At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global brand strategy and inspire teams to achieve ambitious growth objectives.
- Company: VML, a top creative company known for innovative work with leading brands.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of global brands and drive impactful strategies.
- Qualifications: 20+ years in strategic marketing with experience in global brand leadership.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning human‑first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign's Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. VML's global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands.
The Global Director of Strategy and Planning will be the strategic architect and visionary leader behind a fast‑growing global brand. This individual will define, articulate, and champion the brand's strategic vision - helping the brand achieve its ambitious growth objectives while, more importantly, defining what comes next. The role requires translating complex insights and business objectives into clear, inspiring narratives that drive creativity, consistency, and performance. Acting as both a strategic leader and a trusted client partner, you will oversee the future of the global brand strategy. You will ensure that every initiative is rooted in insight, guided by purpose, and measured by impact. You will constantly look to drive the brand forwards, challenging the status quo through informed insights and ideas.
Key Responsibilities
- Brand Vision and Definition: Own and articulate the global brand vision, ensuring it remains clear, differentiated, and culturally relevant across markets. Set our North Star. Continually look to drive the brand forwards, ensuring we constantly innovate and evolve while maintaining brand equity. Maintain a What's Next mentality. Synthesize, simplify, and storytell complex strategic and business information into compelling, actionable direction for clients and internal teams. Champion the adoption of AI tools and platforms to accelerate strategic development.
- Strategic Ownership: Define measurable strategic KPIs aligned with business outcomes and marketing performance. Ensure strategic focus and priorities are clear. Help the brand focus on what matters. Drive data‑driven decision making to help prioritise and focus initiatives based on insights.
- Consumer Obsession: Be the voice of the consumer in the business. Understand who we are talking to, what drives them, and how we can tailor our approaches accordingly. Partner with the insights team to fully understand the business, performance, and consumer behaviours.
- Partnership & Collaboration: Act as a senior strategic partner to the client's global leadership team, providing thought leadership and counsel at the highest level. Build deep, trusted relationships across client and agency leadership to enable alignment, collaboration, and innovation.
- Innovation & Thought Leadership: Be the champion of strategic innovation - exploring new ways to drive brand growth through creativity, data, and cultural intelligence. Lead thought leadership initiatives to position the brand at the forefront of industry thinking.
Key Qualifications & Experience
- 20+ years of strategic experience in marketing, advertising, or communications, ideally within a global agency network.
- Proven experience leading global brand strategy for large, complex, multinational clients.
- Deep understanding of brand building, consumer insights, cultural trends, and integrated marketing planning.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to connect strategic vision to tangible business outcomes.
- Track record of leading and inspiring diverse global teams, balancing strategic direction with creative collaboration.
- Exceptional communicator and storyteller.
- Experience working within or alongside trade, category, and shopper marketing functions is highly advantageous.
- Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, matrixed global environments with multiple stakeholders.
Leadership Attributes
- Visionary: Able to define and inspire long‑term brand direction and purpose.
- Integrator: Brings together diverse markets, disciplines, and perspectives under one coherent brand strategy.
- Collaborator: Builds trusted relationships across teams, geographies, and organisations.
- Innovator: Constantly seeks new and better ways to deliver strategic and creative excellence.
- Mentor: Develops talent and fosters a culture of curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
Head of Strategy in London employer: Wpp Group
VML, as part of WPP, offers a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about social insights and analytics. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills through ongoing training and mentorship, while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant location that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Wpp Group. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wpp Group
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