Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. 

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.  Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. 

Working in tech with VML:

At VML Netherlands, we inspire growth for ambitious brands. We are a full-service digital agency that enables organizations to deliver connected and personalized experiences across all digital channels. With our expertise in Marketing, Commerce, CRM, PXM and CX, we provide end-to-end solutions to our clients and create digital capabilities with impact.

Our clients include Accell, Bayer, Dyson, Johnson & Johnson, Jumbo Supermarkten, Nestlé, Plus Retail, RTL, SharkNinja, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, Xerox and many more global brands. Our offices are based in Amsterdam, Haarlem, London, Barcelona, India and Poland. Being part of the wider WPP Network, we have access to 180 offices around the globe.

Key Responsibilities: 

As a Brand Strategist, you will be instrumental in defining, developing, and executing brand strategies for a wide range of clients. This role demands creative thinking, deep understanding of brand positioning, and the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies. You will collaborate closely with creative teams, clients, and other strategists to ensure a seamless connection between brand positioning and creative execution. This is a key role in shaping the strategic foundation for campaigns that inspire and engage. 

What you will do: 

• Strategic Thinking: Develop and position brands for a diverse portfolio of Dutch and international clients, creating overarching campaign ideas that align with brand positioning and inspire creativity. 
• Creative Collaboration: Lead the brand strategy process from research and insights to execution, ensuring seamless integration into creative executions by collaborating closely with creative teams. 
• Client Relationship Management: Work with clients to understand their objectives, challenges, and opportunities, developing tailored strategies while staying updated on market trends, audience behaviors, and competitive landscapes. 
• Market and Industry Insight: Present ideas and strategies to clients, guiding them through the brand development journey, while working with cross-functional teams to ensure a cohesive approach to brand experience, customer experience, and commerce. 

Who you are: 

• Strategic Thinking: Able to demonstrate the ability to develop and position brands by aligning campaign ideas with brand objectives, anticipating market trends, and creating cohesive strategies that address client goals and challenges. 
• Creative Collaboration: A great person at working closely with creative teams, ensuring that brand strategy is seamlessly integrated into creative executions and fostering smooth collaboration between strategic and creative efforts. 
• Client Relationship Management: Skilled at understanding client needs, guiding them through the brand development process, and presenting clear, compelling strategies that address their challenges and build confidence. 
• Market and Industry Insight: Informed on market trends, audience behavior, and competitive landscapes, using this knowledge to inform your strategies and create relevant, impactful brand solutions. 

What you’ll need: 

The basics  

• 5-7 years of experience in brand strategy, preferably within a creative agency with a focus on integrated campaigns and/or experiences. 
• Consistently demonstrate proficiency in the above-mentioned competencies throughout the interview process.  
• Proven track record of creating and positioning brands that deliver tangible business results. 
• Experience in leading or significantly contributing to the strategic direction of successful campaigns. 
• Flexibility to work in our office and our client’s offices when needed. 
• Display excellent communications skills in both English & Dutch, and ability to engage stakeholders at all levels. 
• Currently living in The Netherlands with a valid work permit. 

Bonus points  

• A good understanding of Dutch culture/society.

In return, this is what we offer:

You will get in touch with an unlimited world of international connections and resources, since we operate globally. Therefore we have a listening ear for your wildest ideas and together we keep stretching our boundaries. We like you to follow the path you’ve created and we invest in your personal development. We support a dynamic and a feel-at-home kind of workplace.

Our compensation:

• A monthly salary between 4,630€ and 5,750€, based on experience.
• A gross annual 8% holiday allowance pay.
• Access to our commuting package to suit your individual needs.
• Competitive pension benefits.
• A choice of a work phone and SIM, or portability of your own number.
• A choice of a Mac or Windows laptop.

Our culture:

• You will be able to work on a flexible hybrid schedule.
• A culture of trust, with a feel-at-home vibe and an international environment.
• End of the week drinks, team events and parties.
• Mental health: Complimentary membership to Headspace and EAP counseling services.
• Education budget for your own development; e.g. soft-skills workshops, language courses & leadership training.
• Wellness pack: Yoga classes, our own in-house masseuse, gym membership discounts, etc.
• Working with a renowned international customer base, B2B and B2C customers.

Note to recruitment agencies: We are unable to collaborate with external agencies at this moment in time, applications sent won't be processed.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction. 

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

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