VP Director, Brand Strategy(UK)

Much of what you need to know about minds + assembly is captured in the name itself: we think, we create, and (+) we put things together. It’s really that simple—and that shockingly different. Of course, the simplicity of our name belies the depth of what we deliver to our most honored (and often overjoyed) clients. Our work is consistently at a higher caliber than they are used to, simply because we push ourselves to think and build differently. Combine this with an obsessive attention to client service, and you arrive at a place where we stand alone among agencies. Arrogant? No. Confident? Of course, but only because we’ve put together a team of people who are good AF in every way. 

Open Position: VP Director, Brand Strategy (Europe)

About Us:

Much of what you need to know about minds + assembly is captured in the name itself: we think, we create, and (+) we put things together. It’s really that simple and that shockingly different. Of course, the simplicity of our name belies the depth of what we deliver to our clients. Our work is consistently at a higher caliber because we push ourselves to think and build differently. Combine this with an obsessive attention to client service, and you arrive at a place where we stand apart.

At minds + assembly, the engine of our business is commercial invention. We approach every project, every brief, and every opportunity as a chance to build something new. While our roots are in New York, we are actively expanding our global footprint, bringing our model of thinking, making, and assembling to partners around the world.

About the role:

The VP Director, Brand Strategy is a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping brand direction, uncovering opportunity, and driving meaningful business impact for our clients. They bring a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and are known for translating complex market dynamics into clear, actionable strategies that inspire teams and drive results.

This role is based in Europe and represents a unique opportunity to serve as a founding strategy leader in our global expansion. While Minds + Assembly does not yet have a physical office in Europe, this individual will operate as part of a connected, distributed “global office,” partnering closely with US-based teams.

As the senior strategic lead in the region, this person will act as the primary strategic voice on the ground for global brands, ensuring that strategies are both globally cohesive and locally relevant. They will play a critical role in shaping how Minds + Assembly approaches global brand strategy, helping to establish frameworks, ways of working, and a standard of excellence across markets.

Job responsibilities:

• Leads the development of comprehensive brand strategies aligned with client goals across global and regional markets
• Serves as the senior strategic lead for global accounts, partnering with clients to shape brand direction and long-term growth
• Acts as the strategic “boots on the ground” in Europe, bringing a strong understanding of regional market dynamics, customer behaviors, and healthcare systems
• Ensures that global strategies are thoughtfully adapted to reflect local market nuances while maintaining overall brand consistency
• Partners closely with US-based strategy, creative, and client service teams to deliver integrated, cross-market solutions
• Collaborates across time zones to ensure alignment, continuity, and strategic rigor across all deliverables
• Designs and leads high-impact workshops, combining confident facilitation with meticulous preparation to drive clarity, alignment, and actionable outcomes
• Conducts and synthesizes market research, competitive intelligence, and customer insights to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth
• Provides strategic guidance to creative teams to ensure messaging, positioning, and execution are aligned with brand objectives
• Leads the development of integrated campaign strategies across channels and markets
• Builds strong, trusted relationships with clients, serving as a key strategic advisor and partner
• Identifies and drives new business opportunities across global accounts
• Develop supporting strategists over time, fostering a culture of curiosity, rigor, and innovation
• Plays a key role in shaping the future of the strategy discipline and contributing to the evolution of Minds + Assembly’s global offering

Professional skills and requirements:

• 9–10+ years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, or a related field, with a focus in healthcare/pharmaceuticals
• Proven track record of developing successful brand strategies and driving business growth
• Strong experience working across global or multi-market brands, with a deep understanding of regional and cultural nuances
• Capable of structuring and executing major strategic workstreams such as brand positioning, creative briefs, and tactical planning with a high degree of independence
• Ability to navigate differences in healthcare systems, regulations, and market dynamics across geographies
• Experience collaborating with US-based teams while supporting international markets
• Ability to operate effectively across time zones and within distributed team environments
• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical marketing regulations and compliance requirements, with the ability to adapt to regional differences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex strategies
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and influence cross-functional teams
• Curious, forward-thinking mindset with a passion for innovation
• High level of attention to detail, organization, and accountability

At minds + assembly, the engine of our business is commercial invention. We approach every project—actually, every aspect of our work—as an opportunity to dip our toes into the revitalizing stream of the new. The original conception of our agency (which has since been realized) was that of a happy workshop, a place where the mind and hands are free to construct brilliant new things for our clients. Yet, we never forget that we are in fact a business. Everything we do is to further the commercial goals of our clients, whether that is to sell a product or an idea. To achieve this, we continue to add only the best people—those who have the right talent, temperament, and teamwork orientation—to further our collective goals. Then we ask that each person adhere to two simple and equally important principles: uncompromising standards and unconditional support. In other words, we push each other, hard, to produce the best work possible, yet always with the knowledge that we have each other’s backs.