Strategy Director

Role overview

An opportunity has opened for an experienced Strategy Director or Senior Strategist to join the strategy team at McCann New Zealand in Auckland. The role is suited to someone who is naturally inquisitive about people, motivated by what influences behaviour, and confident working across culture, technology, creativity, and data to shape work that lands with impact.

What you’ll do

• Create communication strategies and creative briefs informed by consumer research, brand knowledge, and marketplace data.
• Bring a strategic perspective to reviews and help assess whether the work is strategically effective.
• Spot opportunities to improve current ways of working and encourage fresh or more innovative approaches where appropriate.
• Adapt quickly when new information or feedback calls for a different direction.
• Support creative thinking by encouraging shared problem-solving and collaboration.
• Develop briefs and proposition ideas that raise the quality of creative output.
• Work side by side with creative teams throughout the development process.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams across Creative, Strategy, Production, Account, and other departments.
• Contribute to new business pitches directly or through the wider team.

What this role calls for

You should be comfortable turning complex information into simple, compelling thinking, and able to present it clearly. The position also requires confidence in working with senior clients, a willingness to take a clear point of view that helps clients grow, strong attention to detail, and a solid grasp of measurement and reporting.

Experience and background

• At least 5 years of experience in brand strategy or a closely related role within a creative agency, or relevant experience from an adjacent industry.
• A history of delivering campaigns that are both creatively strong and commercially effective.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent training and experience.
• Strong understanding of how brands, communications, and communication channels contribute to business planning.
• Ability to identify the core business issue a brand and communications strategy can influence.

About the agency

McCann New Zealand describes a major moment for the industry as three well-known Aotearoa agencies — FCB, Clemenger, and DDB — come together under the McCann NZ name. The organisation is building on a long history of award-winning creativity, cultural relevance, and internationally recognised work, with an emphasis on collaboration, career growth, and high-quality output.

The Grey Lynn office is described as a supportive, energetic environment with a diverse team and a range of benefits designed to help people succeed.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to send a cover letter and CV. For creative applicants, a portfolio link should also be included.