innovation. Ability to simplify the complex through rigour, clarity and inspiration.
SOUNDS LIKE A FIT? LET'S TALK.
We’re looking for a strategic leader who knows personal care inside‑out and can make it meaningful, fresh and brilliantly crafted. If that’s you, complete the application form and we’ll be in touch.
Please note: No recruiters please. Regretfully, we can’t always respond to every applicant, but we do try.
About us
JDO is an award‑winning design agency, expertly helping brands deliver on their promises by creating experiences people can see, feel, and believe. With boundless creativity and craftsmanship, we craft identities and brand worlds that drive success. Partnering with visionaries and disruptors alike, we turn brand promises into powerful belief. Our promise to every member of our team is a career that matters. One where your talent is recognised, your growth is supported, and your individuality is celebrated. Be part of a team that brings energy, generosity and craft into every room – and shows up for each other, every single day. Together, we design for distinction, push boundaries and stay curious, always seeking a better way. We believe creativity thrives on diversity – of background, identity, experience and thought. We’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels safe, seen and supported to grow.
Associate Strategy Director employer: JDO Ltd
At JDO, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our London studio offers a dynamic environment where creativity meets collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. With a commitment to recognising individual talent and supporting career development, we empower our team to push boundaries and craft meaningful brand experiences that resonate with clients and consumers alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Strategy Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're genuinely interested and can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share your experiences in a way that highlights your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Use examples that demonstrate how you've tackled challenges and delivered results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and are keen to be part of our creative journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Strategy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Thinking:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your strategic thinking skills. We want to see how you can shape and drive the direction of projects, so share examples that showcase your ability to balance creativity with practical insights.
Craft a Compelling Narrative:Your application should tell a story that connects your experience with the role. Use engaging language to translate your past work into exciting narratives that demonstrate your understanding of brand strategy and client relationships.
Be Authentic and Personable:We love a bit of personality! Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice shine through in your application. Show us who you are beyond your qualifications, and how you can inspire belief in your team and clients alike.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JDO Ltd
✨Know Your Brand Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the personal care brands you’ve worked with. Understand their history, values, and market positioning. This will help you articulate how your strategic thinking can elevate their brand and resonate with their audience.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've translated insights into compelling narratives. Bring examples of creative briefs you've crafted that led to successful campaigns. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire belief in both clients and teams.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership
Be ready to share experiences where you guided projects or teams through complex challenges. Highlight your approach to mentoring junior strategists and how you foster collaboration. This shows you’re not just a thinker but also a leader.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, engage with thoughtful questions about the company’s current projects and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic mindset. It’s a great way to demonstrate your ability to ask better questions and guide conversations.
