Full-Time
Associate Director Strategy
Growth Strategy
Posted on 9/10/2026
VML
501-1,000 employees
Global marketing automation, personalization, and CRM
No salary listed
Chicago, IL, USA
Hybrid
Four days in the office per week on average.
Bachelor's, Master's
 Business & Strategy (1) |
|---|
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- A bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as Business Intelligence, Statistics, Economics, Marketing, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience or clear readiness to formally manage and develop direct reports, including performance management and career pathing.
- Six to eight years of progressive work experience performing strategy and consumer insights.
- Exceptional storytelling skills and the ability to simplify complex data, handle difficult client questions, and translate complex strategy into clear business logic for senior audiences.
- Interrogate and connect disparate data sets, including first-party client data, shopper panels, and retailer-specific platforms, to uncover core business problems and identify emergent growth opportunities in partnership with senior leadership.
- Translate disparate data sets and complex insights into clear, compelling, and actionable storylines that identify the reasons behind data and inform communications and retail initiatives.
- Size a brand's market opportunity based on client briefs and objectives, providing data-driven estimations and Growth Mining outputs.
- Support audience growth strategy by leveraging MRI Simmons, Circana, and Numerator to develop audience personas that contextualize consumer behavior and inform strategic planning.
- Support deep dives into business problems, culture and emergent trends, and human behaviors and barriers to identify clear opportunities for growth.
- Integrate VML and WPP Open proprietary AI tools and emerging technologies into the strategic workflow to increase speed to insight and creative innovation.
- Conduct market research and competitive audits using MRI Simmons, Mintel, Infegy, and YPulse to identify trends and potential threats.
- Leverage sales and shopper panel data such as Circana, Nielsen, and Numerator to uncover core business problems and size market opportunities.
- Execute detailed competitive analysis to understand gaps in strategy and performance versus the competition.
- Support broader regional or global strategic asks and ensure consistency in strategic analytics methodology and approach across diverse markets.
- Identify and draft case studies for industry awards such as Effies, WARC, and Cannes Lions.
- Identify and communicate opportunities to grow client business, contributing to the overall success of the agency.
- Support new business pitches by developing strategic insights, contributing to pitch presentations, and providing strategic inputs for requests for information and requests for proposal.
- Partner with Strategy and Creative leads to ensure the briefing process is fueled by rigorous data and ideas are grounded in measurable consumer realities.
- Oversee and manage timelines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously, following up on outstanding issues to remove blockers and obstacles.
- Serve as a key strategic analytics and growth consulting point of contact for clients by presenting data-driven growth opportunities and explaining the reasons behind consumer behavior to ensure strategic alignment.
- Act as a strategic analytics voice within the agency and collaborate with Client Engagement, Creative, Media, and Strategy teams to integrate analytical rigor throughout the strategic process.
- Work closely with Creative and Media teams to provide strategic proof points and retailer insights that bridge creative ideas and business outcomes.
- Manage and provide oversight to junior resources, providing day-to-day guidance, workload support, and career development support.
- Provide consistent, actionable feedback and lead conversations to course-correct when needed.
- Support the translation of raw data into actionable insights for the wider strategy team.
- Promote a culture of analytical curiosity, accuracy, and a positive team environment.
- An advanced degree in a quantitative field such as Statistics, Social Science Research, or Economics.
- Experience within an agency, consumer packaged goods company, research company, or consulting firm.
- Applied experience with database tools such as MRI Simmons and Mintel and sales or panel data platforms such as Circana, Numerator, and Nielsen.
- Experience with retail-specific data platforms such as Walmart Scintilla.
- Active participation in industry organizations and events.
VML MAP is a global marketing services and technology partner that serves as a center of excellence for Marketing Automation, Personalization, Loyalty, Agentic AI, and CRM at scale. It helps brands humanize the relationship with customers by delivering data‑driven, personalized content across all channels and industries, leveraging a multi-disciplinary team across consulting, data & AI, content & creative, identity & 1to1, paid media, technology & platform, operating models & processes, and operations. The company operates from 14 offices worldwide, with a mission to scale efficient, measurable experiences that drive business success. Distinguishing factors include its global, diverse team; integration of marketing technology with AI capabilities; and a focus on end-to-end, interoperable solutions rather than isolated campaigns.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Kansas City, Missouri
Founded
1992
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Singapore Manufacturing Federation named VML Singapore on September 2, 2026, through May 2028.
- Cat Davis joined VML UK on August 1, 2026, to scale growth marketing.
- WPP named VML core to WPP Creative on February 26, 2026, preserving the brand.
What critics are saying
- WPP will cut up to 1,000 more jobs by year-end 2026, pressuring VML teams.
