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- Tasks: Lead strategic brand activation for top global clients and mentor a dynamic team.
- Company: Join ZEAL, the UK's Most Effective Brand Activation Agency with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make an impact with award-winning campaigns while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in retail and shopper activation strategies for major brands is essential.
- Other info: Experience a fun, inclusive workplace with social events and a dog-friendly office.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are ZEAL – the UK’s Most Effective Brand Activation Agency. Founded in 2014, ZEAL has pursued its ambition to be the World’s Most Recommended Agency by recognising that our amazing people are the key to our success. We’re proud partners to Nestlé, Carlsberg, Arla, Weetabix, Suntory, Bacardi, PZ Cussons, and more, delivering award-winning work across brand strategy, shopper marketing, experiential, partnerships, social and integrated campaign development.
We’re looking for a senior, insight-led strategist, who will be adept at developing effective, inspiring brand and retail activation strategies across the entire buying cycle; bringing insight and strategic clarity that will unlock ingenious ideas that create intense energies at the all-important moments. Reporting to the CSO, you’ll bring your creative passion, curious perspective and persuasiveness, working across multiple brands, categories and touchpoints. Continuously growing as a strategist, you’ll be mentoring and collaborating with a range of team members of varied backgrounds and experiences.
What you’ll be doing:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and deliver compelling strategic responses and briefs, rooted in insightful research and data analysis across a wide variety of clients and projects. Lead the development of multi-channel activation strategies and campaigns, focusing on end-to-end retail and shopper activation campaigns and buying journeys. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and deliver impact and effectiveness for our clients. Mentor and develop junior team members on projects to foster a culture of excellence.
- Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients at all levels. Understand client needs and translate them into actionable strategic recommendations. Present compelling strategic insights and recommendations with confidence and clarity. Proactively identify opportunities for growth and expansion within client accounts.
- Thought Leadership: Stay up to date on industry trends and emerging technologies/opportunities. Proactively share knowledge and insights to inspire and educate the team. Contribute to the development of innovative strategies and solutions.
- Operational Excellence: Manage projects effectively, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget. Collaborate with teams to ensure seamless execution. Monitor campaign performance and make data-driven adjustments as needed in partnership with the head of effectiveness.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Proven experience at a senior level developing and delivering retail, shopper and wider activation strategies for big brands.
- Extensive understanding of activation and communications strategy and its effectiveness principles with retail, promotional and shopper at its heart.
- A solid FMCG grounding with knowledge of the retail marketing landscape.
- A thirst to win awards, shift product, build brand energy and do great work.
- The ability to work independently and at pace.
- Attention to detail and high personal standards.
- Strong collaboration, communication, presentation and strategic storytelling skills.
- Excellent writing skills and a real passion for crafting compelling copy.
How we reward you:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Annual company bonus scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Continuous learning and development
- Enhanced parental benefits
Additional benefits include the last Friday of every quarter as a ZEAL Day off, Christmas closure, work from home budget, dog friendly offices, and a wealth of social events.
Click apply to share your CV or reach out to talent@zealcreative.com. No recruiters, please.
Strategy Director employer: ZEAL Creative
Contact Detail:
ZEAL Creative Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in ZEAL and how you can contribute to their award-winning campaigns. Tailor your responses to highlight your strategic thinking and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Strategy Director. Use examples that showcase your ability to develop compelling strategies and lead teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ZEAL team and contributing to our mission of being the World’s Most Recommended Agency.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for brand strategy and creativity shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our mission at ZEAL.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight your relevant experience in developing retail and shopper activation strategies. We love seeing how your background fits with our clients and projects!
Craft Compelling Copy: Since excellent writing skills are key for this role, take the time to craft your application carefully. Use clear, engaging language that reflects your strategic storytelling abilities.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity at ZEAL!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZEAL Creative
✨Know Your Brands
Before the interview, dive deep into ZEAL's portfolio and understand their key clients like Nestlé and Bacardi. Familiarise yourself with their recent campaigns and think about how your strategic insights could enhance their brand activation efforts.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've developed and delivered successful retail and shopper activation strategies in the past. Be ready to explain your thought process and the data analysis that informed your decisions.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with cross-functional teams, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully collaborated with creative, design, and client service teams. Highlight your ability to align diverse perspectives towards a common goal.
✨Be a Thought Leader
Stay updated on industry trends and be ready to share your insights during the interview. Discuss how you can contribute to ZEAL's innovative strategies and solutions, showcasing your passion for continuous learning and development.