Strategy Director

imagi(nation)

We’re bold, creative, pushing boundaries, sparking innovation and creating the extraordinary on the daily. Still living the dream that brought a couple of university grads together in 1972. It’s that entrepreneurial spirit, that passion that drives us to find new paths for some of the most recognized brands in the world. We are an eclectic collective with multifaceted expertise, who act locally for global impact. We take risks. We empower. We go beyond.

to those who won’t settle for the expected—you’ve found your crew.

Being unique is something to be celebrated. We embrace differences. They allow us to challenge and learn from each other. The extraordinary comes from different experiences, different lives. It brings us closer. We speak 37 languages, have over 360 tattoos, compete in sports and give back to the community. All of this makes us one big team—and we like it that way.

We’re on the lookout for someone unique. A person with global brand experience across not only major top-tier Retail Brands, Financial Services and Telecommunications companies, but also experience working with government & a tourism board and a person with global sponsorship experience. 

As a Strategy Director, you will:

• Manage junior Strategists within the team including tutoring and motivating them and bringing out their full potential, as well as inspiring their commitment and enthusiasm;
• Guide the development of integrated communication plans, programmes and ideas;
• Lead, develop and win advertising campaigns and pitches;
• Oversee the writing and submission of awards papers;
• Analyze and simplify the complexity that comes from large service organizations including major Canadian telecommunication companies, and develop promotion strategies for clients;
• Serve as the main Strategist to provide product promotion and advertising advice to key major clients including banking and retail
• Be an influential voice within the agency;
• Make a positive impact on the work by communicating with passion and convincing others to get to award winning and globally recognised work;
• Act as the first point of contact that senior members of other departments seek out;
• Preside over agency wide sessions for new joiners (e.g. Introduction to Strategy sessions).

Strategy is at the core of what we do, and a good strategy is all about making smart decisions based on the information one has available. Your role will be to act as a senior member of the strategy team, leading the strategic process on various accounts - including some Telco, Finance and CPG accounts.

You will be expected to provide thought leadership, lead  and commission research, simplify complexity, and work closely with Creative teams and Account leads to make our work even better. You’ll be successful in the role if you’re collaborative but able to work well independently, have a bias for action, are comfortable with ambiguity, and are a strong communicator.

what you bring to the table.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of experience in the international advertising sector
• Minimum four years of experience leading and directing brand strategy for international advertising campaigns
• Minimum three years of experience leading strategy for global and major retail and telco brands
• Minimum three years of experience working at a top-tier global advertising agency
• Minimum four-year post-secondary credential
• Minimum four years experience leading and commissioning consumer research groups - with a focus on quantitative  and qualitative research methods
• Demonstrated recognition by way of industry awards
• Evidence of articles and advertising strategy thought leadership
• Have experience working with Semioticians to unlock fresh thinking
• A strong consumer mindset and exceptional communication and business skills
• The ability to help unlock business insights, enable marketing decisions and drive value for our clients
• Expert and proven knowledge in brand marketing and consumer behaviour
• Naturally curious and a relentless problem-solver
• Ability to influence, negotiate and be persuasive
• An advanced understanding of integrated marketing and communication principles

Compensation
Salary: $125,000 to 135, 000 for a 40-hour work week.

After completion of three month probationary period, you will be eligible for a benefits package

Location: 32 Atlantic Avenue. Toronto, ON M6K 1X8

things you should know.

• We’re humbled by the number of talented people who apply to work with us every day. And we thank each and every one of you. Truly.
• If you have sent us your book, we have received it.
• We’ll reach out directly to those we’d like to meet for an interview.
• Creating meaningful work means embracing different perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on age, colour, ability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Not only are these provisions protected by provincial and federal law, embracing difference is what makes Cossette what it is—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
• We pride ourselves on our inclusive and accessible workplace. If you need any accommodations during the interview process to make it work for you, let us know.