- Kalpesh Patankar exited VML India on August 31, 2026, signaling senior creative churn.
- WPP Creative could absorb VML into a generic holding-company shell, eroding the brand by 2027.
What makes VML unique
- VML unifies brand, CX, commerce, and tech transformation for enterprise clients.
- VML won Cannes 2026 PR Grand Prix for KitKat Heist, proving integrated creative firepower.
- VML won Amazon Australia on August 21, 2026, including Prime advertising.
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Benefits
Hybrid Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Company News
VML named to Fast Company's 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators 2026. Ranked No. 55, VML is recognized for its innovation-driven culture and commitment to employee growth. * Published Date - Sep 08, 2026 VML, a global leader in advertising and marketing, has been ranked No. 55 on Fast Company's eighth annual 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators list. The recognition highlights VML's commitment to fostering a culture where creativity and innovation thrive. A standout example of this culture is the T-Rex leather project, where VML collaborated with scientists and designers to create a sustainable luxury material using reconstructed DNA from fossilized T. rex collagen. The result - a one-of-a-kind handbag displayed at Amsterdam's Art Zoo Museum - showcases how bold ideas can redefine industries. VML's innovation culture is further supported by its investment in artificial intelligence. Through its proprietary WPP Open platform, the agency integrates cutting-edge AI tools and provides employees with training to leverage these technologies for creative and strategic solutions. In addition to its technological advancements, VML prioritizes employee growth and well-being. Its "4Ps" career framework and leadership programs empower employees to take charge of their professional journeys while fostering empathetic, human-centered leadership. This recognition from Fast Company underscores VML's role as a leader in creative innovation and its dedication to building a future-ready workforce. The full list of honorees is available at Fast Company's website here.
Gartner(R) Magic Quadrant(TM) for Global Digital Marketing Agencies names VML a Leader. VML was evaluated alongside global agencies that support large-scale digital transformation for enterprises across automotive, CPG, healthcare, and technology sectors. * Published Date - Sep 03, 2026 VML, a global creative company, has been named a Leader in the Gartner(R) Magic Quadrant(TM) for Global Digital Marketing Agencies, 2026. VML was evaluated alongside global agencies that support large-scale digital transformation for enterprises across automotive, CPG, healthcare, and technology sectors. VML was also evaluated in the Gartner Critical Capabilities for Global Digital Marketing Agencies report. VML, Inc. believe that being named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global Digital Marketing Agencies reflects VML's role among the industry's leading partners for large-scale digital transformation. VML's unique approach to brand strategy, customer experience (CX), commerce, and enterprise solutions is centered on its Human First creative philosophy and advanced technological capabilities, powered by WPP Open, to help global brands create connected experiences that drive growth. VML, Inc. is thrilled to be named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global Digital Marketing Agencies. VML, Inc. believe this underscores the ambition behind how VML, Inc. has built VML: a Human First creative philosophy backed by an AI powered operating system. With WPP Open at the core of its marketing workflows, VML, Inc. help global brands connect data, content and commerce and tie its work to outcome based models. This combination of creativity, technology and accountability is what makes VML the premier agency partner for what comes next. Jon Cook Global CEO of VML and Global CEO of WPP Creative Gartner defines global digital marketing agencies as service providers capable of developing and executing global marketing strategies. These full-service agencies bundle their strategic marketing services with an array of complementary offerings and technologies to support their clients' needs. An agency's particular combination of offerings and competitive strengths typically correlates to its roots as a traditional advertising or digital agency, or as a management consultancy or systems integrator. Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Global Digital Marketing Agencies, 25 August 2026, Jay Wilson, Philip Black, Jen Kady Gartner, Critical Capabilities for Global Digital Marketing Agencies, 26 August 2026, Philip Black, Jay Wilson, Jen Kady GARTNER and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning Human First work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign's Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. VML's global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and its agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.
VML wins Singapore Manufacturing Federation brief to reshape perceptions of advanced manufacturing. September 2 2026, 12:17 pm BY Adam Shaw No Comments VML Singapore has been appointed by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), following a competitive pitch, to lead an integrated marketing communications campaign aimed at reshaping perceptions of Singapore's advanced manufacturing sector and attracting the next generation of talent. Supported by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore and A*STAR, the initiative aims to challenge outdated perceptions of manufacturing and highlight the sector's advanced technologies, companies, people and career opportunities. The campaign will particularly target STEM talent, creating clearer connections between career interest and employment opportunities across engineering, technology, R&D, data and advanced production. Manufacturing contributes around 20% of Singapore's GDP and remains a key pillar of the economy. SMF, founded in 1932, represents around 5,000 manufacturing and manufacturing-related companies, from multinational corporations to SMEs. VML will bring together partners across media, research and platforms to deliver an always-on programme spanning awareness, inspiration, engagement and ultimately job applications. The campaign will shift the narrative from manufacturing as an operational industry to one driven by innovation and impact, showcasing how Singapore-based manufacturers develop products, technologies and solutions with global relevance. "Addressing this challenge requires more than a traditional communications campaign. It demands an integrated ecosystem," said Nimesh Desai (pictured), CEO, VML Singapore. "Our ambition is to make visible the highly advanced, globally consequential work that has, for too long, remained behind the scenes." SMF CEO Wayne Yap said: "Manufacturing today offers careers across engineering, technology, R&D, data and advanced production, but perceptions have not always kept pace with how the sector has changed. Through this campaign, we want to make those opportunities more visible and give people clearer ways to explore and pursue them." The programme will run in phases through May 2028, aligned with recruitment cycles, key decision points and peak periods of career exploration.
