Managing Director Strategy - VML South Africa

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.

Who we are looking for:

As the Managing 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.

What you’ll do:

• Supervise and deliver quality research, translating into solid insights.
• Proactively recommend insight mining plans to craft strategy for clients/pitches.
• Ensure a solid final product is delivered; challenge the team's analytical thinking to ensure clear, compelling, and actionable analysis for clients or pitches.
• Guide junior strategists in developing skills in analysis and insight mining.
• Train strategists on positioning fundamentals and how to synthesize research into meaningful insights.
• Oversee and guide brief development in collaboration with internal partners (Creative, Client Engagement); Secure CSO and client approval.
• Partner with Creative Directors to ensure that all creative work for the account aligns with the strategy and reflects our best possible work—bold, differentiated, and compelling.
• Inspire and challenge the team to take creative risks. Ensure the final creative shown to clients aligns with the creative brief.
• Partner with clients to drive business and strategy; propose/sell-in of high-impact, profitable workshops. Ensure excellence in logistics, creativity of approach, and client satisfaction.

What you’ll need:

• 10-15+ years’ experience in overall strategic planning and brand-building, having worked across complex brand portfolios.
• A breadth of global experience, retail with QSR a plus.
• 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 (previous experience leading & building a team).
• 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.
• A multidisciplinary background in developing a marketing strategy, consumer insights, and brand planning.
• A proven track record of influencing award-winning creative work.

What we offer:

• Passionate, driven people: We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
• Consciously cultivated culture: We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits: What we offer full-time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
• Growth-minded opportunities: We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

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.

Salary: $125,000 — $295,000 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.