Strategy Manager

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UM is a media agency designed to Futureproof our clients’ businesses for the now and the next. We leverage the transformational power of rich business analytics and real-time intelligence to maximize growth and activate the full consumer journey across content and connections – all rooted in culture.

We believe in purposeful growth, and our Better World Media philosophy puts diversity, equity, and sustainability at the heart of our business operations. We are committed to investing in diverse and responsible media partners to drive more meaningful and authentic messaging for our clients.

As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people innovating on a roster of global clients. In the UK, we are proud to work with some of the world’s most exciting brands, including Accenture, American Express, Just Eat Takeaway, Johnson & Johnson, Mattel, MoneySuperMarket, and Spotify.

London is also the home of our UM EMEA Headquarters, providing a full spectrum of integrated media and marketing services to global clients across the region. Our in-house tools and technology capabilities, driven by a talented and passionate multi-national team, make us well-placed to create tailored regional solutions for a diverse range of clients. As a regional hub, we act as a catalyst to integrate and connect, fueling central strategies with local insights and regional expertise. We have specialists across brand strategy, research & insight, data-driven analytics, digital media planning, and content creation, working together to optimize our clients’ advertising investment in each market.

Role Description

An exciting opportunity to join the vibrant UM team. As Strategy Manager, you will be UM’s strategic lead for some of our most innovative & creative brands, including Dyson, Just Eat, and the newly won Levi’s. You will be responsible for ensuring strategic excellence that drives transformative business growth for each client.

Beyond your day-to-day responsibilities, there are opportunities across the business to develop your creative and strategic skills by making a positive impact on agency output. There is significant growth potential, working directly with the Managing Partner, Head of Strategy, supported by the wider Strategy & Audiences Teams.

Part of your role involves allocating time to new business projects, crafting strategic approaches for UK pitches, or interpreting and localizing global strategies for the UK.

You will collaborate with multiple teams across the Mediabrands network. Our unique in-house creative, content, and production capabilities at UM Studios allow us to develop industry-leading work. You will become part of an integrated Strategy, Content, and Partnerships Team that leads industry standards through effective and award-winning campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

Our main goal is to produce breakthrough work that delivers results. Creative thinking, inspiring teams, dynamic presentation skills, and leadership behaviors are essential for success in this role.

Strategists are the driving force behind propositions and execution for both existing clients and new business pitches.

We adopt an audience-first approach, emphasizing understanding consumer motivations as a core part of our strategic output. This includes identifying high-value audiences to achieve growth and surfacing insights that connect with these audiences through our media strategies and plans.

Through our partnership with Acxiom, we build high-value audiences using first-party data and take these audiences through to activation.

The ideal candidate will collaborate confidently with our Planning and Data Solutions Teams to ensure our ideas reach the right people, at the right times, with the right messages, on the right devices.

Opportunities for progression

Potential to advance to Director and Strategy Partner roles, join the UM London Leadership Team, and influence the future of our business in strategic product development, growth, client service, and our unique culture.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experienced in multi-media communication, able to articulate how strategies positively impact client businesses.
• Motivated and eager to grow in strategic fluency and flair, with autonomy supported by mentorship and coaching.
• Highly ambitious, with a continuous learning mindset to deliver UM’s strategic standards.
• Personable, collaborative, and able to develop strong internal and external relationships.
• Committed to experimentation and collaboration, adhering to best practices within the agency.
• Confident in client interactions, leading meetings, and presenting to stakeholders with support from the strategy and planning teams.
• Interested in contributing to the broader agency culture and enhancing UM’s industry reputation.

Employee Transparency

At Mediabrands and Kinesso, we celebrate diversity and believe it strengthens us. We are equal opportunity employers committed to an inclusive culture that fosters belonging. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

Please contact our Talent Inclusion Specialist Jess for a confidential discussion about any adjustments needed to ensure an accessible recruitment process. Requesting adjustments will not affect your application.

The Perks

We offer a supportive and enjoyable work environment with opportunities to develop and be recognized for your contributions. Our benefits include:

• Flexi–leave with a minimum of 25 days annual leave, plus office closure between Christmas & New Year
• Free breakfast and lunch
• Early finish Fridays
• Flexible start and finish times (Core Hours Mon-Thurs)
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Paid volunteering days
• Group Income Protection
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (depending on level)
• Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions (3-6%)
• Generous parental leave and pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free eye tests
• Flexible benefits including dental, travel insurance, cycle to work, gym discounts, and more