Head of Strategy

About Innocean

Innocean is the biggest agency you’ve never heard of. With 31 offices and more than 3000 employees in 21 countries. We’re the fastest growing agency network in the world.

Opening doors in Australia in 2008 with two foundation clients; Hyundai and Kia. Since 2020, the Sydney business has been on a mission to diversify our roster which now includes FMCG, NGO, Medical, Tourism and Technology brands, not to mention our own Gender Equality not-for-profit division called Fck the Cupcakes.

We’re a proud and ambitious group of over 50 creatives, strategists, account people, technologists, analysts,  producers and media experts who work together in a collaborative environment. Our passion and focus is building strategic media and creative solutions across all touchpoints on a consumer’s journey to a brand.

We’re proudly Korean, uniquely Australian; striving to create a culture that embraces a Korean concept called ‘Jeong’- an ineffable but mutually warm feeling of attachment between people who share a relationship and common purpose.

This feeling of connection underpins everything we do. It’s how we create bonds between brands and consumers, and between us and our clients. Think of us as an extension of the marketing team- one with strategic, creative, media and CX capabilities, delivering brilliant work that builds brand, changes perceptions, drives connections and delivers results.

About the Role

The Head of Strategy will be the strategic architect of our media department, responsible for defining and executing the overarching media strategy that aligns with both client goals and agency objectives. This role involves leading a team of strategists, shaping the future direction of media planning, and ensuring the successful integration of strategic initiatives across all client engagements. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned strategist with a proven track record of developing high-impact media strategies, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the media landscape.

As the Head of Strategy, you will be the driving force behind our media department’s strategic vision, responsible for steering both high-level planning and tactical execution. You will play a crucial role in aligning media strategies with the broader business objectives of our clients and the agency, ensuring that every media initiative is both innovative and impactful. Your leadership will not only shape the strategic direction but also foster a culture of excellence and creativity within the team. By integrating market insights, emerging trends, and client goals, you will craft media strategies that deliver measurable results and set new benchmarks for success. This role demands a forward-thinking leader with the ability to anticipate industry shifts and drive strategic innovation, ensuring that our agency remains at the forefront of media strategy and continues to deliver exceptional value to our clients.

Responsibilities

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Define Strategic Direction: Develop and articulate a clear and forward-thinking media strategy that aligns with the agency’s goals and client objectives. Ensure that strategies are innovative, data-driven, and position the agency as a leader in the media landscape.
• Lead Strategic Planning: Oversee the strategic planning process, guiding the team in the development of comprehensive media plans that leverage market research, audience insights, and emerging trends.
• Foster Innovation: Promote a culture of innovation within the media department, encouraging the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to media planning and execution.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and Mentor: Lead a team of senior strategists and media planners, providing direction, support, and professional development. Cultivate a collaborative and high-performance environment that drives team success.
• Set Objectives: Establish clear performance goals and metrics for the team. Conduct regular performance reviews, offering feedback and coaching to enhance team capabilities and achieve strategic objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments (creative, account management, analytics) to ensure seamless integration of media strategies with overall campaign initiatives.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Client Partnership: Serve as a senior strategic advisor to key clients, understanding their business challenges and objectives. Develop and present tailored media strategies that address client needs and drive measurable results.
• Strategic Presentations: Lead the creation and delivery of high-impact presentations and strategic recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders. Clearly communicate the value of proposed strategies and drive client buy-in.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients, ensuring their satisfaction and fostering opportunities for continued collaboration

Market Research and Strategic Analysis

• Conduct In-Depth Research: Oversee the gathering and analysis of market research, competitive intelligence, and consumer insights to inform strategic decisions. Ensure that media strategies are grounded in thorough research and data.
• Performance Metrics: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of media strategies. Utilize insights to optimize strategies and ensure continuous improvement.
• Benchmarking: Regularly evaluate media strategies against industry standards and best practices. Adjust approaches as needed to maintain a competitive edge and achieve client objectives.

Agency Representation & Thought Leadership

• Industry Engagement: Represent INNOCEAN at industry events, conferences, and forums. Share insights and showcase our strategic expertise to enhance the agency’s reputation and influence in the industry.
• Thought Leadership: Contribute to the development and promotion of industry thought leadership, advocating for best practices and innovative approaches in media strategy.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay up to date on industry trends and advancements.
• Lead and actively participate in team meetings and share ideas and feedback.

WHS (Work, Health & Safety)

• It’s on you to ensure your work environment is safe, whether you’re WFH or in the office. 
• Follow and ensure your team follows company policies and procedures.

About You

Personal Specifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Advertising, Media Studies, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., strategic management, advanced media studies) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in media strategy and planning, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role managing teams and client relationships.
• Strategic Expertise: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement high-impact media strategies with a focus on innovation and results.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven track record of guiding and developing senior strategists and media professionals.
• Analytical Proficiency: Advanced analytical skills with experience in leveraging data and insights to drive strategic decisions and optimize media performance.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to senior clients and stakeholders.
• Client Management: Extensive experience in managing high-profile client relationships and delivering strategic guidance that drives client success.
• Visionary: Forward-thinking with a passion for innovation and a commitment to driving strategic excellence in media planning.
• Client-Focused: Dedicated to understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail with a focus on precision and quality in all aspects of strategic development and execution.
• Collaborative: Strong team player with the ability to work effectively across departments and build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Values

• Proactivity. Humility. Agility. Daring. Don’t worry, we dive into these in your welcome pack.

Development

• Regular appraisals and 360 feedback is important. 
• So too is being able to check in with management whenever. Their doors are always open, Zoom links always ready.

The Perks

There are a whole range of reasons you would consider working for us – 
check out the list below:

- Competitive salary - Individual Professional development

- Regular appraisals and 360 feedback  - Hybrid working

- Client sponsored benefits - Progressive parental leave policies

- Floating leave - Pet friendly environment