Our Strategy team at AKQA Amsterdam consists of creative problem-solvers who are the voice of customer culture and orchestrators of future-forward solutions. We define strategic paths for world-class brand and experiential outcomes, always rooted in user needs and aligned with business objectives. We act as the user-centered glue, harmoniously blending strategy, business, product design, creative, and technology to deliver impactful, cohesive solutions across the entire brand experience. We are an eclectic, provocative, and innovative group, partnering with our clients to create a better future, faster, across every touchpoint.
The Associate Strategy Director is a pivotal role, operating at the intersection of brand and experience. This role shapes holistic solutions that deliver compelling brand narratives and exceptional, intuitive user experiences. Collaborating closely with Strategy Directors and across all studio disciplines, you will translate client challenges into actionable strategies, ensuring solutions are strategically sound, creatively compelling, and demonstrably effective. This position requires strong grounding in user behaviors and intuitive interactions, complemented by an acute awareness of brand positioning and market dynamics, with a clear emphasis on the experiential.
Located on the Nieuwe Herengracht in central Amsterdam, you will also have access to our diverse network of specialists by collaborating across our European, Middle East and South African studios. You will work in an environment which fosters a meritocratic culture and encourages ownership, and you will be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their fields.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead Project Execution: Act as the brand & experience strategic lead on projects, guiding multi-disciplinary teams from ideation to implementation and across deliverables.
- Uncover Holistic Insights: Conduct comprehensive user research, competitive analysis, and market & cultural trend forecasting to identify key user needs, motivations, and brand opportunities.
- Shape Integrated Strategies: Translate complex insights into cohesive strategies, defining compelling brand positioning, messaging frameworks, and intuitive user journeys, ecosystem maps, and experience visions.
- Orchestrate Solution Development: Guide the creation of impactful solutions, ensuring seamless alignment between brand narratives, experience principles, and functional requirements across diverse digital and physical touchpoints - with clients and colleagues.
- Drive Strategic Alignment: Facilitate workshops and present persuasive strategic recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders, securing buy-in for integrated brand and experience directions.
- Foster Client & Business Growth: Support new business efforts and cultivate strong client relationships by identifying strategic opportunities, contributing to pitches and helping with the scoping of projects.
- Elevate Strategic Practice: Continuously refine and evolve strategic design techniques and processes, contributing to the overall excellence and growth of the strategy department.
- Mentor junior strategists on project-specific tasks and strategic methodologies, helping to foster their growth and development within the team. As well as offer guidance to other more junior team members across our studio.
QUALITIES & CHARACTERISTICS
- Exceptional Communicator: Articulates complex ideas with clarity and impact across all mediums.
- Curious & Insightful: Uncovers patterns and actionable insights from cultural, market, and user data.
- Natural Problem Solver: Translates ambiguity into clear, directional strategy with a strong point of view.
- Strategic & Creative: Bridges strategic thinking and rigour with creative ideation.
- Driven by Learning: Continuously explores new methodologies and advancements.
- Collaborative Team Player: Thrives in multi-disciplinary teams, fostering shared understanding.
- Ambitious & Excellent: Driven to deliver world-class work and make a significant impact.
- Embraces Challenge: Welcomes complex problems, pushing creative and strategic boundaries.
- Sharp Eye for Detail: Masters intricacies, simplifying complexity into actionable strategies.
- Engaging & Persuasive: Confidently articulates strategic rationale to users, clients, and stakeholders.
- Proactive & Guiding: Takes initiative, guides teams, and makes informed decisions on project workstreams.
- Solution-Focused: Enthusiastically seeks innovative and effective solutions
Explore our extensive range of benefits here
We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
AKQA 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.