Junior Strategist
About the role
VCCP is the global challenger network for challenger brands. With more than 1,500 people across 13 offices in North America, EMEA and APAC, we challenge convention to deliver value for the world’s most ambitious organisations. We believe transformation happens when everything works together. That’s why we bring specialists from every discipline - strategy, AI, data, media, digital, experience, branding, creativity, production, PR, CX, CRM, employee engagement and beyond - into one fully integrated network.
The role: We’re looking for a motivated, ambitious and curious individual to join VCCP’s Planning department. The candidate will support more senior planners on a range of projects, from upstream brand development and integrated campaigns to more tactical trading and retail activations. We’re looking for a lean-forward personality, i.e., someone who demonstrates strong agency and enthusiasm for solving problems. They don’t necessarily need to come from an agency background or have any traditional strategy experience. This will be a fantastic learning opportunity with lots of support, but we’re also looking for someone who can be proactive and take ownership of smaller projects. We’re looking for a real team player who will be additive to our culture.
Who are we looking for?
- Someone who has hustle and a hunger to learn Strategy/consulting/business experience.
- They may or may not be coming from an ad agency background, but comfort with data and excellent attention to detail is a must.
- Someone tech-savvy with AI fluency and a positive outlook on how technology can be used to build future-facing brands – people who have studied STEM subjects, Economics, Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, etc., are of particular interest.
- Someone with a deep curiosity about people and their behaviour.
- Someone excited about creativity and the opportunity to build some of the UK’s biggest brands, with a strong POV on what it takes to make great work.
- Someone articulate and able to build clear narratives, who would be comfortable presenting in front of clients from day one.
What would your day-to-day look like?
- Working with some of the UK’s biggest brands to solve creative and commercial problems.
- Keeping a pulse on internet culture, tech trends, and media shifts to ensure our work always feels fresh and culturally relevant.
- Working on pitches and new business, helping brands find new opportunities for growth.
- Diving into trend reports, synthetic research, social media listening, and qualitative/quantitative data to figure out what makes consumers tick and how they interact with brands.
- Becoming the expert on tools like Mintel, TGI, and Meltwater, as well as working with AI tools to find new, innovative ways to solve problems.
- Collaborating with senior strategists to turn complex client problems into simple, inspiring, and actionable briefs for our creative teams.
- Putting together research decks, competitor reviews, mood boards, and other presentations to spark big ideas and tell compelling stories.
- Actively participating in client meetings and creative reviews.
Benefits:
- Contractual benefits: 25 days holiday, Private Medical Healthcare, Pension, Life Assurance, Income Protection, Work mobile phone, Enhanced maternity/paternity (after qualifying period).
- Non-contractual benefits: Half a day working before a bank holiday – work permitting, Payday pizza, Fresh fruit daily, Fully stocked drinks fridges, Employee assistance programme, Gourmet Society & Tastecards, Health Screening, Holiday Purchase Scheme, RAC Vehicle Breakdown Cover, Free annual eye test, Curious sessions and other information-sharing sessions, Give as you earn (a tax-free benefit), Cycle to work scheme - after successful completion of the probationary period, Corporate Gym Membership - after successful completion of the probationary period, Season ticket loan – after successful completion of probationary period.
VCCP DE&I statement: We believe that DE&I is about creating a strong culture of inclusion within our agency, where everyone can thrive and be their authentic self. VCCP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or ethnicity. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know via joinus@vccp.com.
Criminal records information: As part of our onboarding process, you will be required to complete a Criminal Records Declaration regarding any unspent convictions. For roles in finance, HR, Legal, IT or senior management, we may be required to verify your declaration with a basic DBS check, as well as an Adverse Finance and ID check.
Your tasks
Support senior planners on exciting projects and help solve creative challenges.
Your profile
Curiosity, tech-savviness, and a passion for creativity are key; no agency experience needed!
What's also included
Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and perks like payday pizza and fresh fruit.
Tech stack & ways of working
Junior Strategist employer: VCCP Group LLP
VCCP is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture, where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company offers extensive learning opportunities and a supportive environment for Junior Strategists to develop their skills while working with some of the UK's most iconic brands. Located in a dynamic city, VCCP provides a range of benefits, including private healthcare, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like payday pizza and cycle-to-work schemes, making it an attractive place for ambitious individuals seeking meaningful careers.
Your perspectives
Be part of a dynamic team working with top UK brands and make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Connect with Industry Professionals
Networking is key in corporate strategy, so get involved in LinkedIn groups or forums specific to corporate strategy. Attend industry conferences and seminars where you can meet professionals already in the field; these connections can lead to valuable advice or even job leads.
Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’re still in uni or a recent grad, don’t overlook your career services office. They can put you in touch with companies looking for entry-level talent like us through job fairs or exclusive entry-level recruitment events. It’s a great way to get noticed!
Stay Informed About Industry Trends
Corporate strategy is all about understanding the bigger picture, so keep yourself updated on industry trends and company news. Follow prominent firms, like VCCP Group LLP, on social media, and subscribe to relevant newsletters. This knowledge can give you a leg up in interviews, showing you've done your homework.
Apply Directly on Our Website
When you're ready to dive in, don’t forget to apply directly through our website. Being proactive shows you're serious about joining the team at VCCP Group LLP. Plus, you might get a quicker response than through third-party job boards!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Analytical Skills
In corporate strategy, we love numbers! Use your CV to highlight any relevant coursework or projects that show off your analytical ability. Mention any tools you're familiar with, like Excel or PowerPoint, and how you've used them to solve problems or analyse data.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Corporate Strategy
Your cover letter is your chance to show us why you’re passionate about corporate strategy! Share specific examples of how you've researched companies or developed strategic recommendations, and don't forget to mention what excites you about the role at VCCP Group LLP.
Quantify Your Achievements
In this field, it’s all about results! When you list your experiences, quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, if you worked on a project that improved efficiency, mention the percentage improvement or time saved – it makes your application stand out!
Evidence Your Team Collaboration Skills
Corporate strategy often involves working with different teams to align goals. Highlight experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, such as group projects or team-based activities. It shows we can count on you to work well in a team at VCCP Group LLP!
How to prepare for a job interview at VCCP Group LLP
Understand the Business Landscape
Dive deep into VCCP Group LLP’s recent projects and strategic goals. We want to highlight our understanding of how corporate strategy links to their overall objectives, so think about how you can show your knowledge of market trends and competitor activity during the interview.
Frame Your Problem-Solving Skills
In corporate strategy, your ability to tackle complex business challenges is key. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you’ve analysed data or provided strategic insights, even from academic or project work. Bring along any analytical tools you’ve used, like Excel or any relevant software, to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As this is an entry-level position, it's all about showcasing your motivation. We want to hear how passionate you are about corporate strategy and how you’re looking to develop your skills further at VCCP Group LLP. Think of ways you can express your enthusiasm for learning and growing in the role.
Prepare for Case Study Questions
Expect some case study questions that test your analytical thinking and business acumen. Practice structuring your thoughts and walking through your reasoning clearly. We can even bounce ideas around with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with this format.
