Strategic Planner

VML

Department: Strategy

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Requisition ID: 11104

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. 

ROLE OVERVIEW

VML is seeking a passionate and driven Strategy Planner to join our dynamic team. As a Strategy Planner, you will play a crucial role in developing and executing innovative strategies that drive growth for our clients. You will be responsible for uncovering insights, defining opportunities, and creating strategic frameworks that integrate brand experience, customer experience, and commerce. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, analytical skills, and a collaborative spirit.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Discovery & Insight Generation:

  • Uncover data and insights by seeking out the truths of our customers’ lives, behaviors, needs, and culture from various sources and platforms, including our Intel Lab and Muslim Intel Lab (clarification will be provided during the interview process).
  • Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and consumer behavior to identify key opportunities and challenges.
  • Conduct primary and secondary research to gather relevant data and inform strategic recommendations.

Strategic Development & Planning:

  • Define opportunities for our clients by adding value to the audience’s lives.
  • Develop strategic frameworks, marketing programs, and communications plans that align with client objectives and target audiences.
  • Curate the best of innovation and cultural trends, interpreting what’s evolving and how to integrate Brand experience, Customer Experience with commerce.
  • Develop clear and concise strategic briefs to guide creative and execution teams.

Collaboration & Execution:

  • Partner closely with client services, creative, and technology teams to ensure seamless execution of strategic plans.
  • Present strategic recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Monitor and analyze campaign performance, providing insights and recommendations for optimization.
  • Contribute to the development of new business proposals and presentations.
  • Own strategy projects from their ambiguous beginnings through to their execution and delivery with notable independence, with supervision from their department lead and strong partnership with their client services colleagues.

 

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

  • A Curious Mind: Your thoughtfulness begins with seeking out other people’s perspectives – be it clients, customers, or colleagues. And using the “Why” principle.
  • A Lifelong Learner: You enter this role wanting to expand your skill set, embracing the power of data and technology.
  • A Creative Action-Taker: You create things. Instead of just philosophizing, you make plans to take action on your strategies.
  • A Collaborative Partner: You acknowledge your strategies are only as effective as the work that pays them off. You partner with creators, working hand in hand to shape our outputs.

 

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a creative agency, digital agency, or research environment.
  • Minimum of 3 years of client-facing experience.
  • Experience with the details of lower-funnel marketing efforts aimed at conversion and retention.
  • Experience working in FMCG industries is preferred.
  • Strong understanding of brand strategy, customer experience, and commerce principles.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • A passion for innovation and a desire to stay ahead of industry trends.
  • Experience with data analytics tools and platforms is a plus.

 

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, LinkedIn, and X. 

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.