Creative Strategist

COMPANY BACKGROUND
Sweet&Chilli is a leading creative and experiential agency with offices in London, Sydney, Los Angeles, Singapore, Sao Paolo & Paris. Founded in 2003, our long successful history with the biggest brands in drinks and hospitality allows us to remain true to our ethos whilst exploring new territories, sectors, and clients across strategic, content and advocacy campaigns. S&C UK is broadly split into 2 client‑facing departments: Event Production and Creative Strategy, supported by our Client Services, Finance and Logistics teams. The foundation of Sweet&Chilli has always been our people; we prioritise synergy by fostering a healthy company culture and empowering our team to bring bold ideas and fresh thinking to their work. In an ever‑changing industry, our commitment to diversity and inclusivity keeps us on the cutting edge of the marketing landscape. Through merging detail‑driven, specialist expertise with daring curiosity, we deliver the unmistakable creative experience that is Sweet&Chilli.

ROLE OVERVIEW
As a Creative Strategist at Sweet&Chilli, you’ll work closely with our Creative Strategy team to shape innovative, insight‑led solutions for a diverse mix of clients. From drinks advocacy, education and experience to fashion and sports, you’ll be at the forefront of building brand loyalty, driving cultural relevance, and crafting best‑in‑class campaigns and experiences. You’ll play a pivotal role at the front end of projects – from pitch and research through to developing strategic frameworks, utilising your in‑depth knowledge of the drinks & hospitality industries. You’ll also collaborate with design and production teams to ensure creative strategy remains the golden thread all the way to execution. A key aspect of the role is to be culturally aware and plugged into latest trends in the drinks and hospitality industry, but also wider global drivers, shifting consumer mindsets, and out‑of‑sector trends. You must exercise strategic thinking to implement trends and innovation within projects with the aim to deliver best in class executions. You will be reporting to Terry Cashman, Senior Creative Strategist & Ioana Iliesiu, Creative Director. The role will be primarily office‑based at Sweet&Chilli’s HQ (8 Holyrood St, London SE1 2EL) and where applicable time spent on site at trainings, events, site visits and client meetings.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES & REQUIREMENTS
A strong knowledge of the drinks and hospitality industry, including but not limited to; Brand advocacy programmes, cocktail and menu creation, and education & training platforms (service experience a plus). Proven experience in brand strategy, creative strategy, or a similar role (agency experience a plus). Strong analytical and conceptual skills – you’re comfortable dissecting briefs, identifying barriers and opportunities, and proposing bold, strategic solutions. Ability to balance creativity with commercial thinking, ensuring ideas are impactful and scalable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting. Confidence with Keynote/PowerPoint (design‑led deck building a bonus). A trend‑spotter with genuine curiosity for culture, brands, and innovation. Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable working across teams and disciplines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop original, audience‑focused concepts that meet briefs and KPIs. Build strategic frameworks using our three‑part formula: Brand – Consumer – Landscape. Translate strategy into actionable campaign and experience principles, messaging hierarchies, and consumer journeys. Craft compelling copy and comms strategies across multiple channels. Stay plugged into culture – from drinks and hospitality to global trends, consumer shifts, and cross‑sector innovation. Present strategic thinking internally and externally through beautifully designed decks and persuasive storytelling. Contribute to S&C innovation projects like our Liquid Futures series, thought pieces, and blog content. Support new business opportunities with clear, inspiring strategic direction.

S&C COMPANY BENEFITS & PERKS
S&C Perks Package – including 50% discount on all drinks and 25% on food for up to 4 guests at our neighbourhood cocktail bar Nine Lives, or our cocktail pub The Gunmakers in Clerkenwell. Fitness ‘Class Pass’ after probation. Paid Volunteer & Inspiration Days. Team drinks at Nine Lives – our neighbourhood bar. Cycle scheme – discounted payment plans on new bike and accessories. Safe in‑studio cycle storage racks. Office always stocked with lots of fruit and coffee. Enhanced Workplace pension & Maternity Pay. Workplace Nursery Benefit.

HOURS OF WORK / HOLIDAY
Standard hours are 5 days per week Monday to Friday, 09:30 – 18:00. We work in the office Monday, Tuesday & Thursday and from home on Wednesday & Friday, but all internal or client meetings take precedence to WFH. In line with the nature of agency work, you may be required to work such additional hours as may be necessary for the proper performance of your duties without extra remuneration. Holiday Allowance – 25 days plus public holidays, with compulsory days taken at Christmas.