Strategist

At AKQA we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients. Strategists at AKQA make our client’s business their business. Working with client service, UX, creative, and tech teams, they are the voice of both the client’s business and the consumer.

Drawn from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, our strategists develop and apply market insights, data and trends to communicate and drive innovation opportunities.

We are currently seeking a Strategist to join our Amsterdam team. You develop and articulate research methodologies, conduct independent primary and secondary research, and produce insightful reports. You evaluate clients through the lens of Brand, Experience, and Business, delivering core outputs for Brand and Communication Strategy projects and defining KPIs to monitor project effectiveness. 

Located on the Nieuwe Herengracht canal in central Amsterdam, you will have access to our diverse network of specialists by collaborating across our twelve European 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

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Write evaluation and form perspectives about clients through the lens of Brand, Experience, and Business to position the studio’s expertise in front of the clients during QBRs, Chemistry Meetings, and other business development activities.
• Deliver core outputs of Brand Strategy projects including Brand Architecture, Belief, Role, Proposition, Values, and Personalities.
• Deliver core outputs of Communication Strategy projects such as Creative Brief, Communication Plan and Ecosystem, Comms Roadmap, Messaging Hierarchy.
• Define KPIs, success definitions, and measurement frameworks to monitor project effectiveness.
• Conduct industry research to develop perspectives on opportunities for client industries to grow through branding.
• Develop a point of view on how and when to use various research methodologies, with the ability to articulate to clients why.
• Define research objectives, plan, and produce research inquiry outputs such as screeners, discussion guides, surveys, stimulus, etc.
• Stay updated on cultural, brand, marketing, creative, and technological news and developments relevant to clients or our industry to identify opportunities where the studio can add more value to existing accounts.
• Develop successful working relationships with wider teams in the studio to solve problems and find new paths.
• Begin to own contacts within planning/research functions by acting as the agency's day-to-day planning contact.
• Conduct industry research to develop perspectives on opportunities for client industries to grow through branding.
• Stay updated on cultural, brand, marketing, creative, and technological news and developments relevant to clients or our industry to identify opportunities where the studio can add more value to existing accounts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS 

• An insatiable curiosity and ability to observe and identify patterns, trends and insights. 
• Able to sport the kernel of an idea, experienced in helping form ideas.
• Extensive experience in strategic planning within a digital or integrated agency environment.
• A gifted factual storyteller with one foot in the now and one foot in the future.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and inspire people.
• Be willing to use your experience to sharpen and strengthen team skills.
• Ensure work is to the highest possible standards at all times, and that client presentations are engaging and inspiring.
• Develop a framework for approach including building out hypothesis, work streams and milestones.
• Effectively interface with the Strategy Director for approval and direction throughout the project lifecycle and to escalate points of concern.

AKQA is committed to developing wellbeing and supporting life choices for our team. We provide an extensive range of benefits. To find out more click here.

AKQA is an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe that diversity is vital to AKQA’s ability to provide our clients with the best recommendations and are committed to fostering a varied and inclusive work environment. Your race, colour, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or veteran status have no bearing on our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know