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Head of Creative Strategy (12 month mat cover)

Financial Times
Full-time
On-site
London, City of, United Kingdom
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Head of Creative Strategy (12 month mat cover)

πŸ”Ή Company: Financial Times

πŸ”Ή Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Temporary

πŸ”Ή Category: Newspaper Publishing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 9, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days onsite)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading a global team of creative strategists to deliver innovative content solutions.
  • Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality creative output and strategic alignment.
  • Contributing to and winning large new business pitches.
  • Fostering a high-energy, high-performance culture within the Creative Strategy team.
  • Partnering with FT Studio to ensure exceptional creative output and production quality for commercial partners.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative thinker with a proven track record in leading teams and driving successful campaigns.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead a global team of multidisciplinary individuals to deliver best-in-class creative solutions and content.

βœ… Inspire and cultivate a high-energy, high-performance culture within the Creative Strategy team.

βœ… Collaborate closely with FT Studio to ensure exceptional creative output and production quality for commercial partners.

βœ… Take a lead or contributory role in ideation sessions, helping to shape strategic and creative solutions for client opportunities.

βœ… Work alongside creative strategists and subject matter experts to build client confidence in the FT’s ability to tell their stories effectively.

βœ… Partner with internal stakeholders to uphold quality control standards across strategic pitches and content output.

βœ… Foster strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, including presentation delivery, workshop facilitation, and relationship management.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience.

Experience: Proven leadership experience, with a track record of managing and inspiring creative and strategic teams. Strong background in developing and executing brand, campaign, and communications strategies. Demonstrated success in contributing to and winning large new business pitches.

Required Skills:

  • Excellent communication skills, including presentation delivery, workshop facilitation, and relationship management.
  • Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to develop insight-led solutions for client and brand partners.
  • Deep understanding of the media landscape, including new media technologies, platforms, and content activation.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic news environment.
  • Fluency in additional languages.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio demonstrating their creative strategy and leadership skills will be highly competitive for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£80,000 - Β£100,000 per annum (pro-rated for the 12-month contract)

Benefits:

  • Generous annual leave
  • Medical cover
  • Inclusive parental leave packages
  • Subsidised gym memberships
  • Opportunities to give back to the community

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid working model (averaging 2-3 days onsite).

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the FT's internal salary structure.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: The Financial Times is a leading global business news organisation, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity, and accuracy. It has a record paying readership of one million, three-quarters of which are digital subscriptions.

Company Size: The FT has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment.

Founded: The FT was founded in 1888 and has since grown into a global news organisation with a strong reputation for quality journalism.

Company Description:

  • One of the world’s leading business news organisations
  • Recognised internationally for its authority, integrity, and accuracy
  • Offers a wide range of information, news, and services for the global business community

Company Specialties:

  • Business news and analysis
  • Global markets and investment
  • Technology and innovation

Company Website: www.ft.com

ASSUMPTION: The FT's large size and global presence offer candidates the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and collaborate with diverse teams.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the FT's Chief Marketing Officer.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Creative Strategy will lead a global team of creative strategists and will work closely with FT Studio and other internal stakeholders.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid working model, with employees averaging 2-3 days onsite per week.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to grow and develop the Creative Strategy team
  • Opportunities to work on high-profile client projects and campaigns
  • Possibility to progress into a more senior or broader role within the FT

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the FT's creative strategy and output, with potential for growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The FT's London office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): 1 Friday Street, Bracken House, London, EC4M 9BT, GB

Geographic Context:

  • London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving business and creative scene
  • The FT's office is located in the City of London, a major financial hub
  • The office is easily accessible by public transportation

Work Schedule: The hybrid working model allows for flexibility in work hours, with employees expected to work core hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

ASSUMPTION: The FT's London office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume screening
  • Phone or video screening with the HR team
  • In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
  • Final interview with the FT's Chief Marketing Officer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Leadership and team management
  • Understanding of the media landscape and creative strategy

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare examples of your creative strategy work and be ready to discuss them in the interview
  • Research the FT and its competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the industry

ATS Keywords: Creative strategy, leadership, team management, brand development, campaign execution, new business pitches, media landscape, communication skills, presentation delivery, workshop facilitation, relationship management, strategic thinking, creative thinking, insight-led solutions, collaboration, quality control

ASSUMPTION: The FT's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, with a focus on communication, strategic thinking, and leadership.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
  • Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The FT uses industry-standard tools and technologies to support its creative strategy and content development processes.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Independence
  • Quality and accuracy
  • Fairness and integrity
  • Courage
  • Collaboration

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Fast-paced and dynamic
  • Results-driven and innovative

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
  • Are you comfortable working with diverse teams and stakeholders?
  • Do you have a proven track record of driving successful creative campaigns?

ASSUMPTION: The FT values candidates who are independent thinkers, committed to quality and accuracy, and able to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a global team with diverse time zones and cultural backgrounds
  • Balancing the demands of internal stakeholders and commercial partners
  • Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing media landscape
  • Adapting to the hybrid working model and maintaining team cohesion

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is unique in its focus on creative strategy and leadership within a global news organisation
  • Similar roles may be found in advertising agencies, marketing consultancies, or other media companies
  • Career progression may include moving into a more senior role within the FT or transitioning into a related field, such as marketing or communications

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to lead creative strategy within a prestigious global news organisation, with potential for growth and development in related fields.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a comprehensive creative strategy for a major global brand
  • Leading a team to create and execute a high-profile campaign for a major event or product launch
  • Collaborating with internal stakeholders to create a new brand identity or visual language

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of creative strategy and leadership opportunities available in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does this role fit into the broader creative strategy and marketing efforts of the FT?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does the FT support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What is the FT's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
  • How does the FT measure the success of its creative strategy and content development efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the FT's culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare examples of your creative strategy work and be ready to discuss them in the interview
  • Research the FT and its competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the industry
  • Follow up with the FT's HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

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