Senior Creative Strategist Position

Location: Based in Somerset West or Pretoria, with a Hybrid working model.

We're DoubleShift

We're DoubleShift, the little agency that could (did and does). After only six years, we're steadily on our way to becoming a fully fledged mid-sized agency with world-class client partners, including a growing stable of local and international players.

We're big on value and even bigger on trust—one cannot function without the other—and we believe they both begin with a human connection. But that connection is increasingly lost in a sea of noise. We specialise in cutting through the clutter and finding the signal for our partners and their clients.

Our team comprises senior professionals, each an expert in their field with skills developed over years and a breadth of brands and clients. We're looking to add a senior creative strategist to our roster. We're looking for someone whose values are aligned with ours, who's up for a challenge, who's equally comfortable working in a team or operating alone, and who's looking for more than just another job; this is a place for growth.

Your role

As a senior creative strategist, you'll serve as a client lead, operating at the intersection of brand, business, and creativity. You'll navigate the C-suite with confidence, translating complex business challenges into compelling creative directions. We want someone who'll take ownership of client relationships and bring their own je ne sais quoi to DoubleShift, taking us to even greater heights.

What we're looking for

You're a strategic thinker who makes the complex feel actionable. You love crafting narratives that transform brands and businesses, bringing senior stakeholders along on the journey. You know how to balance creative excellence with commercial imperatives, developing strategies that drive both brand value and business results.

You thrive in boardrooms and brainstorms alike, equally comfortable presenting to C-suite executives and collaborating with creative teams. You're excited by variety – one week you're redefining a brand's positioning, the next you're crafting a go-to-market strategy or identifying white space opportunities.

We're looking for someone who is not only analytically sharp but also brings copy-strong creative leadership and business acumen to the table.

Key responsibilities

• Lead client partnerships at a strategic level, building relationships with senior decision-makers
• Develop compelling brand and marketing strategies that deliver measurable business impact
• Craft strategic narratives and creative platforms that inspire exceptional creative work
• Translate complex business challenges into clear, actionable creative briefs
• Present and sell strategic thinking to C-suite and leadership teams with confidence and clarity
• Collaborate with creative teams to ensure strategic integrity throughout execution
• Balance creative ambition with commercial reality, finding the sweet spot where both thrive
• Stay ahead of market trends and consumer insights to inform forward-thinking strategies

Core skills and experience

• Eight or more years of experience in strategic roles, ideally in creative agencies or brand consultancies
• Proven track record working directly with C-suite and senior leadership teams
• Strong understanding of brand architecture, positioning, and marketing strategy
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with copywriting prowess
• Experience developing creative platforms that drive integrated campaigns
• Ability to synthesise complex data and insights into compelling strategic narratives
• Commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to connect creative strategy to business outcomes
• Collaborative spirit, comfortable leading cross-functional teams and client workshops

Bonus skills

• Experience in multiple sectors or categories, demonstrating versatility in strategic thinking
• Background in creative development or copywriting
• Experience with brand measurement and effectiveness frameworks
• Workshop facilitation and design thinking methodologies
• Public speaking or thought leadership experience

What we offer

• Competitive salary: Commensurate with your experience and expertise
• Work flexibility: A hybrid work model that allows you to balance office collaboration with remote work
• Collaborative environment: Work alongside a talented and passionate team in a supportive and innovative atmosphere
• Strategic influence: Lead transformative brand initiatives for clients across diverse industries

Apply to join us

If you're serious about your career and what you do, if you want to create work that'll make a difference for the right reasons, and if you're ready to join the charge to champion creative and strategic innovation, this is what we need:

• Send your CV, case studies of your strategic work, and a cover letter highlighting your approach to creative strategy to our hiring team at careers@doubleshift.co.za
• Successful candidates may be invited to participate in a paid strategy project as part of the interview process

If you want to be here, make the effort and make an impression – or don't. Your decision (but it will influence ours).

Posted on 11 Apr 14:17, Closing date 10 Jun