Global Strategy Director in London

Company Description

We are the ROI agency, a position we have proudly held true since 2005. Our more than 6,000 specialists across 95 markets offer unparalleled capabilities in Media, Data, Technology, Commerce and Content. We put effectiveness at the heart of our work to solve complex challenges, drive successful business outcomes, and grow our clients' businesses.

Over the years, we have evolved our definition of ROI, as it has changed with the ever-complicated communications landscape. ROI is no longer simply about the most efficient planning, buying and reporting of media. Yes, ROI is about delivering Return on Investment; but it's also about going beyond to deliver a Return on Imagination and more integrated experiences that inspire Growth. Top-line growth for our clients' businesses, growth for our people and growth for our culture.

Powered by our best-in-class proprietary tools and data, our work spans the full spectrum of media communications, from analytics, data and technology to performance marketing, content and superior trading. This breadth means we deliver Insight that lies at the intersection of consumer, category, and brand, attributing every budget to stronger business outcomes. It means we deliver more creative media solutions that bring together best-in-class strategy, planning and the power of Publicis Groupe to ensure distinct and more personal brand experiences for our clients. It means we adopt new data analytics and value optimisation techniques while building relationships with some of the world's most exciting start-ups. We leverage over 30 years of media planning expertise to go beyond traditional media solutions and deliver a Return on Investment that is both forward-thinking and accountable to our clients. At Zenith, we ultimately seek out a more meaningful kind of ROI. Our unique way of thinking inspires growth for some of the world's leading brands, including Coty, Electrolux, Essity, Lactalis, Luxottica, Nestlé, Nomad Foods, Reckitt, TikTok and Verizon.

Overview

One of Zenith's flagship partnerships is with L'Oréal, the global leader in Beauty & top 4 advertiser worldwide. Recognized for its dedication to innovation, science, and Beauty that moves the world. L'Oréal is committed to category innovation, integrating advanced technologies to develop smarter, more connected beauty experiences for consumers across the world.

We are looking for a passionate Global Strategy Director with a strong analytical mindset and a love for order, structure, and storytelling. This role will be pivotal in ensuring the consistent, effective, and seamless delivery of global media thought leadership, while collaborating closely with the Global business director & Head of media to identify opportunities for planning improvement, operational excellence, and Publicis group solutions. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of media, data, and digital, driving solutions that enhance growth outcomes and quality across markets. You will act as the planning director of global media delivery — ensuring that pitches are supported locally, global strategy is driven into markets & pro-active growth opportunities identified and delivered to L'Oréal.

Responsibilities

• This role is wide-ranging and may be fluid but the below are some examples of 2026 initiatives that we'd love the successful applicant to help drive:
• Borderless Brilliance: Design and lead an innovative test-and-learn roadmap across the global network to uncover new growth opportunities for L'Oréal, leveraging the full Publicis Groupe offering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define priorities and align initiatives to the broader business context.
• Media as the Gold Thread – Connected Identity: Develop a consultancy-led approach to demonstrate, test, and prove the value of the new Publicis group data and technology proposition, Connected Identity. A solution to test across key markets, driving evidence-based insights and supporting global adoption.
• Pitch Perfect: Provide tailored support for local market pitches on a case-by-case basis, delivering strategic planning guidance and high-quality materials to strengthen proposals and outcomes.
• One L'Oréal Planning Council: Build and drive a planning thought leadership community across the Publicis network.

Qualifications

What Will Set You Apart

• A digital background, understanding of digital cross-channel planning & buying best practices.
• Demonstrable experience in media planning roles.
• A current European or Global position held in a media agency.
• An entrepreneurial mindset.

Attributes

• Analytical and Structured: Brings rigor, consistency, and data-driven thinking to every process and output.
• Storytelling-Savvy and Curious: Passionate about exploring and developing innovative brand experience thought leadership for L'Oréal.
• Strategically Minded: Balances attention to detail with a strong strategic understanding of media planning and activation.
• Collaborative Communicator: Builds trust and effective partnerships across diverse, global teams.
• Proactive and Resourceful: Anticipates challenges, solves problems, and drives continuous improvement.
• Adaptable and Flexible: Comfortable switching between strategic leadership and hands-on execution, including junior tasks such as GWI analysis, reflecting the realities of a small, agile team.

Additional Information

Zenith International 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.

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 EAG's (Employee Action Groups).