Senior Strategist

Ride Shotgun is a bit different. Not only are we one of the fastest growing strategic brand, activation and production agencies in the UK but we think big, go big creatively and deliver big in production to deliver fully joined-up brand journeys for clients of all shapes and sizes.  

We are now seeking a passionate and strategic thinker to join our team and play a pivotal role in transforming our relationship with a major client. The successful candidate will ideally have experience in the Financial Services sector. 

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Strategist to lead the strategic direction for a single major client account . This role is crucial for Ride Shotgun to enhance our service offering, compete effectively with larger agencies, and deliver proactive, value-added initiatives that directly contribute to our client's strategic objectives. Working closely with the Senior Account Director, you will be the strategic linchpin, becoming an expert on their business, brand, and sector.

The successful candidate will work within the Ride Shotgun Strategy department, supported by a team of other brand, campaign and comms Strategists. They will report to the Head of Strategy and Digital Marketing. 

Responsibilities:

For the key client

• Deep Client Understanding: Develop an in-depth understanding of the client's business, competitive landscape, and strategic goals.
• Proactive Opportunity Identification: Conduct ongoing research and analysis to anticipate client needs and develop innovative strategic solutions.
• Question the brief: Using research, insight, and intelligence to uncover the real challenge at its heart and to influence the project's direction of travel. 
• Strategic Planning & Execution: Lead the development and execution of comprehensive strategic plans that align with the client's objectives and drive measurable results.
• Research and insight: Design and conduct (or commission, where relevant), analyse, and apply research and data – using qualitative and quantitative methods (including workshops, and focus groups), as well as mining secondary research resources and insight tools, as appropriate to inform strategies.
• Customer-centricity: Constantly bring the consumer perspective into the strategic and creative process.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, positioning Ride Shotgun as a trusted strategic advisor.
• New Business Growth: Identify opportunities to expand our services within the client account, including exploring geographical and business unit expansion.
• Commercially focussed: An ability to understand and contribute meaningfully to commercial goals, create value and develop new opportunities over and above BAU. 
• Sector Expertise: Become a leading authority on the client's sector, staying ahead of trends and contextual developments.
• Team Foundation: Form the foundation of a dedicated client resource team within Ride Shotgun.

For the agency

• Become expert in the use of the agency's insight tools, demonstrating their value and sharing key insights, trends and thoughts with the wider agency to support existing client development.
• Stay on top of and advise on new resources, tools and training, as well as consumer trends, that would benefit the team and support more efficient, insight-led work.
• Collate and champion best in class creative, channel and brand activation examples to inspire, excite and help the team demand more of ourselves.

Challenges you will help address:

• Transition from reactive to proactive service delivery.
• Strengthen our competitive position against larger agencies.
• Deliver high-level strategic partnership and value.
• Support significant client account growth.
• Develop strategic initiatives to challenge and enhance existing client relationships.
• Expand client relationships beyond current geographical boundaries.

What skills are required?

• Highly beneficial: Experience working within the financial services sector.
• Proven experience in a senior strategy role within an agency environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful strategic plans.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy, market research, and competitive analysis.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• A proactive and strategic mindset with a passion for driving results.
• Experience working with large, complex clients.
• Ability to work closely with Account Directors to enhance client relationships.
• Play a leading role with Account Directors to ensure face-to-face cadence is met on a weekly and monthly basis at their offices in London and Birmingham.

Location and working hours

The successful candidate will work (each week) from our Sheffield office, remotely, and at our client's London office as part of this hybrid role.

What kind of person are we looking for?

We expect all our team members to share the same behaviour and culture code as Ride Shotgun, check them out below

We make it happen

• We own it - we want to feel proud of the work we do every day. So, we step up, we crack on and we take responsibility. And when we do that, our infectious and genuine passion for our work shines through;
• We are on it - "that'll do", won't do. We expect a lot more of ourselves and each other. As a result we're a proactive, driven bunch with a "can do" attitude, who love nothing more than spotting a problem and sorting it. 

We ride as one

• No drama - we're all in this together. We look out for, and after, each other. No questions asked. We understand each other and respect each other. We work brilliantly together. No drama. No egos. Nobody being a dick. I've got your back, you've got mine. 
• Know-how - we work as one team, recognising and respecting each other's skills and capabilities. We trust each other and we know there's always someone in the team that will know the answer. It's in our nature to collaborate because we know that when we work together, amazing things happen.

Question everything

• Be curious and creative - curiosity is our superpower. It drives us to dig deeper. To look at challenges from every angle using left and right brain thinking. Leave no stone unturned. There might be an idea or insight under it. 
• Have guts and glory - we're fearless in challenging the accepted norms. Brave enough to do things differently. To take risks and try new things. And if that means challenging clients, ourselves and each other.. So be it. 

What do we offer?

The opportunity to make a real impact and be instrumental in shaping the future of a new, ambitious, and exciting agency. Based in Sheffield you'll work with some of the world's best brands and the region's best talent to produce award winning creative work. The successful candidate will spend one day a week at our client's offices (London/Birmingham as appropriate).

In addition, we offer a competitive salary and additional benefits including: 

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Your birthday off
• Additional holidays through salary sacrifice
• Childcare salary sacrifice
• Company Sick Pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Tech & Home Scheme
• Pension contribution 
• Westfield health cash plan 
• Profit share scheme 
• Discounts portal with access to thousands of retailers

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Does this sound good to you?

Applicants should be within commuting distance of the office location. Please apply by visiting: attaching your CV and portfolio.

No agencies please. 

Ride Shotgun - Equal opportunities statement 

Ride Shotgun is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. All job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).