Strategy & Innovation Account Director
Strategy & Innovation Account Director

Strategy & Innovation Account Director

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Mindshare Worldwide

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead culture marketing and innovation strategies for global brands like Dove and Rexona.
  • Company: WPP Media is a creative transformation company focused on building better futures through innovative media solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and a vibrant workplace culture with plenty of growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration while making a real impact in the media landscape.
  • Qualifications: 6+ years in research or strategy, ideally with a focus on innovation or culture; strong presentation skills required.
  • Other info: This role is hybrid, requiring UK residency and offers a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

About WPP Media

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com

About Mindshare: A Leading WPP Media Brand

Mindshare delivers Good Growth for its clients. As “Growth Architects,\” we drive growth that benefits all stakeholders — better for people, planet, and business — by using media with intention. This approach creates more meaningful connections with consumers, increases consumer trust in the brand, and delivers better outcomes for all stakeholders.

Role Summary and Impact

Culture & Innovation Strategy Director

The Worldwide Invention team at Mindshare drives creativity & innovation in and beyond media by excelling in culture, community, and innovation. Through a balance of deep expertise and creative thinking we guide our clients to think outside of the box, using channels and mechanics that drives growth beyond their existing realms of focus (e.g. partnership, sponsorship, branded or social content, influencer, emerging technologies, sport, gaming, etc.).

We aim to elevate creativity in media by designing media-agnostic ideas; develop thoroughly research and inspirational thought leadership; deliver culture & creative programs; and be deep experts in areas of specialisms. These are primarily: cultural strategy, partnership, sponsorship; community strategy, influencers, creators, social content; innovation strategy, creative tech & emerging technologies. Our knowledge spans across various areas of culture, with specific focus on gaming, sport, film and entertainment.

We are looking for a Culture & Innovation Strategy Director to join the global Unilever team, working across the Global Marketing Organisation and the billion-dollar brands that make up their portfolio- Dove, Rexona, Persil, Hellmann’s, and more. Specifically, their responsibilities are to work as part of the global Capabilities team, and together with Unilever’s global marketing team, to help identify how marketing is evolving, how culture and innovation will affect Unilever and its brands.

Your responsibilities will include

· Lead the development of insight and foresight reports related to culture marketing and innovation in comms and media

· Define strategic guidance and recommendations related to culture marketing and innovation in comms and media

· Be a constant source of reference and inspiration for the Strategy & Capabilities team as well as Unilever’s Global Marketing Organisation

· Work hand in hand with other part of Capabilities (Commerce, Data Strategy, Audience, Joint Business Partners, etc.) to operationalize how culture marketing and innovation is implemented across all part of Unilever’s media and marketing

· Leverage relationships with Joint Business Partners (Google, TikTok, etc) to support the development of insight and strategic recommendations

· Building capabilities and educate the global and local teams (both agency and client side), to ensure the overall vision of culture and innovation is adopted globally

· Partner with the wider Invention team to leverage and elevate all the expertise and resources related to innovation and culture from across WPP Media / WPP

· Be a key voice for culture and innovation across WPP Media

Skills and Experience

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

o Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.

o Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust .

o Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise .

· 6+ years of experience in Research and / or Strategy, ideally within an Innovation or Culture focused agency or specialist shop

· Media experience is preferred but not mandatory

· Experience working with Senior Stakeholders is important

· A proactive self-starter with a problem-solving attitude and the ability to meet deadlines

· Creatively minded with the ability to turn insight to strategy

· Ability to learn new tools and systems from across WPP / WPP Media (audience, insight etc)

· Hands-on approach to service client relationships and confident managing multiple stakeholder relationships

· Strong presentation skills and attention to detail

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task and handle multiple projects at one time

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics . We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
We believe the best work happens when we\’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That\’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location

Please read our Privacy Notice ( ) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Strategy & Innovation Account Director employer: Mindshare Worldwide

WPP Media is an exceptional employer that prioritises creativity, collaboration, and employee growth. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, employees benefit from competitive medical and retirement plans, significant paid time off, and opportunities for professional development within a dynamic and innovative environment. Located in the UK, WPP Media offers a hybrid work model that encourages teamwork while allowing flexibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in media and marketing.
Mindshare Worldwide

Contact Detail:

Mindshare Worldwide Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategy & Innovation Account Director

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in culture marketing and innovation. Follow industry leaders on social media, read relevant articles, and engage in discussions to stay updated. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how these trends can impact Unilever's brands.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the media and marketing sectors, especially those who have experience with WPP or Unilever. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully driven growth through innovative strategies in your previous roles. Highlight your experience with cultural strategy and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

✨Tip Number 4

Demonstrate your understanding of WPP Media's core values during the interview. Think of ways you can embody these values in your work and how they relate to fostering creativity and collaboration within teams.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategy & Innovation Account Director

Strategic Thinking
Research and Analysis
Insight Development
Foresight Reporting
Stakeholder Management
Creative Problem-Solving
Media Knowledge
Culture Marketing Expertise
Collaboration Skills
Presentation Skills
Project Management
Organisational Skills
Multi-tasking Ability
Client Relationship Management
Adaptability to New Tools

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Culture & Innovation Strategy Director position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your relevant experience in research and strategy, particularly in innovation or culture-focused roles. Use bullet points to outline your achievements and quantify your impact where possible.

Write a Tailored Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for creativity and innovation in media. Mention specific examples of how you've driven growth or developed strategic insights in previous roles, and explain why you're excited about the opportunity at WPP Media.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to emphasise your strong presentation skills, problem-solving attitude, and ability to manage multiple stakeholders. These are key attributes for the role, so provide examples that demonstrate these skills in action.

How to prepare for a job interview at Mindshare Worldwide

✨Understand the Company Culture

Before your interview, take some time to research WPP Media and Mindshare's culture and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to creativity and innovation, as well as their commitment to sustainability and community. This will help you align your answers with their ethos.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

As a Strategy & Innovation Account Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed insights and foresights in previous roles, particularly in relation to culture marketing and innovation.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement

Given the importance of working with senior stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships and influencing decision-making. Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with various teams or partners to achieve a common goal.

✨Highlight Your Creative Problem-Solving Skills

WPP Media values creativity in problem-solving. Be prepared to share examples of how you've turned insights into actionable strategies, especially in challenging situations. This will showcase your ability to innovate and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Strategy & Innovation Account Director
Mindshare Worldwide
Location: London
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