Senior Strategist

Who We Are 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. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel. For more information, please visit and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML. Job Summary: The Senior Strategist is a key member of the VML Brand Strategy team, playing a significant role in the development and execution of innovative brand strategies for our key clients. This role requires a seasoned strategic thinker with a proven ability to translate business challenges into actionable marketing solutions, including ones the clients can’t see yet themselves. The Senior Strategist will lead strategic workstreams within engagements, collaborating with Creative and Account leadership, subject matter experts and client teams, mentoring junior strategists, and contributing to business growth for both VML and our clients. This individual will contribute to the strategy lifecycle, including supporting pitches and measuring campaign effectiveness. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Contribution: Develops and contributes to strategic approaches and outcomes that effectively solve client challenges, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market environment. Strategic Craft: Develops compelling and insightful strategies and frameworks, craft clear, concise strategic narratives, and translates complex data into actionable opportunities, with the Creative Team a most critical audience Research Tools: Demonstrates proficiency in using various research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative) and actively utilizes VML tools/resources in addition to proactively learning about new tools/resources. Conducts and designs breakthrough research and analysis to identify key findings and deliver transformative analysis for our teams and clients. Strategic Activation Support: Supports the implementation of approved strategies, ensuring effective execution. Comfort making a Strategic recommendation and defending it with data and cultural evidence Awards & Recognition: Contributes to the writing of WARC 100 Award entries, such as Cannes Lions and Effies, showcasing the impact and effectiveness of the team's work. Measurement and Optimization: Using our internal Toolset, support strategy leadership in the building and demonstration of how our strategy and work creates demonstrable change to our client’s business in market. AI Engineering & Prompting: Understands the capabilities and limitations of AI in marketing and brand strategy. Experiments with AI tools to enhance strategic development and execution, crystalize cultural trends, form hypotheses, and ultimately make our work more effectively human. Business Development Contribution: Identifies and communicates opportunities to grow client business, contributing to the overall success of the agency. Supports new business pitches by developing strategic insights and contributing to presentations. Time Management Support: Assists in tracking progress and ensuring deliverables are completed on time. Client Engagement: Actively participates in client meetings, presenting strategic insights and recommendations, and building strong working relationships. Internal Collaboration: Collaborates effectively with internal teams, ensuring seamless communication, efficient workflow, and the delivery of high-quality work on time Mentorship & Guidance: Provides mentorship and guidance to junior strategists, fostering their professional development and contributing to a positive team environment. Qualifications: Curious, collaborative, and proactive nature is a must. Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Journalism or a related field. 5 - 7 years of relevant industry experience in brand strategy, ideally within an agency setting. Experience working with a variety of clients across different industries Strong understanding of digital marketing and emerging technologies. Experience with brand positioning, messaging, and narrative development. High emotional intelligence to connect dots between data and the humans those data points represent Proven ability to contribute to strong client relationships Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively share a point of view both in conversation and in slides. Demonstrated ability and interest to mentor and guide junior team members. A passion for innovation and a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. Additional Considerations: Experience with specific industry verticals (e.g., CPG, Financial Services, Healthcare), previous work in human or animal health and/or B2B a big plus Active participation in industry organizations, events, and conversation Dog- or cat-lovers encouraged – and we love to see their pics! The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package,_$60,000—$140,000 USD 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr VML South Africa