Strategy & Innovation Account Director

About WPP Media

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit

WPP Media is WPP's global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit

About Mindshare: A Leading WPP Media Brand

Mindshare delivers Good Growth for its clients. As "Growth Architects," we drive growth that benefits all stakeholders - better for people, planet, and business - by using media with intention. This approach creates more meaningful connections with consumers, increases consumer trust in the brand, and delivers better outcomes for all stakeholders.

Role Summary and Impact

Culture & Innovation Strategy Director

The Worldwide Invention team at Mindshare drives creativity & innovation in and beyond media by excelling in culture, community, and innovation. Through a balance of deep expertise and creative thinking we guide our clients to think outside of the box, using channels and mechanics that drives growth beyond their existing realms of focus (e.g. partnership, sponsorship, branded or social content, influencer, emerging technologies, sport, gaming, etc.).

We aim to elevate creativity in media by designing media-agnostic ideas; develop thoroughly research and inspirational thought leadership; deliver culture & creative programs; and be deep experts in areas of specialisms. These are primarily: cultural strategy, partnership, sponsorship; community strategy, influencers, creators, social content; innovation strategy, creative tech & emerging technologies. Our knowledge spans across various areas of culture, with specific focus on gaming, sport, film and entertainment.

We are looking for a Culture & Innovation Strategy Director to join the global Unilever team, working across the Global Marketing Organisation and the billion-dollar brands that make up their portfolio- Dove, Rexona, Persil, Hellmann's, and more. Specifically, their responsibilities are to work as part of the global Capabilities team, and together with Unilever's global marketing team, to help identify how marketing is evolving, how culture and innovation will affect Unilever and its brands.

Your responsibilities will include

Lead the development of insight and foresight reports related to culture marketing and innovation in comms and media

Define strategic guidance and recommendations related to culture marketing and innovation in comms and media

Be a constant source of reference and inspiration for the Strategy & Capabilities team as well as Unilever's Global Marketing Organisation

Work hand in hand with other part of Capabilities (Commerce, Data Strategy, Audience, Joint Business Partners, etc.) to operationalize how culture marketing and innovation is implemented across all part of Unilever's media and marketing

Leverage relationships with Joint Business Partners (Google, TikTok, etc) to support the development of insight and strategic recommendations

Building capabilities and educate the global and local teams (both agency and client side), to ensure the overall vision of culture and innovation is adopted globally

Partner with the wider Invention team to leverage and elevate all the expertise and resources related to innovation and culture from across WPP Media / WPP

Be a key voice for culture and innovation across WPP Media

Skills and Experience

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It's what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media's shared core values:

o Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.

o Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust .

o Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise .

6+ years of experience in Research and / or Strategy, ideally within an Innovation or Culture focused agency or specialist shop

Media experience is preferred but not mandatory

Experience working with Senior Stakeholders is important

A proactive self-starter with a problem-solving attitude and the ability to meet deadlines

Creatively minded with the ability to turn insight to strategy

Ability to learn new tools and systems from across WPP / WPP Media (audience, insight etc)

Hands-on approach to service client relationships and confident managing multiple stakeholder relationships

Strong presentation skills and attention to detail

Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task and handle multiple projects at one time

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we're just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.

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 around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location

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While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.