Senior Strategist - JHB

VMLY & R is looking to hire a Strategist with speed, scale and complexity.

The Role in Brief:

Strategy in advertising has long been considered a well-contained department with very specific, and limited scope. With the changing needs of clients, the role of the strategist is evolving and would benefit from some redefinition.

Our Strategic Philosophy:

Slick, Smart, Sound Strategy with A Unique Point of View

Consider the role as being:

  • Strategy (in the core sense of the word)
  • Comms Strategy
  • Channel Strategy
  • Digital Strategy
  • Creative Strategy
  • Connections Planning
  • Message Matrices/Hierarchies
  • Segment Strategy
  • Implementation Plans
  • Brand Planning
  • Data driven Strategy
  • Tactical Strategic Thinking
  • Trend Reports, PCAs and Optimisation/Measurement framework development

You at VMLY&R:

  • Bespoke Strategic approaches (being able to compile a strategic approach that cannot be answered with a traditional framework)
  • A key client partner (part of the dynamic trio of Creative Leadership, Client Engagement and Strategy)
  • Providing advisory services (providing strategic guidance outside of briefs, being your client’s go-to)
  • Actively participating in strategic account planning (demonstrating an ability to work with CE to manage and grow work)
  • Demonstrating an ability to pitch and sign off bigger strategic work
  • Revenue mining (alongside CE teams)
  • Contributing to operational excellence across departments (being the glue and bridge to Data, Social, Creative and Client)
  • Client Portfolio Integration being able to work on clients in multiple industries
  • Review point and oversight (with an ability to feedback with value across key departments)
    • Creative
    • Content
    • Data/Reporting
    • Briefing
    • Media

Attitude, Ability, Activity

  • A competitive attitude is a must.
  • Ready to grind out results & put effectiveness first
  • Demonstrate an ability to package strategy in a slick, concise, and clear way
  • Must be proactive, curious, hungry and growth driven, able to hold robust conversations
  • Know how to navigate challenging team members and clients.
  • Build the work, and remains sound in the context of the client.
  • Be able to make the role their own, add richness to their role based on their portfolio and client needs
  • Evolve with the consumer, competitor, client, and business landscape.

Experience & Requirements:

  • 5+ Years experience working in a strategy role, preferably in agency
  • Digital certifications advantageous (Google Analytics, Facebook Blueprint etc)
  • Preference for candidates who have experience across the following categories:

FMCG, FSPs (financial service providers) and entertainment (broadcast & streaming)

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