Strategy Director (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

Strategy Director (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

Temporary 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Jones Knowles Ritchie

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic projects and inspire creativity for high-profile brands.
  • Company: Join JKR, a dynamic branding agency with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a vibrant Shoreditch studio.
  • Why this job: Shape brand strategies and make a real impact in a creative environment.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in brand strategy, with strong presentation and project management skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR) is a branding business, founded in 1990 and proudly independent ever since.

We started out in the world of packaging, but now we're worldwide; from three founders, to more than 320 of us across the UK and USA.

Together, we build and deliver brands across the entire consumer experience.

But even more important than what we do, is why we do it.

We're here to inspire brands and people to be their true selves.

To be brave.

Be tenacious.

And above all, be yourself.

Because we believe that's the only way to truly be distinctive, everywhere.

At JKR, strategy exists to unlock creativity.

We make brands distinctive everywhere, and our strategy team works hand in hand with design to find what makes a brand unmistakably itself, then bring it to life across every touchpoint.

Strategists at JKR sit at the heart of how work gets made: shaping the thinking, inspiring the creative, and leading clients through it.

We’re currently looking for an experienced Strategy Director to join JKR London on a

12-month fixed-term contract , covering a period of maternity leave.

You'll take the strategic lead on longstanding, high-profile accounts, running senior client relationships independently and representing JKR’s thinking at the most senior level.

The Strategy Director’s role is to lead, manage and deliver strategic projects, translating clients’ business and brand priorities, along with cultural and category insights, into opportunities for the brand.

They support creative development through strong interdepartmental collaboration, inspiring creative and design teams as the voice of the consumer, ensuring work is strategically aligned, while building close relationships with client teams.

  • 8+ years of brand strategy experience, with at least 2 years operating at Strategy Director level or equivalent scope
  • Background in a branding, design or creative agency environment, with brand and design strategy as your core discipline
  • Demonstrable FMCG/CPG category experience, ideally including food, beverage or snacking brands
  • A portfolio of work spanning global markets and senior client stakeholders
  • Strong working knowledge of how branding and design strategy can solve business challenges, and how brands can activate across all touchpoints
  • Exceptional narrative-writing skills, able to distil complex information into clear, compelling stories that inspire clients and creative teams
  • Skilled at writing simple, clear and inspirational briefs for creative and design
  • A confident and influential presenter, comfortable delivering pitches and client presentations
  • Strong project management and organisational skills, with an eye for detail
  • Available to commit to a 12-month fixed-term contract starting September 2026

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression.

  • Competitive salary
  • Lively Shoreditch studio location
  • Hybrid working policy, minimum 2 days per week in the London studio
  • Bupa Healthcare, including dental option
  • Income protection & life insurance
  • Classpass credits
  • Group personal pension
  • 25 days holiday + time given at Christmas and New Year
  • Summer Fridays x 2
  • Birthday day off

After probation

  • Season ticket loan
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Enhanced parental leave policies
  • Referral scheme for new hires
  • 2 weeks work from anywhere, by agreement with line manager
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Strategy Director (12-month Fixed Term Contract) employer: Jones Knowles Ritchie

At Jones Knowles Ritchie, we pride ourselves on being an independent branding business that fosters creativity and innovation in a vibrant Shoreditch studio. Our collaborative work culture encourages personal growth and offers numerous benefits, including a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and generous holiday allowances, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in brand strategy. Join us to inspire brands and people to be their true selves while working on high-profile accounts in a dynamic environment.

Jones Knowles Ritchie

Contact Details:

Jones Knowles Ritchie Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategy Director (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

Tap into Corporate Events

Keep an eye out for corporate strategy workshops, seminars, and conferences. These events are golden opportunities for us to meet industry leaders and learn about emerging trends. You never know when a casual conversation could lead to a temporary role like the one at Jones Knowles Ritchie!

Leverage Industry Networks

Join professional organisations and online communities focused on corporate strategy. Engage in discussions, ask for insights, and share your passion for the field. This visibility can help us get noticed by companies like Jones Knowles Ritchie looking for fresh temp talent.

Utilise Temp Staffing Agencies

Don't overlook temp staffing agencies that specialise in corporate roles. They often have the inside scoop on short-term opportunities and can match us with companies needing our skills for specific projects.

Direct Applications at Jones Knowles Ritchie

For a temporary role at Jones Knowles Ritchie, let’s make a direct approach. Keep an eye on their careers page and apply through our website. Sometimes, going straight to the source gives us a better chance than getting lost in the job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Director (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

Brand Strategy
Client Relationship Management
Cultural Insights Analysis
Category Insights Analysis
FMCG/CPG Experience
Narrative Writing
Creative Brief Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In corporate strategy, showcasing your ability to analyse data and trends is crucial. Be sure to emphasise any relevant experiences or projects where you’ve demonstrated strong analytical thinking and strategic planning skills in your CV and cover letter.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Show Impact:Since this is a temporary role, it’s essential to convey how you can make a quick impact. In your cover letter, share specific examples of how your past contributions have led to measurable results in previous positions or internships. Shine a light on any projects you’ve worked on that required quick turnaround and decisive strategy.

Keep it Concise and Focused:For temporary roles, hiring managers often appreciate brevity. Make sure your CV is polished and to the point, focusing on your most relevant experiences and skills. Use bullet points to summarise your achievements and keep the layout clean—this helps us quickly see the value you bring.

Bring Your Portfolio of Ideas:Although portfolios aren't always standard in corporate strategy roles, if you have any case studies, strategy presentations, or innovative ideas, consider sharing them. You can include links in your application so we can easily review how you think and approach problems in the strategy space.

How to prepare for a job interview at Jones Knowles Ritchie

Know Your Strategy Tools

In corporate strategy, being familiar with frameworks like SWOT analysis, PESTEL, and Porter’s Five Forces is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've used these or similar tools to drive insights in your past projects—this shows you’re not just theoretical but can apply concepts in real scenarios.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Temp roles often focus on immediate impact, so be prepared to tackle case-based questions on the spot. Practice breaking down a business problem and proposing actionable strategies. Demonstrating your analytical thought process will go a long way with Jones Knowles Ritchie.

Flexibility is Key

As a temporary hire, showing that you can adapt quickly is essential. Share examples from your experience where you’ve successfully jumped into a project or handled changing priorities. This helps highlight your suitability for the dynamic nature of a temp role.

Pitch Your Availability and Commitment

It’s vital to make it clear that you’re ready for the short-term commitment and can hit the ground running. Talk about your flexibility in hours and your eagerness to make a meaningful contribution to Jones Knowles Ritchie even in a limited timeframe—this shows you're proactive and dedicated!