Freelance Senior Strategy Director (FMCG, Commerce & Brand Experience)

Overview

We’re looking for a Senior Strategy Director to lead high-impact thinking across FMCG, commerce, and brand experience for our global client portfolio. This role is pivotal in driving strategic excellence, shaping omnichannel journeys, and inspiring creative teams with powerful, insight-led direction. You’ll be a thought partner to senior clients and internal stakeholders, helping translate ambition into strategic clarity and commercial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead brand strategy across FMCG, retail, and commerce-led clients
• Translate business objectives into compelling strategic narratives and frameworks
• Develop integrated strategies across brand, digital, shopper, CRM, and experiential
• Partner with creative and commercial leads to ensure delivery aligns with strategic intent
• Drive strategic development on new business, pitches, and organic growth opportunities
• Mentor and manage junior strategists across projects
• Represent strategy in senior client forums, workshops, and steering committees
• Collaborate across data, media, social, and experience design teams

Desired Skills & Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in brand, commerce, or digital strategy — agency or consultancy side
• Proven leadership in FMCG, consumer goods, retail or eComm strategy
• Strong working knowledge of customer journey mapping, channel planning, and brand building
• Experience shaping integrated responses across media, social, and experience
• Gravitas to own the room in senior client settings
• Confident with data-informed strategy, insight mining, and qualitative synthesis
• Exceptional communicator, workshop facilitator, and deck builder
• A restless curiosity for culture, innovation, and the intersection of brand & commerce

What’s in it for you?

• Work with globally iconic brands in high-visibility projects
• Shape the future of commerce-led brand experience
• Join a collaborative, open culture where strategy is central to the work

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

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