Strategy Partner

About Us

UM is a global media agency committed to empowering brands to their full potential of growth through the power of patterns by opening a brand’s aperture and rejecting black-and-white marketing decisions. As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people serving a roster of global clients including American Express, General Mills, Emirates, Johnson & Johnson, Levi Strauss & Co, Dyson, Enterprise holdings, Upfield, Eat Takeaway.com and Mattel. For more information, please visit uk.umww.com

Role Description

With extensive experience across local, regional and global , you will be an expert in providing world- class strategic thinking. We are looking for an individual with a proven experience of winning pitches & with experience in managing a team ​. ​

You will demonstrate high-level strategic thinking and be able to turn your hand to projects across various categories. Working on any combination of high-profile accounts including Just Eat, American Express, Mattel, Johnson & Johnson and/or Dyson . The client allocation will be agreed based on the candidate’s strengths and ambitions.​​

You will be well versed in New Business projects with a proven experience of winning pitches . You will be confident in assuming an ‘editor-in-chief’ role. This requires both orchestrating the output of various teams and departments to build a cohesive story, as well as having the confidence and gravitas to sell in a clear line of argument to C-Suite colleagues and either stay true to said story, or flex it where appropriate in light of feedback. ​​

As Strategy Partner, you will have experience in leading/managing a small team and will be able to demonstrate where they have developed team members through appraisals, goals, mentoring and regular feedback on agency client & new business projects. ​​

You will become an integral member of the agency Leadership Team and will be able to demonstrate a record of examples that reflect your numerous contributions to agency product and relentless pursuit of excellence both within and beyond your own immediate scope of work. You will have experience of shaping the critical areas of strategic products, new and organic growth, client service and agency special culture. ​

Key Responsibilities

• As a team, our main deliverable is ensuring that the agency produces breakthrough work that works for both EMEA and UK based clients and teams. Creative thinking, inspiring our teams, dynamic presentation skills and leadership behaviours are critical in delivering success in this role. ​​
• The Strategists are considered the driving force behind our ‘Full Colour Media’ proposition for existing clients and in new business pitches. ​​
• We have an audience-first approach to everything we do and as such are committed to understanding consumers and their motivations, as an integral part of strategic output. Both in terms of identifying the highest value audiences to achieve growth and surfacing compelling insights which connect to them in our media strategies and plans. ​​
• Through our partnership with Acxiom, we not only construct our high value audiences using 1st party data, but we also take those audiences through to activation.
• The ideal candidate will be confident in collaborating with our Planning and Data Solutions Team. ​​​

Desired Skills & Experience

• Highly ambitious , with a thirst for continually learning to deliver futureproof strategic output ​​
• Experienced and well versed in multi-media and able to clearly articulate how communications are able to deliver a positive impact on our client’s business across both regional and local market accounts. ​​
• Well versed in new business and able to assume an ‘editor-in-chief’ role. ​​
• A proven track record in developing audience insights and strategies, which lead to transformational ideas and media plans that deliver business and brand growth ​​
• Experienced in enabling the development of those around you. Inspiring , coaching and guiding teams in the delivery of fantastic work ​​
• A dedicated and motivated individual, who helps create and maintain a powerful team dynamic. Positive and pro-active with a curious and creative mindset. Self-starter who can work autonomously ​​
• Highly personable with a collaborativ e spirit, who develops good working relationships internally and externally with ease. ​​
• Committed to the team environment of experimentation and collaboration, creating best practice standards within the agency ​​
• You will have an ambition to get involved in the broader agency culture as well as building UM’s reputation in the wider industry ​

Employee Transparency

At IPG Mediabrands, we celebrate differences and believe this makes us stronger. IPG Mediabrands are equal-opportunity employers committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please reach out to our Talent Inclusion Specialist Jess at [email protected]if you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding any adjustments that would ensure our recruitment process is accessible for you. Please note requesting a reasonable adjustment will not affect your application.

The Perks

We aim to provide all our people with a supportive and fun work environment where you can develop your full potential and benefit from the broad range of opportunities within the agency. When you join us, we want to make sure you feel valued – and that you are rewarded for your fantastic work. So, we also offer a range of benefits:

• Flexi–leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year
• Free breakfast and free lunch
• Early finish Fridays
• Core Hours (Mon-Thurs, flexible start/finish times)
• Retail discounts
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifices car scheme
• Wellbeing programme, including Headspace & flu jabs
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Paid time off for Volunteering
• Group Income Protection
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (dependent on level)
• Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions from 3-6%
• Generous Parental Leave & Pay
• Independent mortgage advice
• Financial education
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free eye tests
• Flexible benefits including Dental, Travel insurance, Cycle to Work, Gym Discounts and many more!