THE COCKTAIL
Strategy Manager – London
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Strategy Manager – London
Strategy Manager at VML The Cocktail
Who We Are
VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, digital transformation, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative, human-first, award-winning work for high-profile client partners such as AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's.
Recognized in Forrester Wave™ Reports as a Leader across:
- Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers
- Commerce Services
- Global Digital Experience Services
- Global Marketing Services
- Marketing Measurement & Optimization
Our specialist health network, VML Health, is also one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies.
VML’s global network powers teams of 26,000+ talented people across 55+ markets, with principle offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands, integrating:
- Cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions
- World-class creativity
- Next-generation production
- Enterprise solutions & strategic consulting
Powered by WPP Open, their agentic marketing platform, we help clients navigate change, seize opportunities, and drive transformational growth.
For more details: WPP.com
The Challenge
At VML The Cocktail, we thrive in fast-paced environments and seek individuals capable of:
- Translating complex technology and business challenges into clear strategic direction for clients
- Driving decisive action, combining strategy, creativity, data, design, and technology to fuel real transformation
We are looking for a Strategy Manager with: ✔️ Proven leadership in strategy and transformation ✔️ Experience in complex initiatives & growing high-performing teams ✔️ Strong commercial acumen and innovative thinking in a fast-growing consultancy
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead end-to-end strategy and transformation projects, from hypothesis and proposal through execution and delivery
- Own project planning, milestones, and outcomes, ensuring high-quality delivery and tangible business impact
- Provide deep analysis and insights, aligning deliverables with client objectives and business context
- Lead and mentor multicultural teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
- Design and implement operating models, process transformations, and change management initiatives
- Present strategic insights clearly and compellingly at executive levels
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (UX, UI, Brand, Data, Technology) to create innovative solutions
- Facilitate client workshops, ensuring active involvement in strategic and creative discovery
- Identify and convert opportunities from client interactions into new business growth
- Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and global business shifts to refine our strategy
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What We Want From You
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree: Bachelor’s (or advanced) in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree/Master of Business Administration (MBA) is strongly preferred.
- Experience: 7+ years in strategy, management consulting, or corporate development, with competitive differentiation in fast-moving industries (e.g., financial services, tech, FMCG).
- Strong banking or financial services experience (e.g., products, operations, regulations, competitive dynamics)
- Operating models & change management expertise, including executional transformations with quantifiable results
- Skills & Traits:
- Advanced analytical & problem-solving abilities, with confidence in complex data, KPIs, and business model evaluation
- Exceptional communication skills (spoken/written), capable of engaging senior stakeholders with clarity & impact
- Leadership & influence without direct authority – coaching teams, driving outcomes in agile environments
- Proactive, adaptable to speed with a disruptive mindset in high-growth settings
- Passionate about digital disruption & innovation
- Expert-level multitasking (project planning, people management, client engagement)
Why Work at VML The Cocktail?
Culture & Benefits
✔️ Flexible work hours – adapt your schedule to balance productivity & life ✔️ 30+ days of paid vacation (including Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve, when applicable) ✔️ Personalized career path & upskilling opportunities – continuous growth ✔️ English language training to support career mobility ✔️ No rigid dress code – be yourself, inspired to perform your best ✔️ Exclusive benefits: discounts, time for personal & professional growth ✔️ Cobee flexible compensation system – accessible and tailored per performance ✔️ Supportive policies – parenting, equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives ✔️ Hybrid work model: Collaborate in-office 4 days/week, plus flexibility for individual needs
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Our Culture & Values
We accelerate sustainable client growth by improving brand-less relationship connections through Design, Data, and Technology.
Our collaborative culture brings together: 🔹 Strategy & creativity 🔹 Design innovators 🔹 Technical expertise 🔹 Data scientists
Careers at VML The Cocktail are defined by exponential growth and mission-driven impact.
We champion: ✔️ Disruptive thinking (f+++++算(se) than permission) ✔️ Non-conformity & criticality – challenge the status quo ✔️ Passion for excellence – hello ambitious work
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you’ve met your own requirements and made it this far, apply!
Our People team will review applications with an open mind. If we are aligned, we invite you for a dynamic selection conversation.
Be yourself here. There will be no hidden selection traps—just good chemistry.
The Future of Work & Diversity at VML The Cocktail
We embrace a hybrid environment where teams typically work 4 days in-office:
- Hybrid flexibility is customized to what works best for your setting
- Discuss accommodations with the hiring team during interviewing
WPP (VML) adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity policies – diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are foundational. We consider candidates irrespective of identity and contribution.
More About Us
🌍 VML: www.vml.com 📢 Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X
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