Vice President of Strategy

Our client, Innocean Canada, is seeking a visionary VP of Strategy to lead the strategic roadmap for two of Canada’s most dynamic automotive brands: Hyundai Canada and Genesis Canada, as well as new non-automotive clients as they continue to expand their client roster.
 
In this senior role, you will guide brand strategy development, evolve measurement frameworks, lead a multi-disciplinary strategy team, and act as a key partner to client leadership. You will be at the forefront of shaping the future of automotive branding in Canada.
 
Key Responsibilities: 
 
Brand Strategy Leadership

• Develop, define, and evolve brand strategies for Hyundai and Genesis, ensuring alignment with business objectives, cultural context, and long-term vision.
• Drive the articulation of brand positioning, purpose, and differentiation.
• Translate consumer insights, cultural trends, and competitive intelligence into actionable strategic frameworks.
• Define and refine brand health KPIs and measurement methodologies in partnership with analytics and performance teams.

Customer Understanding & Persona Development

• Lead the development of rich, insight-driven customer personas that inform creative and media strategies.
• Champion a deep understanding of audience behaviours, motivations, and journeys across all channels.
• Utilize a combination of first-party data, market research, and cultural insight to inform strategic planning.

Performance & Measurement

• Establish and oversee brand health tracking and reporting frameworks.
• Interpret data and research to evaluate brand impact, identify opportunities, and inform future strategy.
• Work with media and analytics teams to connect brand strategy to performance outcomes.

Team Leadership & Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a growing strategy department that includes CRM Strategy, Social Strategy, and Community Management.
• Foster collaboration across departments including Creative, Media, Data, and Account teams.
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior clients and internal stakeholders.

Who You Are

• 10+ years of strategic experience in advertising, brand consultancy, or marketing, with a strong track record leading complex brand and communications strategies.
• Deep understanding of brand building across both performance and awareness channels.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to inspire and grow multi-disciplinary strategy teams.
• A visionary who’s comfortable rolling up their sleeves—both high-level and hands-on.
• Data-literate with experience translating research and analytics into strategic insights.
• Experience working with or in the automotive industry is a plus, but not required.
• Exceptional communication skills—confident presenting to senior executives and clients.
• Culturally curious, creatively driven, and passionate about the role brands play in people’s lives.
• Collaborative but decisive; strategic but entrepreneurial.

Why Join Innocean?

• People-First, Inclusive Culture: At Innocean, they put people at the heart of everything they do. Recognized by Great Place to Work for three consecutive years—including accolades for youth, inclusion, and as one of the Best Workplaces for Women—they are committed to building an environment where everyone can thrive.
• Shape the Strategic Vision: This is a rare opportunity to lead and evolve the strategic planning function within a growing agency. As VP of Strategy, you will define the next chapter of strategic excellence at Innocean, guiding a team and shaping client narratives with impact and clarity.
  
  
• Lead Iconic Brands: Drive the strategic direction for two of the world’s most recognizable and evolving automotive brands. Enjoy the challenge and reward of working on big, bold briefs—supported by healthy budgets and a uniquely stable and collaborative client partnership model.
  
  
• Modern Flexibility, Inspired Location: They offer a dynamic hybrid work model, anchored by a vibrant and creative downtown Toronto office—designed to fuel inspiration, collaboration, and community.
  
  
• Well-Being at the Core: Your health and happiness matter. Our comprehensive benefits plan includes essential insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and mental health support—ensuring you're taken care of, inside and out.
  
  
• Invested in Your Growth: At Innocean, mentorship isn’t just a buzzword. You’ll receive ongoing coaching, personalized guidance, and leadership support to elevate your strategic acumen and professional development.

INNOCEAN Canada is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, inclusion, and teamwork. They encourage all qualified applicants to inquire via IQ PARTNERS. Any disability-related needs will be accommodated throughout the recruitment process.