Department: Strategy
Reporting to: Head of Strategy (Strategic Director)
Location: Johannesburg / Hybrid
Role Purpose
The Senior Brand Strategist is responsible for leading strategic thinking across key client accounts and contributing to the development of impactful, insight-led integrated campaigns.
Working closely with the s trategic director , this role partners with creative, client service, and new business teams to develop commercially effective strategies that drive meaningful results for clients and support agency growth.
This role requires a confident and experienced strategic thinker who can translate business challenges, consumer insights, and cultural trends into clear strategic direction, compelling creative briefs, and effective integrated campaign solutions within a fast-paced agency environment.
The successful candidate will play an important role in shaping client strategies, supporting new business initiatives, and contributing to the overall quality of strategic output across the agency.
Key responsibilities
1. Strategic development and client partnership
Lead the strategic development of integrated campaigns across assigned client portfolios.
Translate business objectives and market challenges into actionable strategic direction.
Conduct and interpret market, consumer, category, and cultural research to uncover meaningful insights.
Develop clear, inspiring, and insight-driven creative briefs.
Ensure strategic consistency and integrity across campaigns and deliverables.
Present strategic rationale and recommendations confidently to clients and internal stakeholders.
Partner closely with account management teams to identify opportunities for client growth and added value.
Support strategic planning and execution on key client accounts alongside the Strategic Director.
2. New business and agency growth
Play a key role in new business pitches, proposals, and agency growth initiatives working closely with the new business team.
Contribute strategic thinking, research, insights, and positioning to pitch development.
Support the strategic director and new business teams in developing compelling strategic narratives.
Assist in crafting differentiated strategic approaches that strengthen Penquin’s competitive edge.
Participate in chemistry meetings, workshops, and strategic pitch presentations where required.
3. Collaboration and integration
Work closely with creative teams, including the ECD and broader creative department, to co-create impactful campaign solutions.
Collaborate with client service, digital, media, production, and other departments to ensure aligned strategic delivery.
Facilitate strategic workshops, brainstorming sessions, and client engagements where required.
Build strong working relationships across internal teams to drive collaboration and campaign effectiveness.
Contribute positively to a collaborative and solutions-driven agency culture.
4. Strategic excellence and contribution
Maintain a high standard of strategic thinking and output across all assigned work.
Stay informed on industry trends, consumer behaviour, emerging platforms, and cultural shifts.
Apply critical thinking and commercial understanding to strategic recommendations.
Contribute positively to Penquin’s strategic output, creative effectiveness, and agency reputation.
Continuously seek opportunities to strengthen strategic processes, thinking, and delivery standards.
5. Team contribution and mentorship
Support and mentor junior or mid-level team members where applicable.
Collaborate closely with the strategic director and broader strategy team on strategic delivery and account support.
Take ownership of assigned project briefs and ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
Share knowledge, insights, and best practices within the team environment.
Contribute to a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
Key outcomes
Strong, insight-led strategies that drive measurable business results.
High-quality strategic briefs that inspire creative excellence.
Meaningful contribution to new business success and agency growth.
Effective strategic leadership across assigned client portfolios.
Strong collaboration across departments and project teams.
Consistent delivery against timelines, expectations, and quality standards.
Positive contribution to client relationships and strategic credibility.
Why this role matters
At Penquin, strategy plays a central role in shaping impactful work, strong client partnerships, and agency growth.
As a senior brand strategist, you will help drive the quality of strategic thinking across key accounts and contribute meaningfully to integrated campaigns and new business opportunities.
You will join a collaborative and ambitious team environment where your contribution will be visible, valued, and impactful, while working alongside experienced leaders and multidisciplinary teams to create work that delivers real business results.
POPIA statement
Penquin is committed to fair and responsible hiring practices in line with POPIA. All applications and personal information shared during the recruitment process will be handled with strict confidentiality and care.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills and competencies
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
Ability to connect business objectives, consumer insight, and creativity.
Excellent research, analytical, and conceptual thinking skills.
Strong presentation, storytelling, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative environment.
Commercial awareness and understanding of client business challenges.
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
Confidence in facilitating strategic discussions and presenting recommendations.
Experience and qualifications
7+ years’ experience in brand strategy, communications strategy, or strategic planning within an agency environment.
Proven experience working on integrated marketing and communication campaigns.
Strong experience contributing to or leading new business pitches and strategic proposals.
Experience working across multiple brands and industries preferred.
Relevant qualification in Marketing, Business, Communications, Strategic Planning, or a related field.
The Penquin fit
We are looking for someone who:
Brings curiosity, energy, and strategic confidence.
Is commercially minded and solutions-driven.
Enjoys collaboration and working across multidisciplinary teams.
Balances strategic rigour with creative openness.
Communicates clearly, confidently, and professionally.
Takes ownership and follows through with accountability.
Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial agency environment.
Is proactive, adaptable, and eager to contribute meaningfully.
