Strategy Manager – London

twentysix; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

25 days vacation per year

Personalized career plan and training

English training classes

No dress code

Cobee – flexible compensation

Job summary

VML The Cocktail, a leading strategy and transformation partner within the WPP network, seeks a Strategy Manager to guide high-impact projects across banking and financial services. You will shape propulsive strategies, mentor teams, and deliver measurable outcomes through innovative operating models.

The role emphasizes rapid, data-driven decision making, executive communication, and close collaboration with UX, Brand, Data, and Technology disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Management or a related field.
• Master’s degree or MBA is highly desirable.
• 7+ years of experience in strategy, management consulting, corporate development or similar roles.
• Strong exposure to banking or financial services, with understanding of products and regulatory dynamics.
• Proven experience in operating models and change management, delivering organizational transformations.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end strategy and transformation projects
• Take full ownership of project planning, milestones, and outcomes
• Provide deep analyses, insights, and understanding of business context
• Lead and mentor teams, fostering collaboration and growth
• Design and drive operating models and change initiatives
• Articulate insights in clear executive-level presentations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions
• Identify client needs and opportunities for new business proposals

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Analytical skills

Change management

Banking/FS knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

MBA desirable

Job description

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.

This is the challenge

At VML The Cocktail, we are looking for people who are not afraid of speed.

Specifically, we are looking for someone capable of understanding complex technology and business challenges, translating them into clear strategic direction for our clients, and helping them move decisively forward.

Our Strategy team leads end‑to‑end projects across multiple industries (banking, insurance, travel, energy, among others) from a perspective that is far from traditional consulting. We combine strategy, creativity, data, design and technology to drive real transformation.

We are looking for a Strategy Manager with strong experience in strategy and transformation, who is excited about leading complex initiatives, growing teams, and helping shape a fast‑growing consulting practice.

What you’ll be doing

Lead end‑to‑end strategy and transformation projects, from initial hypothesis and proposal through execution and delivery.

Take full ownership of project planning, milestones, and outcomes, ensuring high-quality delivery and measurable business impact.

Support strategic business initiatives by providing deep analysis, insights, and a strong understanding of business context and objectives.

Lead and mentor teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

Design and drive operating model and change management initiatives, supporting organizational transformation.

Articulate insights and recommendations in clear, compelling executive‑level presentations.

Work closely with multidisciplinary teams (UX, UI, Brand, Data, Technology, etc.) to design and implement innovative solutions.

Facilitate workshops and working sessions to actively involve clients in VML The Cocktail’s creative and strategic process.

Identify client needs and opportunities that may lead to new business proposals.

Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and global business dynamics to continuously evolve our strategic offering.

What we want from you

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Management or a related field. Master’s degree or MBA is highly desirable.

7+ years of experience in strategy, management consulting, corporate development or similar roles.

Strong exposure to banking or financial services, with a deep understanding of products, operations, regulatory environments and competitive dynamics.

Proven experience in operating models and change management, designing and driving organizational transformations.

Demonstrated ability to take strategic plans from concept to execution with tangible business results.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; comfortable working with complex data, KPIs and business models.

Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills; confident engaging with senior leadership.

Strong leadership capabilities, with experience leading teams and influencing without direct authority.

Autonomous, proactive and comfortable in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments.

Strong appetite for digital ecosystems and innovation.

Working at VML The Cocktail

Flexible working hours

25 days of vacation per year + Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve off if they fall on weekdays

Personalized career plan and continuous training

English training classes

No dress code – come to work as you like

Exclusive discounts and time for personal growth

Access to Cobee, our flexible compensation system

Initiatives supporting parenthood, equality and diversity

Thus we are

VML The Cocktail is a multinational consultancy whose mission is to accelerate the sustainable growth of our clients. We mobilize large organizations to improve the relationship between brands and people through Design, Data and Technology.

Our culture is based on diversity, creativity, and the collaboration of specialists across strategy, design, technology, data and research. Careers at VML The Cocktail are defined by exponential growth and participation in projects with real impact.

We believe it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. We value a disruptive mindset, critical thinking, nonconformity and a passion for excellence.

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. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information,please visit www.vml.com, andfollowalong on Instagram,LinkedIn, andX.