I

Director, Brand Strategy

INNOCEAN
Full-time
On-site
Huntington Beach, California, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Director, Brand Strategy

πŸ”Ή Company: INNOCEAN USA

πŸ”Ή Location: Huntington Beach, California

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (2 days in-office)

πŸ”Ή Category: Advertising Services

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 22, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Local to Southern California

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading the strategic success of Hyundai's brand and products
  • Developing insight-driven strategies and creative briefs
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams and senior leadership
  • Uncovering opportunities, solving complex challenges, and ensuring consistent branding

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Responsible for the strategic success of Hyundai's brand and products, including EVs, hybrids, and other alt-fuel vehicles

βœ… Be the champion of the consumer, representing their needs and preferences in strategy development

βœ… Lead with curiosity to uncover untapped insights through studying culture, researching, and analyzing consumer data

βœ… Develop powerful, single-minded creative briefs that inspire creative teams and clients

βœ… Help build go-to-market plans for new vehicles and brand campaigns

βœ… Develop competitor analysis to inform plans and strategies

βœ… Be a trusted partner to clients, providing expert insights on the brand, audience, and competitive landscape

βœ… Assess the performance of the brand and effectiveness of campaigns via brand health and campaign tracking tools

βœ… Analyze market trends and identify new opportunities and challenges

βœ… Keep a finger on the pulse of culture, continually bringing new insights, references, and ways of thinking to the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the automotive industry, consumer behavior, and market trends.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 8+ years of experience in Brand Strategy, preferably in an ad agency or in-house creative strategy environment

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in brand strategy development
  • Excellent understanding of the full marketing mix
  • Proven thought-leader to agency teams and clients
  • Insatiable cultural and consumer curiosity
  • Data-driven approach, with experience in designing, commissioning, and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative research
  • Great storytelling: Top-level communication, writing, and presentation skills

Preferred Skills:

  • Automotive category experience
  • Portfolio of brand-building projects

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio and relevant industry experience will be prioritized.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $158,000 - $165,000 per year (dependent upon several factors including client, experience, training, and/or transferable skills)

Benefits:

  • 3 PPO Medical Plans through Anthem at low cost
  • Free Dental and Vision
  • 401k - up to 6% match at .70 cents on the dollar
  • Wellness reimbursement program
  • Company-paid short- and long-term disability, and basic life
  • Generous PTO
  • On-site Barista
  • Beautiful campus across from the Pacific Ocean

Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid (2 days in-office)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the factors mentioned.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services, specializing in automotive advertising

Company Size: 201-500 employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 2005, with a rich history and established client base

Company Description:

  • Mission-driven, with a focus on exploration, innovation, and intelligence
  • Client partners include Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, and other prominent brands
  • Encourages a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning

Company Specialties:

  • Advertising
  • CRM
  • Experiential
  • Event Marketing
  • Digital Marketing
  • Media

Company Website: http://www.innoceanusa.com

ASSUMPTION: INNOCEAN USA is a well-established agency with a strong reputation in the advertising industry.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level role, offering opportunities for growth and leadership

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Hyundai Brand Management

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 2 days in the office and the remaining days working remotely

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to lead and mentor junior strategists
  • Opportunities to work on multiple brands and categories
  • Possibility to grow into a leadership role within the agency

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site office with a hybrid work arrangement

Office Location(s): Huntington Beach, California

Geographic Context:

  • Located in sunny Huntington Beach, California
  • Close proximity to the Pacific Ocean
  • Access to various amenities and recreational activities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screen with the HR team
  • In-depth interview with the Senior Vice President, Hyundai Brand Management
  • Final interview with the Executive Creative Director and other key stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Cultural and consumer curiosity
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Industry-specific knowledge and experience

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant industry experience and achievements in your resume
  • Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company's mission
  • Prepare a portfolio showcasing your brand-building projects and strategic thinking
  • Research the company's clients and industry trends to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm

ATS Keywords: Brand Strategy, Automotive, Advertising, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Creative Briefs, Campaign Planning, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis

ASSUMPTION: Tailoring your application to the specific role and company will increase your chances of success.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • PowerPoint
  • Google Workspace
  • Social media listening and analytics tools
  • Market research platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Exploration: Always looking for new opportunities and ways to grow
  • Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals
  • Intelligence: Leveraging data and insights to drive decision-making
  • Innovation: Pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo

Work Style:

  • Hybrid work arrangement, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork
  • Fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Opportunities for growth and professional development
  • Self-Assessment Questions:

    • How do you stay curious and up-to-date with cultural trends and consumer behavior?
    • Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with a cross-functional team to achieve a common goal?
    • How do you approach problem-solving and strategic thinking in a fast-paced environment?

    ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the company's values and work style will be more successful in this role.

    ⚠️ Potential Challenges

    • Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
    • Balancing on-site collaboration and remote work
    • Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
    • Working with diverse teams and stakeholders

    ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication.

    πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

    • Unlike in-house roles, this position requires collaboration with multiple clients and agencies
    • Automotive industry experience is preferred but not required, as the role focuses on brand strategy rather than product-specific knowledge
    • This role offers opportunities to work on multiple brands and categories, providing diverse experience and growth potential

    ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique challenges and opportunities compared to similar positions in the industry.

    πŸ“ Sample Projects

    • Developing a brand strategy for a new electric vehicle launch, including consumer research, competitive analysis, and creative brief creation
    • Conducting a brand audit and rebranding effort for an established automotive manufacturer
    • Creating a go-to-market plan for a new brand entering the competitive automotive landscape

    ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and creative aspects of the role.

    ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

    • What are the biggest challenges facing the Hyundai brand, and how can this role address them?
    • How does the agency support the growth and development of its employees?
    • What opportunities are there for collaboration with other brands and categories within the agency?
    • How does the agency measure the success of its brand strategies and campaigns?
    • What is the work-life balance like for employees in this role?

    ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company.

    πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

    To apply for this position:

    • Submit your application through this link
    • Tailor your resume to highlight relevant industry experience and achievements
    • Write a cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and the company's mission
    • Prepare a portfolio showcasing your brand-building projects and strategic thinking
    • Follow up with the HR team one week after submission to inquire about your application status

    ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.