At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic direction for a major UK fashion retailer and drive growth through innovative campaigns.
- Company: Join Spark Foundry, part of the global Publicis Groupe, known for its diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, reflection days, and fantastic local discounts alongside competitive pay.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that champions curiosity and creativity, perfect for innovative thinkers.
- Why this job: Shape the future of value fashion and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic experience in retail or fashion with proven problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company description Spark Foundry make up part of a thriving global media network and are part of the Publicis Groupe, one of the world’s leading communications groups. We are globally connected with over 8,000 employees in 110 offices across 70 countries.
Who We Are in the UK? Spark Foundry, the Acceleration Agency. We help brands to identify, learn and respond to opportunities faster than the competition. Every client has an area of their business they need to accelerate, from short-term goals to long-term transformation. We’ve proven our approach during the most difficult year on record. Now we’re using it to provide a launchpad for their future. Come be an accelerator with us.
How we accelerate:
- Planning: an approach that works in practice rather than theory, arming planners with the ability to create cutting edge campaigns
- Intelligence: a suite of tools that give definitive answers to big questions, and uncovers actionable insights about real people
- Trading: a model built on flexibility and trusted relationships, underpinned with bold guarantees
- Relationships: a culture of asking challenging questions to better understand the brief – we are not a ‘yes’ agency
- People: a strong history of recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and accelerating their careers
Our Commitment: We are diverse through our experience, people and the clients we look after - and we celebrate that diversity. Our people hold us accountable to our beliefs and via regular surveys and our grass roots D&I team, The Collective, and internal next generation board, Firestarters, we hold regular events and work continually towards generating ideas, initiatives and educating our people to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive agency. As part of our dedication to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, Spark Foundry is committed to equal access to opportunity for people without regard to race, age, sex, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.
Overview Intro: We’re looking for a Strategy Director to lead the thinking for one of the UK’s most recognised names in value fashion retail — a brand loved for its accessibility, reach and role in everyday style. This is an opportunity to shape the strategy for a household name at a pivotal point of transformation, helping it evolve from value-led retailer to a credible destination for affordable fashion. This role sits at the intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce — perfect for a strategist who thrives on fast-moving trends, has a strong grasp of retail dynamics, and loves turning complex business challenges into sharp, actionable ideas that drive growth.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading strategic direction for one of the UK’s biggest fashion retailers, blending brand, comms, and retail strategy
- Partnering with senior clients and creative agencies to define the brand’s positioning and unlock new opportunities for growth
- Turning consumer, sales and trend data into compelling insights that fuel creative ideas and commercial outcomes
- Developing integrated campaign strategies that span paid, owned, and earned media — from brand building to conversion
- Collaborating closely with planning, media and creative teams to ensure work is cohesive, consistent, and effective
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, confidently guiding conversations and building long-term strategic partnerships
- Keeping a pulse on culture, retail and fashion trends — ensuring the brand stays relevant, distinctive, and future-facing
What we’re looking for:
- Strong strategic experience in retail or fashion, ideally with a blend of brand and media expertise
- Proven track record of solving complex strategic challenges and driving measurable growth
- Confident communicator and storyteller with the ability to inspire creative teams and influence senior clients
- Highly analytical and data-literate, comfortable using consumer insights and retail data to inform decisions
- Collaborative and curious, with a natural ability to connect teams and unite people around great ideas
- Experience managing multi-agency partnerships and navigating large client organisations
Why this role: This is a rare opportunity to help redefine what value fashion means in the UK — shaping a brand that millions of people interact with every day. You’ll be at the heart of a large-scale transformation, working alongside brilliant creative partners and a highly collaborative client team that’s eager to push boundaries. At Spark Foundry, we champion curiosity and experimentation — combining data with creativity to create work that not only performs, but resonates culturally. If you’re a strategic thinker who loves retail, understands how people shop, and wants to make an impact in a fast-changing category, this is the role for you.
Additional information: Spark has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer:
- WORK YOUR WORLD: opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
- REFLECTION DAYS: Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day‑to‑day work and create time to focus on your well‑being and self‑care.
- HELP@HAND BENEFITS: 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Well‑being content and lifestyle coaching.
- FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES: We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
- FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF: You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.
- GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS: This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.
Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us! Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full‑time employees being office‑based three days during the working week. We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process. Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAGs (Employee Action Groups).
Associate Media Strategy Director employer: Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V
At Spark Foundry, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity, creativity, and employee well-being. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and growth, offering unique benefits such as flexible working arrangements, additional leave for personal reflection, and the opportunity to work globally within our network. Join us in redefining value fashion while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises your professional development and personal health.
Contact Details:
Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Media Strategy Director
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Media Strategy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
