---
title: 'Senior Brand Strategist at VML'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-brand-strategist-vml-detroit-n13b5yepa77f'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-06'
---

# Senior Brand Strategist at VML

- **Company:** VML
- **Location:** Detroit, MI
- **Compensation:** $60k–$140k
- **Posted:** 2026-10-08
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-06
- **Apply:** https://www.vml.com/careers/job/8877195002?gh_jid=8877195002

## Job description

## Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit [www.vml.com](http://www.vml.com/)and follow along on  [LinkedIn](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__urldefense.com_v3_-5F-5Fhttps-3A_www.linkedin.com_company_vml_-5F-5F-3B-21-21JboVxjCXSME-21OhlpCfbkl1UcWPwns1-2DGtvHOzFh0QwHV49fsPgGw-2DVCCU1bCg8aQFI9vN-2Dy-2DVwaQcITH2j2XKzGKBIFRLYf2AUWVYY1dFGK6-24&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=zouFnm4jZMgDFaYF1uVcRY3rbgHWPca_luUrBUkT6Yc&m=QzcCgXCAOjzj5hiU48_CKOdHRSJ4_YpuqfviT9yjlzH5VrkzySTZ-WaQXlYAnj4W&s=jJ7q5V70u9oUx7ONPm5jC3IK8y6vxDilX6BGTlqlWlA&e=) #WeAreVML.

VML is in search of a Senior Strategist

As a Senior Experience Strategist, you will be a key contributor to a human-centered approach that translates human empathy and an understanding of the world into meaningful and impactful experiences. Working as an integral part of the brand strategy and experience (BX) teams, you will be a primary driver of research (primary and secondary) and synthesizing into actionable insights. You will play a critical role as a core team member, contributing across all phases of a BX project, leading defined workstreams and contributing to team problem-solving and communication responsibilities.

What you’ll do:

- Independently execute environmental and trend analyses, and translate into insights
- Plan, execute, and synthesize various types of research
- Dive deeply into data and user analytics to understand behaviors and results, and develop actionable recommendations
- Understand and consider the interconnectedness of human needs, business strategy, and competitive landscape to determine unique value propositions and business-critical must-wins
- Drive prioritization efforts to identify highest-value opportunities
- Help craft measurement plans to understand impact of solutions and drive optimization over time
- Participate in and facilitate workshops with clients to help push strategic discussions and alignment
- Partner with brand strategy leads, BX teammates and account leadership to deliver on all client needs
- Contribute to the VML experience strategy and BX thought leadership and IP

Who you are:

- Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills; superior critical thinking skills
- An innovator and visionary with a creative imagination and a way of working that inspires creativity
- A demonstrated passion, familiarity, and curiosity with design thinking methodology
- A demonstrated passion for creating solutions that deliver and capture value for an organization, its customers, and its employees
- Ability to communicate effectively, aggregating information into an intuitive, easy-to understand flow (both orally and written)

What you’ll need:

- Completion of a bachelor’s degree and a multidisciplinary background, preferably in a related major such as marketing, advertising, strategic planning, business strategy, psychology, sociology, or anthropology or equivalent experience
- Interest in brand experience, product management, business strategy, and innovation
- 3-5 years applicable experience

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click [WPP Benefits](https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome)for more details.

_ $60,000—$140,000 USD

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.

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](https://www.vml.com/recruitment-privacy-policy). California residents should read our [California Recruitment Privacy Notice](https://www.vml.com/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.

## About VML

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: VML is a global creative company that helps brands drive growth by seamlessly connecting Brand Experience, Customer Experience, and Commerce through a human-first, tech-enabled approach.
- **Entity Type**: Public (subsidiary of WPP, LSE: WPP)
- **Headquarters**: New York, United States
- **Founded**: 2024 (formed from the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, with legacy agencies dating back to 1864)
- **Founders**: Not applicable – the company was formed by merging two WPP agencies; Global CEO is Jon Cook

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Advertising services, marketing, digital transformation, brand consulting
- **Target customers**: B2B – large enterprise brands across sectors (consumer goods, healthcare, technology, retail, etc.)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Create connected brands that become a part of people’s lives and drive growth for client partners” – guided by a “Human First” creative philosophy.

## Products & Services
- **Brand Experience (BX)**: Compelling brand worlds and creative platforms that build emotional connections from the first touchpoint.
- **Customer Experience (CX)**: Intelligent digital platforms, loyalty programs, and data-driven customer journeys that deepen relationships.
- **Commerce**: Seamless, innovative commerce solutions that convert interest into action.
- **Technology Transformation**: Digital infrastructure, platform engineering, and AI-powered marketing via WPP Open.
- **Health**: Specialized healthcare marketing and communications (VML Health).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed for VML (parent WPP’s market cap is ~£8B as of mid-2025). 
- **Key Metric**: 26,000+ employees across 150+ offices globally (vml.com); some sources report 34,000+ on LinkedIn.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Parent company WPP; key clients include blue-chip global brands (not publicly listed).
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Formed in 2024 from two major WPP agencies, consolidating over 300 years of combined expertise.
  - 373 active job postings (LinkedIn, as of mid-2026) with +80.2% quarterly growth in postings.
  - Named No. 3 on an unspecified industry ranking (vml.com/expertise).
  - VML Foundation has contributed over $3.2 million to charitable causes.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Human First approach**: A creative philosophy that prioritizes deep understanding of human needs, making campaigns more resonant and effective.
- **Connected capabilities**: Unlike pure creative or tech firms, VML integrates BX, CX, and Commerce into a single, unified offering.
- **Scale and heritage**: 26,000 people in 50+ markets, with legacy from J. Walter Thompson, Y&R, Wunderman, and VML.
- **WPP Open**: Access to WPP’s AI-powered marketing operating system for intelligent, measurable, and scalable solutions.
- **Inclusion Experience**: A dedicated consultancy helping clients design inclusive experiences for people with disabilities.

## Strategic Focus
- Deepening the integration of creativity and technology to deliver “connected brands.”
- Expanding AI-driven marketing and personalization through WPP Open.
- Growing the Health practice and Commerce capabilities.
- Investing in talent development and culture (e.g., Emerge Internship Program, Catalyst Academy, All Win Program).
- Continuing to build a diverse, inclusive workforce and culture of belonging.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes “Human First” internally – belonging, continuous learning, and authentic personal branding. The Culture & Belonging team actively fosters understanding and empathy.
- **Career Development**: Bespoke platforms for career mapping, feedback coaching, and skills building. Programs like Catalyst Academy (12-month global program) and Emerge US Internship (10-week) provide structured growth.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid and office-based roles; 150+ offices worldwide offer global mobility. The Detroit Experience Studio and All Win Program show community engagement.
- **Perks & Benefits**: VML Foundation (employee-led giving), wellness resources, and a focus on mental and physical health.
- **Engineering Culture**: For tech roles, exposure to large-scale digital transformation projects, WPP Open AI platform, and modern data/tech stacks.

## Sources
1. [vml.com/careers](https://www.vml.com/careers) – Careers page with culture, programs, and values.
2. [vml.com/about-us](https://www.vml.com/about-us) – About page with company overview, leadership, and history.
3. [vml.com/expertise](https://www.vml.com/expertise) – Description of core services and capabilities.
4. [linkedin.com/company/vml](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vml) – LinkedIn company page with employee count, job postings, and recent departures.

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