Managing Director Strategy

About the role

VML, part of WPP, 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 human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML's specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world's largest and most awarded health agencies. VML's global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. About WPP WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com . Role Overview: The Managing Director, Strategy is a key leadership role within the VML North America Brand Strategy team. This individual will lead an iconic global portfolio of CPG brands, overseeing and delivering strategic approaches that drive innovative and effective outcomes. This role requires exceptional client management skills, a proven ability to develop actionable insights, and a passion for fostering team growth and collaboration. Proven experience working across an integrated team inclusive of media and communications strategy is a must. The Managing Director will actively contribute to business growth by identifying and championing opportunities for expanded strategic engagement with clients.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Product
• Strategic Leadership:
• Oversee strategic direction and execution across a client portfolio, ensuring alignment with client business objectives.
• Research & Insights:
• Design and manage original primary research initiatives to uncover actionable consumer insights that inform strategic recommendations.
• Champion and integrate VML's strategic tools and established processes, such as the creative brief, WPP Open (VML's proprietary AI platform), and the "Growth Challenge" (VML's proprietary evaluation tool to map client account priorities for growth and strategic excellence) across teams.
• AI Engineering & Prompting:
• Mastery of AI tools and techniques used to enhance strategic development and execution, and ability to teach and train teams on best practices for implementation.
• Problem Solving & Innovation:
• Develop innovative solutions to complex business challenges, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach.
• Presentation & Communication:
• Present compelling strategic narratives to clients and internal teams, effectively articulating complex ideas and inspiring action
• Strategic Process
• Thought Leadership:
• Develop and champion strategic frameworks, methodologies, and perspectives that position VML as a leader in brand strategy.
• Awards & Recognition:
• Champion and craft award entries (e.g., Effie, Cannes) within the client portfolio, showcasing the impact and effectiveness of the team's strategic work to increase award wins year on year.
• New Business Development:
• Contribute to new business pitches by providing strategic direction and developing compelling narratives that resonate with prospective clients.
• Project Scoping & Management:
• Work closely with the Client Leadership team to ensure appropriate scoping of projects, managing resources effectively and delivering projects on time and within budget.
• People Management
• Client Relationship Management:
• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted advisor relationships with key client stakeholders. Collaborate with VML Client Leadership to expand strategy's presence and impact across the client portfolio.
• Team Management & Mentorship:
• Lead, inspire, and mentor a team of integrated strategists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment
• Provide guidance and support to team members in their professional development
• Desired Skills and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in brand strategy, advertising, or marketing consulting.
• CPG experience is essential.
• Proven leadership of global, integrated agency teams.
• Demonstrated success in managing and mentoring strategic teams.
• Expertise in cultivating and maintaining senior-level client relationships.
• Track record of developing and executing innovative brand

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