All Careers

Group Director Strategy

VML

Department: Strategy

Location: Seattle, WA, United States

Requisition ID: R-2235

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. 

Who we are looking for:

As Group Director Strategy you will be at the forefront of our human-centered approach, translating empathy and understanding into impactful experiences. The role requires you to dedicate energy to anticipating emerging opportunities for our clients at the intersection of people, culture, technology, and business. We are looking for someone who leads by championing others, is hungry to get to the root of client’s complex business challenges and knows how to mine audience insights and culture for inspiration. The ideal candidate has proven brand strategy experience with depth of CRM across complex, high-volume businesses.

What you’ll do:

Strategic Leadership & Vision
  •  Define and align business objectives with brand vision and AI transformation
  •  Oversee multi-stream operations and cross-functional collaboration
  •  Drive digital and AI-driven innovation

Operational Excellence & Efficiency
  •  Streamline processes for scalability and performance
  •  Ensure seamless coordination across teams and departments
  •  Establish and track key performance metrics

CRM & Customer-Centric Strategy
  •  Oversee enterprise CRM implementation and optimization
  •  Leverage AI and data insights for personalization and automation
  •  Enhance customer journey and retention strategies

Team Leadership & Multi-Stream Management
  •  Lead high-performing, cross-functional teams
  •  Manage executive stakeholders and key decision-makers
  •  Navigate shifting priorities and emerging technologies

Workshop Facilitation & Thought Leadership
  •  Lead innovation and strategy workshops
  •  Upskill teams on AI, efficiency, and transformation
  •  Represent the brand in executive and industry discussions

What you’ll need:

  • 10+ years’ experience in overall strategic planning and brand-building with proven experience managing fast-paced, complex businesses.
  • A multidisciplinary background in developing marketing strategy, consumer insights, and brand planning with depth of CRM and lifestyle marketing. Telco experience a plus.
  • A proven track record of influencing award-winning creative work.
  • As a critical and analytical thinker, innovator, and visionary, you will play a crucial role in inspiring creativity and guiding the team toward success.
  • Managerial experience.
  • Able to develop strong client relationships and trust based on deep immersion in the client’s business.
  • Highly collaborative and able to work effectively across internal and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

 

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$100,000—$230,000 USD

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.