Senior Strategist

VML South Africa; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

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.

The Role

The Strategy Team will play a crucial role in developing innovative operating models for our new client. As our strategic experts, they work alongside the client leadership team to ensure that every campaign is rooted in strategic insight drawn from data, industry knowledge and deep customer understanding. They are singularly focused on developing insights from analytics, testing new approaches, and developing innovation plans to unlock growth for every part of the client group.

This role would suit a highly collaborative and enthusiastic CRM Strategist who wants to join our industry-leading team. You will be a key strategic lead on CRM briefs, working with clients and internal teams (Data, Creative, Account Management and Project Management) to develop and deliver data-driven strategies focused on CRM targeting, messaging, personalisation, measurement, and optimisation across 121 channels. You will also work with other creative agencies and our internal analyst team on regular reporting for post-campaign analysis.

Day to Day:

• Working out the audiences that should be contacted for campaigns and CRM programmes
• Communications strategy to support campaigns and programmes
• Developing channel strategy for 121 channels
• Developing messaging plans and recommendations around personalisation
• Developing life cycle communications and programmes such as Welcome, In-Life, Cross Sell, Win Back
• Utilising client data or insight to craft effective strategies

About you:

• 5+ years of experience in a CRM role at a large network advertising agency
• Strong understanding of CRM principles and the digital marketing landscape
• Proven ability to manage projects and work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable briefing creative and copy teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, proposal writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to explain complex technical data concepts in a clear and concise manner to non-technical audiences.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with a high level of numeracy.
• A proactive, curious, and collaborative approach, with a willingness to learn and push boundaries.
• A passion for data and its potential to drive business impact.

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.