Kalpesh Patankar exits VML India as Group Chief Creative Officer. The senior creative leader announced his departure on LinkedIn, bringing his latest agency chapter to a close after leadership roles across India and the Middle East. Mumbai: Kalpesh Patankar has stepped down from his position as Group Chief Creative Officer at VML India, marking the end of his latest stint with the agency. Patankar shared the development through a LinkedIn post, expressing gratitude to his colleagues, clients and the wider VML network. Reflecting on his tenure, he described his time at VML India as an important chapter in his career, shaped by the people he collaborated with and the work produced during his association with the agency. Patankar brings extensive creative leadership experience across the Indian and Middle Eastern advertising markets. Before taking up the Group Chief Creative Officer role at VML India, he was Chief Creative Officer at Leo Burnett in Dubai. His career in the Middle East also includes a stint of more than a decade with VMLY&R, where he served as Chief Creative Officer, MENA. His long association with the network placed him in senior creative leadership roles across the region. Over the course of his career, Patankar has held leadership positions spanning India and the Middle East, building experience across different markets and agency environments. His departure from VML India adds another transition to the senior creative leadership landscape, as agencies continue to recalibrate their leadership structures and creative offerings amid changes in the advertising and marketing ecosystem. For Patankar, the exit closes another chapter in a career that has included senior creative mandates across multiple markets and agency networks
VML Thailand, Wolf BKK lead Thailand's Grand Prix-winning run at MAD STARS 2026. adobo Creative Awards Thailand delivered one of its strongest performances at MAD STARS 2026, with VML Thailand and Wolf BKK each claiming a Grand Prix while agencies across the country collected wins in film, branded entertainment, strategy, sustainability, outdoor, media, PR, and health. VML Thailand earned a Grand Prix in Strategy Stars for "Soil Stay," created for Tra Mongkut Fertilizer. The campaign also secured Gold awards in Data Insights and the SDGs category, alongside a Crystal in Brand Experience & Activation, making it one of Thailand's most awarded campaigns at this year's festival. CommissionCustom Prints Wolf BKK also took home a Grand Prix with "The Kaprao Criminals" for KFC Thailand, winning the top honor in Film Stars for Cultural Insight. The campaign added three Gold awards in Film and Branded Entertainment, as well as two Silver awards in Online Film and Viral Film, cementing its position as another standout Thai entry. Beyond the Grand Prix winners, VML Thailand continued its strong showing with "Dalah's Spoiler Billboard" for Netflix Thailand, which won Gold in Outdoor and Bronze in Brand Experience & Activation. Its "Stranger Things Recap Cassette" campaign also earned a Crystal in Radio & Audio and Bronze awards in Branded Entertainment and Design, while "After Shit Happened Service" for Shield Insurance received Silver in Online Film and Bronze in Film. Goodstuph Thailand was recognized for "Spotify Rock Pharmacy," earning Crystal awards in Direct and Entertainment for Music for Spotify. Flash Bomber also brought home two metals with "The Air Pollution Jersey" for Lamphun Warriors F.C. and the Northern Thailand Breathe Council, winning a Crystal in Media and Bronze in Outdoor. Publicis Thailand picked up a Crystal in Film Craft for Direction with "The M ssing Piece" for KFC Thailand, while Brilliant & Million earned a Crystal in PR for "Vaseline HUH?" for Unilever Thailand. SOUR Bangkok rounded out Thailand's winners with a Crystal in Health for "IT'S DETTOL TIME" for Reckitt Thailand, alongside multiple finalist recognitions for campaigns created for Reckitt Thailand and Vivo Thailand. The results underscore Thailand's continued strength across a wide spectrum of creative disciplines, with culturally rooted storytelling, strategic thinking, and purpose-driven ideas leading the country's performance at MAD STARS 2026. adobo Magazine is an official media partner of MAD STARS 2026.