Strategy Director: AI‑Enabled Planning Lead

Direct Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Recruitment in London is seeking a Strategy Director / Planning Lead to guide brand, campaign, shopper, social and activation strategy. You will turn complex problems into briefs that excite creative teams and run workshops, acting as a trusted partner to senior clients.

You’ll help shape how the agency’s planning offers evolve with an AI-enabled approach, balancing judgement with fast data-driven insights. The role demands leadership, client management and a keen commercial mindset.

Qualifications

• Around 10+ years in strategy/planning with relevant achievements.
• Senior Strategy Director or ready for more ownership as Associate Strategy Director.
• Experience in integrated/activation agencies beyond traditional advertising.
• Turns complexity into a compelling story.
• Confident running workshops and engaging senior clients.
• Commercially minded and contributes to pitches.
• Uses AI in planning and curious about AI-enhanced strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead brand, campaign, shopper, social and activation strategy.
• Turn complex problems into briefs that excite creative teams.
• Run workshops and advise senior clients.
• Shape the agency's planning offer and contribute to pitches and new business.

Skills

Strategy leadership

Workshop facilitation

Client leadership

AI in strategy

Job description

Direct Recruitment in London is seeking a Strategy Director / Planning Lead to guide brand, campaign, shopper, social and activation strategy. You will turn complex problems into briefs that excite creative teams and run workshops, acting as a trusted partner to senior clients.

You’ll help shape how the agency’s planning offers evolve with an AI-enabled approach, balancing judgement with fast data-driven insights. The role demands leadership, client management and a keen commercial mindset.