Strategy Lead (Freelancer)

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Who We Are

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever‑evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. Our global family now encompasses over 30, 000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end‑to‑end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking an exceptional and highly experienced freelancer Director‑level Strategic Lead to join our team. This critical 50/50 split role requires a strategic powerhouse capable of immediately leading two high‑priority client initiatives: a major integrated pitch for a Health client and ongoing strategic delivery for a CPG brand's portfolio. The ideal candidate will be an immediate impact player, adept at guiding cross‑functional teams, shaping compelling narratives, and delivering robust, brand‑led strategies under tight deadlines.

What You'll Do

• Health Client Integrated Pitch Leadership (Approx. 50%)
• Lead the end‑to‑end strategic development and presentation of an integrated pitch, covering three distinct brands.
• Define and articulate compelling brand and creative strategies that resonate with client objectives and market opportunities within the healthcare/pharma sector.
• Develop comprehensive digital, web, and CRM content strategies designed to drive engagement, conversion, and customer loyalty.
• Craft innovative and data‑driven influencer and social media strategies tailored to each brand's target audience and marketing goals.
• Orchestrate and collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (Creative, Digital, Social, Media, Account Management) to ensure a cohesive, high‑impact, and strategically sound pitch delivery.
• Act as the primary strategic point of contact for the pitch team, ensuring all deliverables are of the highest standard and meet aggressive timelines.
• CPG Brand Strategic Delivery Leadership (Approx. 50%)
• Drive ongoing strategic delivery for a portfolio of CPG brands.
• Develop, refine, and implement robust, brand‑led shopper strategies designed to influence purchase decisions at key retail touchpoints and across the path to purchase.
• Leverage deep understanding of consumer behavior, retail environments, and FMCG/CPG market dynamics to create actionable, effective, and commercially viable strategies.
• Collaborate closely with client teams and internal creative/account teams to ensure strategic alignment and seamless execution of shopper marketing initiatives.
• Provide ongoing strategic counsel and guidance, identifying opportunities for innovation and optimization within the shopper marketing landscape.

What You'll Need

• 8 years of progressive strategic experience.
• Proven track record of successfully leading, developing, and winning major integrated pitches.
• Deep expertise in developing comprehensive integrated marketing strategies, encompassing brand, creative, digital, web, CRM, and influencer/social media.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in shopper marketing and brand‑led retail strategy, with significant exposure to major FMCG/CPG clients (e. g. , Danone, Pepsi
  Co, Unilever, Nestlé).
• Exceptional strategic thinking abilities, with a talent for distilling complex information into clear, actionable insights and compelling strategic narratives.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex strategies with clarity, confidence, and persuasiveness to senior client stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and team‑building skills, with the ability to inspire and guide cross‑functional teams to achieve ambitious goals under pressure.
• Highly adaptable, resilient, and accustomed to working effectively in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments with demanding deadlines.
• Demonstrable understanding of the pharmaceutical/healthcare sector and its unique marketing considerations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, Linked
In, and X.

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Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Other

Industries

Advertising Services

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Location

Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal