At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive growth for major clients in a dynamic agency environment.
- Company: Starcom, a global leader in communications planning and media with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, reflection days, family-friendly policies, and a broad benefits package.
- Why this job: Join a top agency recognised for its culture and career development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Senior strategist with media planning experience and strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Work with industry leaders and make a real impact on client success.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
With a history that dates back over 80 years, Starcom is a global communications planning and media leader. We are an agency still grounded in our founding principle that people are at the centre of all we do. Each day, we apply this belief to harness the transformative power of data and technology to inspire and move people and business forward.
Starcom UK is looking for an experienced Strategy Partner to play a senior leadership role within the business, acting as a deputy to the Chief Strategy Officer and taking responsibility for strategic leadership across our most important clients, pitches and agency initiatives. This is a high-impact role for a senior strategist who combines hands-on strategic rigour with strong leadership presence.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the strategic response on major pitches, with full ownership of the strategic narrative and direction.
- Clearly define client business challenges and growth opportunities.
- Create and communicate a strong “red thread” between client needs, strategy and media solutions.
- Act as a senior strategic partner on Starcom’s largest and most complex client relationships.
- Set and role-model high standards for strategic thinking across the agency.
- Act as an escalation point for strategic challenges on accounts.
- Share best practice with strategists and planners, raising capability across teams.
- Support the CSO by owning key initiatives, helping free up capacity for broader agency transformation.
- Help strengthen Starcom UK’s profile for strategic excellence.
- Contribute to trade press, thought leadership and industry events.
- Play a visible role in winning UK-led new business and awards.
What we’re looking for
- A senior-level strategist (Strategy Partner / Head of Strategy / Senior Strategy Director).
- Background as a planner-turned-strategist, with hands-on media planning and buying experience.
- Strong commercial acumen and confidence working with senior business stakeholders.
- Deep understanding of media effectiveness, measurement and real-world planning constraints.
- Proven track record of leading major pitches and high-profile strategic work.
- Comfortable working across both brand and performance disciplines.
Nice to have
- Experience across multiple categories (e.g. FMCG, retail, services).
- Background across both network and independent agencies.
- Experience representing an agency externally (press, events, industry forums).
Why Starcom
Starcom is the flagship agency within Publicis Media, operating under the Power of One model — bringing together specialists across media, data, content, commerce and technology to deliver connected solutions for clients. We’re known for our collaborative culture, clear thinking and ambition to grow — both for our clients and our people.
What we offer
- Hybrid working (office-based on Mondays and two other days per week).
- Strong focus on flexibility, wellbeing and sustainable performance.
- Industry-recognised culture and career development opportunities.
- A broad benefits package including reflection days, flexible working, enhanced family policies and global mobility options.
Additional information
Starcom 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. Wellbeing 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.
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.
Strategy Partner employer: Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V
Contact Detail:
Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Starcom on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Starcom's clients and recent campaigns. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the work we do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the Strategy Partner role. We want to see your strategic thinking in action, so have examples ready that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Starcom.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Thinking: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your strategic mindset. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you've tackled complex challenges and delivered results. We want to see how you think and approach problems!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Strategy Partner role. Mention relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for at Starcom.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas simply and effectively. This will help us understand your thought process better.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V
✨Know Your Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Starcom's strategic approach and recent campaigns. Familiarise yourself with their clients and how they leverage data and technology. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Strategy Partner, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership presence. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through complex challenges and contributed to strategic growth. Highlight your ability to give constructive feedback and foster collaboration, as these traits are crucial for success at Starcom.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of specific scenarios where you've defined client challenges and crafted effective strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would approach major pitches and what 'Brave Plays' you might suggest for Starcom's clients.
✨Engage with Their Culture
Starcom prides itself on its collaborative culture and commitment to D&I. Research their values and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this environment. Share your thoughts on fostering inclusivity and how you’ve supported team development in your previous roles.