At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape innovative strategies for diverse clients in drinks, hospitality, fashion, and sports.
- Company: Join Sweet&Chilli, a leading creative agency with a vibrant culture and global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts at our bars, fitness perks, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of creativity, driving brand loyalty and cultural relevance.
- Qualifications: Experience in brand strategy and a passion for trends in drinks and hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
Creative Strategist employer: Sweet&Chilli
At Sweet&Chilli, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and inclusive workplace that champions creativity and collaboration. As a Creative Strategist in our vibrant London HQ, you'll enjoy a supportive culture that encourages bold ideas and personal growth, alongside unique perks like discounts at our own cocktail venues and opportunities for professional development. Join us to shape innovative campaigns in the exciting drinks and hospitality sectors while being part of a team that values diversity and fosters a sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Strategist
✨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 Sweet&Chilli 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 Sweet&Chilli 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 Sweet&Chilli 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 Sweet&Chilli. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Strategist
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 Sweet&Chilli. 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 Sweet&Chilli:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Sweet&Chilli’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 Sweet&Chilli
✨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 Sweet&Chilli 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 Sweet&Chilli, 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.
