Strategy Director in City of London

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 strategic leader who combines clarity, creativity and commercial sharpness. You bring structure to complexity, energy to ambiguity and confidence to strategic conversations. You inspire belief – in clients, in creatives, in your team – and you know how to guide big brands with rigour, relevance and ambition. You think in frameworks but speak in stories. You’re respected for your judgement, trusted for your partnership, and valued for your ability to stretch the work without losing sight of the brief.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic thinking & insight generation: You guide the strategic direction of larger, more complex projects, interrogating, interpreting and shaping insight that unlocks real opportunity and creates impact. Develop and drive thought leadership and support shaping the agency’s strategic offer to raise the agency’s profile and reputation.
• Creative briefing & storytelling: You’ll direct and refine briefs that drive original thinking and lead strategic narratives that bring the client, team and idea together. You know when to flex, when to focus, and how to get to the point without losing the magic.
• Brand & business strategy: You lead strategic work across brand definition, purpose, architecture, tone and more – adapting and creating new frameworks to suit the brief and shaping thinking that helps clients move forward with confidence.
• Client relationships & influence: You’re a trusted strategic partner, respected by clients for your judgement, presence and ability to turn ambiguity into clarity. You guide conversations at a senior level and help clients see beyond the immediate ask.
• Team leadership & mentoring: You grow strategic talent through coaching, feedback and thought partnership. You create space for others to stretch, model clear leadership, and help shape the culture of the team.
• Commercial acumen: You help grow the business by contributing to pitch strategy, shaping proposals and identifying opportunities to extend the JDO’s strategic value. You scope work with clarity, model commercial awareness for your team, and ensure strategy delivers on both ambition and viability.

EXPERIENCE

8+ years of branding experience that spans different markets, categories and industries; must include working with brands in the personal care sector and be open to working on tobacco projects. 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: Previous applicants need not reapply. No recruiters please. Regretfully, we can’t always respond to every applicant, but we do try.

JDO UK

JDO UK is home to two creative hubs: our headquarters in the historic heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells and our central London studio. Each of us is based at one location, but we work as one team; sharing ideas, collaborating across disciplines and supporting each other to deliver our strongest work. Moving between the two studios gives us fresh perspectives and new energy, while helping ideas cross‑pollinate. We’re part of JDO’s international network of designers, brand strategists and client partnership experts, partnering with some of the world’s most loved and influential brands. Our work spans brand and creative strategy, packaging and product design, innovation and sustainability, and experiential and campaign activation. Whatever the brief, we create brand worlds that connect, inspire and stay relevant in an ever‑changing landscape. 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.