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Senior Strategist

VML

Department: Strategy

Location: Toronto, Canada

Requisition ID: R-1797

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. 

Senior Strategist (Hudson Rouge)

WHO IS HUDSON ROUGE?

Hudson Rouge (a VML company) is a luxury boutique marketing and communications agency that works solely on luxury brands and is the exclusive agency of record for the Lincoln Automotive business across all channels. We combine brand strategy, media strategy, activation, digital, social, earned media, production and analytics to provide exquisitely crafted creativity. We are a small group of people spread across several offices — New York, Detroit, Shanghai, Toronto, and Mexico City — and we care for each other as much as we care for our clients. We are an agency that prides itself on doing the un-usual, and we also look for unusual talent: people who are excited about doing their best work and want to grow with us. We are an agency that prides itself on the highest levels of craft and concept,

 

About the job

Reporting in the CSO, the Senior Strategist will support the strategic charge for one of the most recognizable automotive brands in the world. This role requires a mix of creativity, analytical thinking, and market insight. You’ll collaborate with our talented creative, account, and data teams to ensure strategies are rooted in cultural relevance and consumer behavior. Your goal? Craft compelling strategies that drive innovation, differentiate the brand, and resonate across every touchpoint—from digital to experiential campaigns.

 

What You'll Do

  • Brand Strategy: Lead the development of brand strategies that elevate the positioning of the client’s automotive brand.
  • Campaign Development: Partner with creative teams to align messaging across integrated campaigns and ensure creative ideas ladder back to strategic objectives.
  • Market & Consumer Insights: Analyze data, research trends, and extract insights to inform strategy and uncover new growth opportunities.
  • Client Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with clients, serving as a trusted advisor to translate their business objectives into actionable strategies.
  • Thought Leadership: Stay ahead of industry and cultural trends, bringing new perspectives to the table and contributing to the agency's strategic vision.
  • Performance Measurement: Develop KPIs, monitor campaign performance, and iterate on strategies to drive measurable business impact.

 

What We're Looking For

  • 5+ years of experience in brand strategy, communications planning, or related strategic roles (agency experience is a must).
  • Automotive, luxury, or premium brand experience is highly desirable.
  • A deep understanding of consumer behavior, cultural trends, and digital ecosystems.
  • Proven ability to transform data and insights into compelling brand narratives.
  • Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence creative ideas and build client trust.
  • Excellent presentation skills—you can tell a great story and back it up with logic and insight.
  • Familiarity with CRM, digital platforms, and multi-channel campaigns.
  • Someone who is research and data driven, with the ability to translate data and insights into simple, compelling recommendations and action to drive business results
  • Regular and ongoing thought leadership related to competitive reviews and luxury trends
  • Apply cohesive multi-channel key learnings in terms of what worked and didn’t, and make data driven recommendations on what to stop, start or continue

 

 

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. 

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.

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.