Senior Digital Strategy Planner

VML

Department: Strategy

Expertise: Apps

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

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. 

The Role

  Digital Strategy Planner - Social Media Savvy with a Finger on the Pulse  

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Digital Strategy Planner who not only possesses exceptional skills in communication and digital strategy but also has a deep understanding of online social culture. The ideal candidate will have their finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving social media landscape, ensuring our strategies align with current trends and engage our target audience effectively. They will also demonstrate a strong appetite for operational excellence, seamlessly driving projects from brief to creative output. Additionally, the ability to handle demanding senior clients with professionalism and finesse is crucial.

How you’ll be spending your time

  • Translate lead agency communication strategies into comprehensive digital strategies across the conversion funnel.
  • Develop annual digital playbooks, campaign strategies, and rollout plans, including measurement and reporting frameworks.
  • Create brand positioning strategies across diverse categories and industries.
  • Establish brand architecture to enhance brand equity and recognition.
  • Develop multi-channel digital strategies that leverage various platforms and channels.
  • Possess a deep understanding of individual digital channels such as SEO, SEM, and SMM, and demonstrate how they interconnect to achieve overarching goals.
  • Generate and lead strategic and creative workshops for clients, fostering collaborative ideation and alignment.
  • Exhibit expertise in paid, owned, and earned media, implementing and optimizing tactics for maximum impact.
  • Utilize a strong data background, backed by relevant qualifications and certifications, to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Leverage digital, social, and brand strategies effectively to achieve marketing objectives.
  • Clearly and persuasively communicate strategic recommendations to internal and external stakeholders with varying levels of understanding.
  • Contribute to leading integrated, multi-platform marketing campaigns.
  • Understand key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop methodologies for measuring success in brand, digital, and social strategies.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how businesses, brands, and consumers interact.
  • Possess in-depth knowledge and experience in consumer research, both qualitative and quantitative, and utilize a wide range of approaches.
  • Excel in interpreting research findings, differentiating between observations and insights, and applying them effectively to marketing strategies.
  • Synthesize research and business data into actionable insights and generate innovative ideas.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with creative teams to develop compelling concepts and campaigns.
  • Proactively anticipate client needs and problems, developing solutions that align with their objectives.

Planning and Implementing:  

  • Brand Communications Strategy
  • Digital Strategy
  • Creative Strategy
  • Positioning Strategy
  • Campaign Strategy
  • Brand Development
  • Market and Consumer Research
  • Market and Consumer Trends
  • Trend Forecasting
  • Strategic Insights

Role Required

  • Matric plus a relevant marketing/communications degree NQF 7 
  • Must have minimum 5+ - 8 years digital strategy
  • Communication strategy and digital strategy 

If you are a Senior Digital Strategy Planner who thrives on staying ahead of the social media curve, possesses exceptional operational skills, and has a proven ability to handle demanding senior clients, we would love to hear from you. Join our dynamic team and help us create innovative, impactful strategies that resonate with our target audience in this ever-evolving digital landscape.

 

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction. 

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.