Data Strategy Director - Media Agency

London | Hybrid, 3 days per week

A brilliant opportunity for a senior data strategist with media / ad-tech experience to help some of the UK’s biggest consumer brands use data more intelligently across their media activity.

This is a highly client-facing role combining audience strategy, technology consultancy and team leadership. You will bring together first, second and third-party data to create smarter audience strategies, then work closely with planning and activation teams to turn those recommendations into live campaigns.

Company and benefits

• Join the specialist data strategy division of a major global media network.
• Work across high-profile brands spanning FMCG, retail, travel, entertainment, food delivery and hospitality.
• Gain access to advanced audience intelligence, data collaboration and AI-powered technology.
• Work closely with the VP of Data Strategy, with strong exposure to senior clients and agency leadership.
• Influence how major advertisers approach privacy-first audience planning and activation.
• Lead and develop one or two Data Strategy Managers.
• Access extensive learning, development and progression opportunities across a global organisation.

Role and responsibilities

• Lead the development of data and audience strategies across a portfolio of major consumer brands.
• Bring together first, second and third-party data to improve audience understanding, targeting and activation.
• Translate complex client challenges into clear, practical data strategies.
• Design test-and-learn programmes across addressable paid media channels.
• Work closely with media planning and activation teams to embed data solutions into campaign delivery.
• Act as a senior, client-facing consultant across data, technology and privacy-first media.
• Evaluate emerging technology and identify valuable applications for audience intelligence, data collaboration and AI platforms.
• Help clients adopt new data solutions and develop use cases that deliver measurable value.
• Support the development of AI-based tools that automate or improve elements of the data strategy process.
• Manage, mentor and develop one or two Data Strategy Managers.

Skills and experience required

• Strong experience in data strategy, audience planning, digital media, advertising technology or a related area.
• A solid understanding of how first, second and third-party data can be applied across paid media.
• Experience developing audience strategies that translate into campaign planning and activation.
• Confidence presenting to clients and building relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Good knowledge of data products, identity, privacy-first marketing and emerging advertising technology.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders within a matrixed agency, technology or client-side environment.
• Previous line management or mentoring experience.
• A curious, commercial and forward-thinking approach to data and AI.
• Experience working with major consumer brands would be advantageous, particularly within FMCG, retail or travel.