Senior Strategist

VML; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

VML is seeking a Senior Experience Strategist in a hybrid role located in Detroit. The candidate will drive research, translate insights, and partner with BX teams to deliver client solutions.

A multidisciplinary background and 3–5 years of relevant experience are preferred, with emphasis on design thinking, brand strategy, and strong communication skills. The role emphasizes collaboration across teams, development of actionable recommendations, and contribution to thought leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting environmental and trend analyses and translating insights.
• Strong research, synthesis, and storytelling abilities for client-facing work.
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute environmental and trend analyses and translate into insights.
• Plan, execute and synthesize various types of research.
• Dive into data and user analytics to understand behaviors and results and develop actionable recommendations.
• Understand business strategy, customer needs, and competitive landscape to identify unique value propositions.
• Drive prioritization to identify highest-value opportunities.
• Help craft measurement plans to understand impact and drive optimization.
• Participate in and facilitate workshops with clients to push strategic discussions.

Skills

Research

Design thinking

Brand strategy

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (marketing/advertising/strategic planning or related field)

Job description

Who We AreVML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world's leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. 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.VML is in search of a Senior StrategistAs a Senior Experience Strategist, you will be a key contributor to a human-centered approach that translates human empathy and an understanding of the world into meaningful and impactful experiences. Working as an integral part of the brand strategy and experience (BX) teams, you will be a primary driver of research (primary and secondary) and synthesizing into actionable insights. You will play a critical role as a core team member, contributing across all phases of a BX project, leading defined workstreams and contributing to team problem-solving and communication responsibilities.What you'll do:Independently execute environmental and trend analyses, and translate into insightsPlan, execute, and synthesize various types of researchDive deeply into data and user analytics to understand behaviors and results, and develop actionable recommendationsUnderstand and consider the interconnectedness of human needs, business strategy, and competitive landscape to determine unique value propositions and business-critical must-winsDrive prioritization efforts to identify highest-value opportunitiesHelp craft measurement plans to understand impact of solutions and drive optimization over timeParticipate in and facilitate workshops with clients to help push strategic discussions and alignmentPartner with brand strategy leads, BX teammates and account leadership to deliver on all client needsContribute to the VML experience strategy and BX thought leadership and IPWho you are:Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills; superior critical thinking skillsAn innovator and visionary with a creative imagination and a way of working that inspires creativityA demonstrated passion, familiarity, and curiosity with design thinking methodologyA demonstrated passion for creating solutions that deliver and capture value for an organization, its customers, and its employeesAbility to communicate effectively, aggregating information into an intuitive, easy-to understand flow (both orally and written)What you'll need:Completion of a bachelor's degree and a multidisciplinary background, preferably in a related major such as marketing, advertising, strategic planning, business strategy, psychology, sociology, or anthropology or equivalent experienceInterest in brand experience, product management, business strategy, and innovation3-5 years applicable experienceWe 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.When you click \"Submit Application\", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.