Strategy Director

VML South Africa; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Summer Days - 5 paid afternoons off

Birthday Leave - paid day off

Loyalty Leave - paid day off

Employee Assistance Program

Mental Health Support

LinkedIn Learning access

Foundation Day volunteering

PerkSPACE platform

Parental Leave Policies

Job summary

VML in Auckland seeks an experienced Strategy Director to lead strategy across client projects and pitches, turning research, culture and insights into clear thinking that inspires great work. You’ll work closely with Creative and Client teams from brief through to execution, shaping ideas and winning new business.

This 6 or 12 month fixed-term contract offers a unique opportunity to lead as the Senior Strategist in our Auckland team, with support from our wider Strategy group across New Zealand

Qualifications

• 6+ years' experience in brand strategy, with agency experience desired.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand market and culture.
• Track record turning research and insights into strategic thinking.
• Confidence presenting to clients and leading strategic projects.
• Experience working closely with Creative teams.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience contributing to or leading new business pitches.
• Curious, proactive and collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy across client projects and pitches.
• Turn research, culture and trends into clear, meaningful insights.
• Develop strategies and creative briefs that inspire great work.
• Partner with Creative and Client teams to shape and challenge ideas.
• Present confidently to clients and bring your thinking to life.
• Play a key role in new business and pitches.
• Lead workshops and ideation sessions.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Bring fresh thinking and a strong understanding of the New Zealand market.

Skills

Brand strategy

Agency experience

NZ market knowledge

Strategic thinking

Client presentation

Creative collaboration

Communication

Deadline management

New business pitches

Curious & proactive

Job description

Who We Are

VML 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 award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign's Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. VML's global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

Your role in a nutshell

As Strategy Director, you'll lead strategy across client projects and pitches, turning research, culture and insights into clear thinking that inspires great work.

You'll work closely with Creative and Client teams from brief through to execution, while playing a key role in new business and pitches.

This is a 6 or 12 month fixed-term contract and a unique opportunity to be the lead Strategist in our Auckland team, with the support of our wider Strategy team across New Zealand and Australia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategy across client projects and pitches.
• Turn research, culture and trends into clear, meaningful insights.
• Develop strategies and creative briefs that inspire great work.
• Partner with Creative and Client teams to shape and challenge ideas.
• Present confidently to clients and bring your thinking to life.
• Play a key role in new business and pitches.
• Lead workshops and ideation sessions.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Bring fresh thinking and a strong understanding of the New Zealand market.

What you'll bring

• 6+ years' experience in brand strategy, with agency experience desired.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand market and culture.
• A track record of turning research and insights into strong strategic thinking.
• Confidence presenting to clients and leading strategic projects.
• Experience working closely with Creative teams.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience contributing to or leading new business pitches.
• A curious, proactive and collaborative approach.

VML AUNZ HIGHLIGHTS

• Summer Days - 5 paid afternoons off each year during daylight savings time.
• Birthday Leave - a paid day off to celebrate your Birthday each year.
• Loyalty Leave - a paid day off each year to celebrate your work anniversary.
• Employee Assistance Program access 24/7 support.
• Mental Health Support.
• LinkedIn Learning access for all employees.
• Foundation Day - the anniversary of our establishment where every employee works together to give back to the community.
• PerkSPACE - a dedicated platform for employee benefits that help you save, grow and generously make life easier.
• Parental Leave Policies.

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.