Group Strategy Director

WPP Unite Overview

There’s never been a more exciting time in marketing, as media and commerce continue to merge to drive meaningful consumer experiences. As one of the most innovative CPG companies in the world, Unilever, the maker of iconic brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, TRESemmé, Degree and many others, is adapting to this rapidly changing landscape with the help of WPP and its unparalleled network of agencies.

The newly-created unit, WPP Unite, will be the pioneering force at this intersection, led by two of WPP’s most dynamic agencies: GroupM and Barrows, operating as ONE end to end strategy, design, and execution powerhouse.

GroupM will bring their media thought-leadership and performance expertise, combined with the retail and commercial expertise of Barrows to deliver integrated, end-to-end programs for the entire Unilever portfolio of iconic, household brands. True to its name, the team operates with a unified vision, from initial strategy to final execution, leveraging our collective expertise in design, engineering, and media integration to craft world-class brand programming.

WPP Unite, comprised of the best talent in the industry, will pioneer a truly integrated agency model and drive unprecedented growth for Unilever in the years to come.

Barrows

Barrows brings 40 years of expertise in retail design and marketing, and excels in leveraging insights and cutting-edge digital strategies to create engaging omni-channel experiences.

As a key part of WPP Unite, Barrows will help shape the future of commerce marketing across renowned brand categories and retailers, and drive meaningful results for one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

Within the WPP Unite structure Barrows is looking for a Group Strategy Director to lead our dynamic team. Strategists are at the core of everything we do. They ground our most complex projects, turning research and data into actionable insights then translating how that comes to life across the commerce journey. Equally analytical and creative, they have a love for solving problems in new and exciting ways. They are logical, methodical and measured with their approach, always with a story rooted in insights. Did someone say story? On the flip side, our strategists are our hero storytellers- they’re passionate about the when why, bringing this to life through communications and big idea thinking. They have a passion for getting inside the mind of the shopper (whether online, in-store or just about anywhere else) to inform the strategies we bring to life.

In addition to bringing a killer attitude and energy, this individual must be able to:

Develop and articulate the overall strategic vision for the agency’s shopper marketing initiatives, ensuring alignment with client objectives and market trends.

Lead and manage a team of strategists, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovative thinking and strategic problem-solving.

Serve as the primary strategic advisor to clients, understanding their business goals and translating them into effective shopper marketing strategies.

Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify consumer insights, competitive landscape, and emerging trends that inform strategic direction.

Oversee the development of integrated marketing strategies that drive consumer engagement and conversion across various channels.

Work closely with creative, account management, and analytics teams to ensure strategies are effectively executed and aligned with campaign goals.

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies, making data-driven adjustments as needed.

Stay abreast of industry innovations and best practices, integrating new ideas and technologies into strategic planning.

Mentor and develop junior strategists, providing guidance on strategic thinking, research methodologies, and client engagement.

10+ years of agency and/or strategy experience in brand, trade or shopper marketing or category management/sales

Superior storytelling ability with excellent presentation and copywriting skills

Experience developing category or retailer led BTL programming, retail strategy, and shopper journeys strongly preferred

Creative thinker with objective lens on varying consumer and shopper segments

Bring forth a passion for the psychology behind how and why shoppers make purchase decisions

Exhibit a deep understanding of the US retail landscape, inclusive of channel variation and top retailers in the marketplace

BTL experience preferred

Shopper experience and holistic 360-degree planning preferred

Ability to adapt to changing priorities, while working quickly against short deadlines

Ability to work in the office 3 days a week.

The salary range for this role is $155,000 to $210,000*

*exact compensation will be determined based on individual experience

Benefits include:

Unlimited PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision (with an option for free medical care!)

401K with a % match

Various maternity/paternity leave options

Fully funded disability and life insurance options

Headspace subscription

Wellness Stipend

and more