At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire strategy teams to deliver innovative solutions for global brands.
- Company: Join WPP, a leader in media and marketing innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Embrace a hybrid work environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global brands like Nespresso and KitKat.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in media strategy and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI‑driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a genuine game‑changer – a seasoned strategist with a proven track record of inspiring teams, shaping industry dialogue, and delivering unparalleled strategic leadership to join the Nestlé team. Nestlé is a client that truly values innovation, strategic partnership, and cutting‑edge media solutions. This isn't just about managing a team; it's about elevating the craft of strategy to an art form, fostering future leaders, and propelling our global Nestlé business into new frontiers. If you're ready to lead from the front, challenge the status quo, and leave an indelible mark on global CPG marketing, then let's talk.
What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)
- Strategic Leadership & Excellence: Lead, mentor, and inspire the SBU/GMB strategy team, working hand-in-glove with the Nestlé Global Head of Strategy to define, elevate, and consistently deliver 'gold standard' strategic frameworks and solutions across all engagements, challenge convention and bring teams on the journey.
- Talent Development & Nurturing: Champion the growth and professional evolution of our strategists, providing impactful mentorship, hands‑on coaching, and robust capability building initiatives. You’ll also expertly manage team workloads and optimize resourcing to foster a high‑performing, sustainable environment.
- Client Immersion & Relationship Building: Dive deep into the nuances of Nestlé’s diverse categories and beloved brands. Cultivate and nurture deep, trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a strategic confidante and an indispensable partner who understands their specific category and business needs inside and out.
- Proactive Growth & Innovation: Drive a proactive strategic agenda, moving beyond reactive briefs to identify untapped growth opportunities. Seamlessly integrate wider WPP capabilities and collaboratively develop incremental scopes alongside the client leadership team to expand our impact and value.
- Ideas‑Led Strategy & Storytelling: Architect ideas‑led strategic solutions that elegantly connect profound consumer insights to actionable, impactful media programs. You possess the rare ability to draw a crystal‑clear "red thread" from insight to execution, creating compelling narratives that inspire clients and teams alike.
- WPP Integration & Media Advocacy: Act as a central connector within the broader WPP ecosystem, integrating diverse specialist skills to unlock holistic value for our clients. You will relentlessly champion the evolving power, innovation, and undeniable value of modern media within the integrated marketing landscape.
- Award‑Winning Impact: Inspire and architect award‑winning, breakthrough strategic platforms that challenge conventional thinking and drive stand‑out work. You’ll do this always from a foundation of deep client trust, for an enviable portfolio of world‑leading brands like Nespresso, KitKat, and many more.
Skills and Experience
- Experience: Substantial progressive experience in communications and media strategy, with a significant tenure in a leading agency environment, within a global or multi‑market remit.
- Leadership: Proven experience in leading, managing, and inspiring high‑performing strategy teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
- CPG Expertise: Deep, demonstrable knowledge and passion for the CPG/FMCG sector, understanding its complexities, trends, and unique marketing challenges.
- Client Acumen: A track record of building and sustaining robust, trusted relationships with senior‑level clients, often acting as a key strategic advisor.
- Strategic Agility: Exceptional ability to translate complex business challenges into clear strategic opportunities and innovative media solutions.
- Collaborative Spirit: A genuine "true team player" ethos, with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build strong alliances across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Communication: Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills, with an innate ability to simplify the complex and tell compelling, data‑backed stories.
- Brand & Media Love: An undeniable passion for brands, their stories, and the dynamic role modern media plays in their success.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.
We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in‑office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
VP, Strategy & Growth Leader — Global CPG employer: WPP Media
WPP is an exceptional employer that champions growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where creativity thrives. With a commitment to employee well-being, comprehensive benefits, and a focus on mentorship, WPP empowers its team members to excel in their careers while fostering meaningful connections within a diverse and inclusive environment. Located at the forefront of innovation in global marketing, employees have the unique opportunity to work with leading brands like Nestlé, driving impactful strategies that shape the future of media.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP, Strategy & Growth Leader — Global CPG
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that VP role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past successes and how they relate to the role. Be ready to share insights on CPG trends and how you can drive growth for Nestlé.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your vision and strategy clearly, making you stand out as a game-changer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the WPP family.
We think you need these skills to ace VP, Strategy & Growth Leader — Global CPG
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Strategy:When you're writing your application, let your passion for strategy and growth shine through. We want to see how you've inspired teams and driven innovation in your past roles. Make it personal and relatable!
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your experience to highlight your achievements in communications and media strategy, especially in the CPG sector. We love seeing how your unique background aligns with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Narrative:Use storytelling to connect your experiences to the role. We’re looking for someone who can draw a clear line from insight to execution, so make sure your application tells a cohesive story about your journey and impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media
✨Know Your CPG Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the CPG sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and innovations that are shaping the industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've inspired teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've mentored strategists and fostered a culture of excellence. This is crucial for a role that requires elevating strategy to an art form.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Research key stakeholders at WPP and Nestlé. If possible, connect with them on LinkedIn or engage with their content. Demonstrating that you understand their business and have taken the initiative to build relationships can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Craft Compelling Narratives
Prepare to discuss how you translate consumer insights into actionable strategies. Think of a few examples where your storytelling made a significant impact. This will showcase your ability to connect the dots between insight and execution, which is vital for this role.
