Senior Director, Head Of Strategy

Senior Director, Head of Strategy

imagi(nation)

We’re bold, creative, pushing boundaries, sparking innovation and creating the extraordinary on the daily. Still living the dream that brought a couple of university grads together in 1972. It’s that entrepreneurial spirit, that passion that drives us to find new paths for some of the most recognized brands in the world. We are an eclectic collective with multifaceted expertise, who act locally for global impact. We take risks. We empower. We go beyond.

To those who won’t settle for the expected—you’ve found your crew.

Being unique is something to be celebrated. We embrace differences. They allow us to challenge and learn from each other. The extraordinary comes from different experiences, different lives. It brings us closer. We speak 37 languages, compete in sports and give back to the community. All of this makes us one big team—and we like it that way.

We’re on the lookout for someone unique. A person with drive, passion and energy to create something great. As a Snr Director, Head of Strategy, you will lead a small but mighty team in Vancouver, and be part of a much larger ecosystem nationally across Cossette.

The Role

Strategy is at the core of what we do, and a good strategy is all about making smart decisions based on the information one has available.

You will be expected to provide thought leadership, guide research, simplify complexity, and work closely with Creative teams and Account leads to make our work even better. You’ll be successful in the role if you’re collaborative but able to work well independently, have a bias for action, are comfortable with ambiguity, and are a strong communicator.

Responsibilities:

As a Snr Director, Head of Strategy, you will be responsible for leading and developing solutions to the strategic needs of clients from both a marketing strategies and advertising / communications perspective including:

• Preside over agency wide sessions for new joiners (e.g. Introduction to Strategy sessions).
• Make a positive impact on the work by communicating with passion and convincing others to get to award winning and globally recognised work;
• Be an influential voice within the agency;
• Participate in new business development including RFP submissions and pitches, helping to craft the overall narrative and POV of the response;
• Analyze and simplify the complexity that comes from large service organizations
• Navigate client stakeholder complexity to sell-through thinking and ideas;
• Manage junior Strategists within the team including tutoring and motivating them and bringing out their full potential, as well as inspiring their commitment and enthusiasm;
• Guide the development of integrated communication plans, program and ideas including the development of insightful briefs that inspire creative output
• Work collaboratively with creative, account and client acting not only as a conduit between the two but also as an integral part of each team
• Lead and develop brand positionings for large or complex organizations including overseeing research / insights gathering, strategic articulation ultimately guiding the team in translating the strategy into creative;
• Oversee the writing and submission of awards papers;

Qualifications

• Experience and/or understanding of CRM and 1 to 1
• 7+ years experience in advertising sector
• Ability and experience both developing and applying strategic frameworks - can’t just be theoretical - must be able to practically apply
• Proven experience crafting and developing brand strategy
• Experience managing and executing various types of quantitative and qualitative research
• Previous work and experience with high profile national or global brands
• Ability to influence, negotiate and persuade
• Experience with FI clients an asset
• Self starter, naturally curious and a relentless problem-solver

What’s in it for you:

We value the ‘whole you’

• An innovative and entrepreneurial work environment that promotes ingenuity and individuality - with the best of colleagues, and the best of clients
• Dogs allowed, dedicated Play Room to support families and Private wellness room (in select offices)
• Modern, open co-working spaces with coffee & snack bars, located in great city neighborhoods, close to shops and restaurants and easy access to public transport
• Hybrid work models and flexible hours, plus a work from anywhere policy for short-term stays in other regions
• Generous Vacation starting at 3 weeks + 1 extra week over the holidays
• Agency summer days (exact policy differs per campus and agency)
• Team social events - holiday parties, seasonal gatherings, weekly happy hours, inspiring speakers and more!

We are obsessed with learning and being better humans

• Access to internal network of opportunities across all agencies
• In-house learning & development sessions and annual career and growth conversations’
• Internal EDI group(s), programs & initiatives across Plus Company and opportunities to be involved in employee resource group(s)
• Focus on developing BIMPOC Talent via our BIMPOC Mentorship Program

We invest in your health and wellness

• A responsible sick & personal absence days policy designed so you don't have to worry the moment a personal obligation or emergency arises.
• Maternity leave top up program.
• Dedicated play rooms for days you need to bring the kids and health and wellness rooms when you need a place to get grounded.
• Flexible benefits to support your individual lifestyle and life stage – with access to a personal wellness spending account you can use for a wide range of wellness expenses, including gym membership fees, pet care, education expenses, and much more!
• Comprehensive mental health support including access to a virtual mental health therapy clinic providing you with personalized therapist guided iCBT programs and live therapy, access to health clinicians 24/7, and a holistic array of other health and wellness resources to support you and your family.

We’re humbled by the number of talented people who apply to work with us every day. And, we thank each and every one of you. Truly. We’ll reach out directly to those we’d like to meet for an interview.

Creating meaningful work means embracing different perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on age, colour, ability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Not only are these provisions protected by provincial and federal law, embracing difference is what makes Cossette what it is—and we wouldn’t have it any other

By joining Cossette you become part of Plus Company. This network of entrepreneurial agencies is designed to collaborate, not compete. It empowers every agency – and every individual – to bring their own unique capabilities together to make magic happen. You will be empowered to take risks, dream big, develop your skills and grow in your career with the full support of the network and all it has to offer.