Strategy Director

Who We Are 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 unitecutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counselin 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.

About theRole Weareseekinganexceptional

StrategyDirector

to leadintegratedstrategicplanning forourTier 1 (National/Brand),Tier 2 (Regional), and Tier 3 (Dealership/Retail) automotive client portfolio.

The automotiveretailecosystemisundergoinga massive transformation—drivenby EV adoption, direct-to-consumermodels, digitalretailingplatforms, andevolvingmobilityhabits. Inthisrole,youwilllead thestrategicvisionthatconnectshigh-impact brandcampaignstoretailpoint-of-saleenvironments(bothdigital and in-dealership). Youwillpartnercloselywithcreative, digital, media, andtechnologyleadership tocreateseamless, high-convertingcustomerjourneysfromupper-funnelbrandconsiderationdown to showroomvisitsandvehicledelivery.

KeyResponsibilities AutomotiveRetail&OmnichannelStrategy

Architect end-to-endcustomerjourneystrategiesacrossTier 1 (BrandAwareness), Tier 2 (Regional Associations), and Tier 3 (Retail/Dealership)touchpoints.

Deeplyunderstandthe automotivepath-to-purchase—fromonlineresearch, configuration, and digitalfinancingto test drives, showroom activations, and post-purchaseloyalty/service.

Developinnovativestrategiesfor digital automotiveretailing,virtualshowrooms, EV conversionjourneys,connectedcarexperiences, and dealer networkenablement.

Translatecomplexautomotive sales data, localmarketnuances, and Tier 3promotionalrequirementsintoactionablestrategicframeworks.

Integrated Campaign Architecture

Leadintegratedcampaignplanning,ensuringbrand storytelling, digitalproductexperiences, performance marketing, CRM, anddealershipactivationsworkincompletealignment.

Craftinspiringcreativebriefs andstrategicplatformsthatelevatecreativeoutputacrossmass media, social, digital,experiential, and point-of-sale channels.

Uncoverdeepconsumer,owner, andshopperinsightsusingquantitative data, qualitativeresearch, and automotiveresearchtools(e.g., Cox Automotive, J.D. Power, IHSMarkit/S&P Global).

Client Partnership & IndustryThoughtLeadership

Serve as the seniorstrategiclead andtrustedadvisorto C-suite, CMO, andretailmarketing leads on key automotiveaccounts.

Deliverpersuasive,highlyarticulatepresentationsthatmapcreativeconceptsdirectlyto commercial performancemetrics(e.g., leads, configurationcompletes, test drives, dealer foottraffic, sales volume).

Trackemergingautomotive trends—EV transitions,subscriptionmodels,connectedvehicles, andchangingmobilitypreferences—tokeepclientsaheadofindustryshifts.

Measurement,Growth& Team Leadership

Establishholisticattribution andmeasurementframeworkslinkingcreativeperformance and media mix to sales conversions and dealer leads.

Leadstrategicefforts on new business pitcheswithinthemobility, automotive, andretailtechnologysectors.

Mentor andmanagejunior tomid-levelstrategists, buildingteamcapabilityinretaildataanalysis, briefwriting, and consumer insightgeneration.

Qualifications &Experience

Experience:

8–12+yearsofstrategicplanningexperiencewithinanagencyor brandstrategysetting,with

directexperienceleadingautomotiveaccounts .

AutomotiveRetailKnowledge:

Proventrackrecordwithautomotive clientstrategyacrossTier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3campaigns,includingdeepfamiliaritywithdealershipnetworks, dealerco-opprograms, and automotive e-commercetools.

IntegratedExpertise:

Extensiveexperiencedesigning360°integratedcampaignsencompassingTV/OOH, performance digital, social media, CRM,trade/retailenvironments, andexperientialevents.

Data &ResearchProficiency:

Experiencewithautomotivesyndicatedtools(e.g., J.D. Power, Cox Automotive, Kantar, GWI, Google Analytics) andmarketsegmentationresearch.

Storytelling &Pitching:

Exceptionalpresentationand storytellingabilitieswithaproventrackrecord in high-stakesclientenvironmentsand majoragencypitches.

KeyAttributes&Competencies

Tier 1-to-Tier 3Mastery:

Abilitytoseamlesslybridge high-levelbrand storytellingwithhard-workingretailandpromotionalsales drivers.

CommercialMindset:

Strongunderstandingof automotive businessmechanics,inventorycycles, trim-levelpositioning, andpromotionalfinancingstructures.

CollaborativeLeadership:

Abilitytofosterdeeptrustacrosscross-functionalteamsincludingcreative, digitalbuildteams, performance media planners, andfieldclient leads.

The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between the values at the bottom of this posting. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

$110,000—$160,000 CAD

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, and X.

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