Strategy Director
Vml
Salary undisclosed
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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
There are many things that make VML an awesome place to work, but we think there are a few worth mentioning:
- 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.
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.
About this role
VML's Auckland office is seeking a Strategy Director to lead strategic thinking across client work and new business for a 6 to 12 month contract. You'll translate research, cultural insight, and market trends into the strategic briefs and thinking that drive creative work, partnering closely with Creative and Client teams from initial brief through execution. The role offers visibility across the full scope of agency strategy—from day-to-day project leadership to pitches and workshops—with support from the wider Strategy team across New Zealand and Australia.
The ideal candidate brings six or more years of brand strategy experience, ideally from an agency background, with a strong grasp of the New Zealand market and proven ability to turn insights into compelling strategic direction. You'll need confidence presenting to clients, solid writing and communication skills, and a track record of collaborating effectively with creative teams. This is a hands-on leadership position that rewards curiosity, proactivity, and the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
VML operates on a hybrid model with teams in the Auckland office roughly four days a week. The company offers a range of benefits including paid summer afternoons, birthday and loyalty leave, mental health support, and access to professional development through LinkedIn Learning.
How this employer is doing
average
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Typical pay for this role
$140,000
Typical range: $100,000 to $140,000
This role's local market on JobMinglr
Pay for this role
The employer didn't post a pay range for this role. That usually means pay is set in negotiation, which favors whoever arrives with numbers. Check ranges on comparable Strategy Director postings in Auckland, and analyze any offer before you accept it.
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