Creative Strategist

John Lewis Partnership; London; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in retail is seeking a Creative Planning Manager to bridge the gap between marketing and creative teams. The role involves distilling insights into actionable briefs and requires strong data analysis and creative execution skills. This position offers a hybrid working model and is based in London.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to decipher data and distil it down with clear creative actions.
• Experience working within an agency or in-house in a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of cultural and retail landscape.

Responsibilities

• Work with brief owners and creative planners to distil insights into execution briefs.
• Facilitate collaboration between creative and marketing teams.
• Support strategic transformation of brand and campaigns.

Skills

Data analysis

Creative execution

Presentation skills

Communication

Cultural knowledge

Education

Experience in a similar role

Job description

Apply on JLP Jobs - the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners.

About the role

Reporting into the Creative Director, our Creative Planning Manager is accountable for bridging the gap between the Marketing teams and the Content and Creative team. You will be confident discussing data, insights, creative execution, and cultural trends.

This role involves working with campaigns and marketing teams to transform conceptual briefs into concise, focused executional briefs, translating business strategies into tangible creative actions. Building trusting relationships within Content, Creative, and the wider Customer team is essential.

• Expected salary: £53,000 - £75,000 (dependent on experience)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working pattern/flexible working: Hybrid approach with 2-3 days in the office at London Head Office, Pimlico, and occasional visits to the Creative Studio in Origin Park (NW1). No travel allowance provided.
• Location: London Head Office, Pimlico. Travel costs are the candidate's responsibility.

Note: The role is internally known as the “Creative Planning Manager”. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person review in Pimlico (w/c 16th June), with virtual interviews scheduled for w/c 23rd June 2025.

Key responsibilities

• Work with brief owners and creative planners to extract insights from data and briefs, creating inspiring channel execution briefs.
• Identify the core problem to be solved, ensuring focus for creative work.
• Facilitate collaboration between creative and marketing teams.
• Support strategic transformation of brands and campaigns.
• Assist the creative team with feedback analysis and decision-making aligned with business goals and data.
• Use insights to provide actionable feedback for creative teams.
• Collaborate with campaigns and channel teams to review past performance and share insights.
• Champion effective creative work within the business.
• Identify award submission opportunities, supporting entries that demonstrate creative excellence and performance.
• Stay informed on cultural and competitor campaigns, bringing key trends into the business.
• Share knowledge, inspiration, and ideas to foster team culture.
• Promote creative work across the business.
• Analyze campaign data to derive meaningful insights.
• Keep abreast of trend forecasting relevant to customers.

Essential skills and experience

• Ability to interpret data and translate it into creative actions.
• Ability to inspire and motivate creatives.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience in a similar role within an agency or in-house.
• Strong understanding of the cultural and retail landscape.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience across different sectors and environments.

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The partnership

We’re the UK’s largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re committed to building a happier world, focusing on retail excellence, innovation, and diversity. As Partners, we share ownership, success, and responsibility, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

We emphasize kindness, respect, and inclusion, encouraging everyone to be themselves and grow both individually and collectively.

Important points to note:

• Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks, with details provided during recruitment.
• Apply promptly as vacancies may close early due to high interest.
• Flexible working arrangements are supported; discuss options with the hiring manager during interviews.