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 Strategy Director to join 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:

• Manage day to day creative strategy, direction and execution around all core projects and client programs.
• Collaborate with Senior Account and Creative leadership to deliver and streamline strategic vision through to execution with creative delivery across our portfolio. 
• Embrace the role of thought leader, owning every room (virtual or physical), being a true partner to every client team as an industry persona and Barrows senior leader 
• Communicate strategic visions to clients; help clients socialize strategy to their greater organization
• Navigate, research and distill brand, consumer, shopper and category data to infer critical and actionable insights that dictate strategic vision
• Exhibit a deep understanding of the US retail landscape inclusive and nationwide channel variation with nuanced knowledge around top retailers in the marketplace
• Own the development of data and insight-driven strategic objectives and creative conceptualization and execution 
• Serve as lead copywriter with excellent creative and copywriting skills and experience writing consumer-facing copy focused on the sell
• Collaborate, and inspire inter-agency partners, bringing a deep understanding of end-to-end strategy from ATL to BTL, ensuring Barrows is driving shelf-back programming and ideas where possible 
• Spearhead and engage in pitches, business development, and regular presentations to clients

• 8+ 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
• 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 $125,000 to $175,000*

*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....