Group Director, Strategy Operations

Position Overview: VML is seeking a Group Director, Strategy Operations across North America to support our Chief Strategy Officers managing the day-to-day operations of the Strategy Practice and team. This position is critical to ensure the Strategy Practice in North America is operating smoothly as one community, and will focus inwardly in support of the group, collaborating with other disciplines, staffing and operations, and be a key contributor to growth. This position reports to the Chief Strategy Officers, North America.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Excellence & Team Leadership:

• Partner with regional CSOs to conduct comprehensive assessments of operational strengths and challenges, developing and implementing tailored strategies to maximize team efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead workforce planning initiatives, including skills gap analysis, role optimization, and strategic staffing recommendations to ensure optimal team structure and resource allocation.
• Oversee and optimize team utilization, ensuring appropriate resourcing for projects and initiatives.
• Foster a strong team culture through leadership of key meetings, communication channels, and knowledge sharing initiatives (e.g., All Hands, TMM, Leads Meetings).

1. Process Optimization & Innovation:

• Drive continuous improvement by identifying, analyzing, and implementing process enhancements that elevate team performance and deliver high-quality work.
• Lead the coordination of all pitch-related activities, including strategic resource allocation and collaboration with x-functional depts.
• Develop a deep understanding of the connection between strategic investment and billable work, optimizing the utilization of strategy talent across all VML Clients.

1. Strategic Initiative Execution:

• Collaborate closely with CSOs to define, plan, and execute key strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives.
• Lead and manage high-impact projects, including Effie and other award submissions, Dream Briefs, and the Evergreen Thought Leadership Program.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with other capabilities to ensure seamless execution of strategies and initiatives, maximizing organizational effectiveness.
• Act as a strategic partner and scoping lead for all strategy projects, collaborating closely with Client Engagement and Project Management teams.
• Champion the integration and visibility of the Strategy team within the broader VML ecosystem.

1. Team Development & Mentorship:

• Partner with the People Team to foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the Strategy team.
• Identify and implement opportunities for team training, skill development, and knowledge sharing.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of onboarding materials and oversee the onboarding process for all new Strategy hires.

1. Executive Reporting & Performance Measurement:

• Provide regular, data-driven updates to CSOs on the progress of strategic initiatives, operational efficiency measures, and overall team performance.
• Develop and deliver key reports, including:
• Annual State of the Strategy Department survey
• Capability SWOT analysis with regular updates
• Monthly Executive Summary outlining progress on special projects, team allocation, and utilization.

Required Skills & Attributes:

What You'll Need:

• 8+ years contributing to the brand/advertising/creative industry, with strong agency and experience
• 5+ years of experience managing people and developing processes and capabilities

Communication & Collaboration:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills: Native-level fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.
• Strong presentation skills: Ability to effectively communicate complex information and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative spirit: Proven ability to foster strong working relationships and effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, both in-person and remotely.
• Diplomatic and discreet Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

Organization & Execution:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented: Exceptional ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and results-driven: A self-starter who consistently seeks opportunities to exceed expectations and go beyond the initial brief.
• Strong delegation skills: Ability to effectively delegate tasks and empower team members while respecting existing workloads and commitments.

Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving:

• Strategic mindset: Demonstrated ability to think critically, analyze information, and develop creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Independent and resourceful: Capable of working autonomously while also thriving in a team environment.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.