VP, Strategy

Comms Planning & Strategy Toronto, Ontario


Description

Position at GroupM

Position Overview:  
The VP Strategy for EssenceMediacom is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the agency and the agency’s clients. The VP Strategy is responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership to ensure the highest quality product. They are the internal and external face of Strategy at EssenceMediacom with a clear purpose to support EssenceMediacom to become an effective, strategic marketing partner for our clients.
 
This strategy leader will oversee the strategy team at EssenceMediacom, developing the craft skills, motivating and mentoring their growth, while inspiring the whole agency to elevate their own skills and produce better work. They have an active role the wider strategy community at GroupM Canada to co-ordinate resources and share and reapply best practice.
 
This role reports to both agency leadership and to the GroupM Chief Growth Officer. They collaborate as needed with regional and global growth and strategy counterparts to ensure alignment with the North America and global growth strategy and strategic priorities.
 
As VP Strategy, EssenceMediacom you will:   
  • Produce insight-rich media strategy that unlocks creative media approaches that drive growth for the agency, our clients and wins awards
  • Author the overall strategic approach for all major EssenceMediacom recommendations
  • Collaborate with client leadership, growth and specialist teams to identify opportunities for client and new business growth
  • Lead and grow the strategy team at EssenceMediacom
  • Function as a key knowledge resource connecting across the agency, GroupM and WPP, locally, regionally and globally
  • Champion a culture of critical thinking, creativity and fearlessness and commercial innovation
  • Participate in the Canada strategy community to share and reapply best practice, and support training and development of group strategy resources
  • Be a thought-leader, contributing to thinking and future development of the group to ensure our narrative remains compelling and growth driving
  • Effectively navigate and influence in a matrixed leadership environment   
  • Be a leader on the strategy team, fostering an environment of collaboration and teamwork
 YOUR IMPACT:  
  • Increase recognition for the work of EssenceMediacom, in Canada and globally
  • Deliver improved client growth and retention
  • Shape the future role of strategy at EssenceMediacom
 
BEST THINGS ABOUT THE ROLE:  
  • Ability to have a material impact on the EssenceMediacom business by driving growth and award wins with clients.   
  • High frequency of executive interactions with some of the largest, most important clients and brands 
  • High level of interaction with executive leaders as well as high exposure to every level within the organization  
 
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS:  
  • Minimum of 10 years of work experience, with 2+ years in a strategy leadership role, ideally in a media agency  
  • University degree
  • A background in strategic communications planning and a track record in developing and inspiring effective, award-winning strategic solutions
  • A highly articulate and persuasive writer, presenter, and speaker, with a high attention to detail
  • Ability to set a clear and compelling vision for the future and guide the team towards achieving it.  
  • Flexibility to adjust strategies and ways of working in response to changing circumstances.  
  • Encouraging and motivating team members to achieve their best.  
  • Fostering a collaborative environment where team members can work together effectively within the growth team, the local market teams, and across the region.  
  • Commitment to personal and professional growth and encouraging the same in others. 
  • Thorough understanding of the Canadian media industry and players
  • Advanced understanding and capability of Microsoft office (Excel, Word, Outlook,
PowerPoint, Teams, etc.)
 
GroupM and all its affiliates embrace and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are a worldwide media agency network that represents global clients. The more inclusive we are, the more great work we can create together.