Senior Director, Coca Cola Creative Strategy

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Director, Coca-Cola Creative Strategy

🔹 Company: The Coca-Cola Company

🔹 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing creative strategy for Coca-Cola Trademark Eurasia & Middle East and the Global Network
• Overseeing the creation and production of content and advertising materials for all Coca-Cola plans in Eurasia & Middle East
• Collaborating with the Global Category team to define opportunities for brand growth and translate them into amazing content and actionable strategies
• Working closely with extended teams to develop End-to-End Plans behind different initiatives
• Leading Global and Regional Charters in collaboration with the Global Team and other Operating Units

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior and cultural trends.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Leads the creative strategy and development across marketing sub-functions, including Design, Social Strategy, Connections, Human Insights, Consumer & Shopper Engagement, Digital, Media, and Global StudioX

✅ Partners with Operating Unit Brand Teams to shape brand/platform vision and growth strategy, including input on investment recommendations

✅ Authors and aligns stakeholders to IMX briefs; leads agency briefings and develops measurement strategies for campaign effectiveness

✅ Translates killer insights, identified with the Human Insights Team, into powerful Creative Strategies and Briefs

✅ Builds and manages brand storytelling platforms with consistency and strategic continuity across formats and connection points

✅ Develops and manages Core Creative Ideas for global, regional, local, and long-term brand platforms

✅ Amplifies and translates Global Core Creative Ideas into local relevant and contemporary communications that mobilize the Coca-Cola Company system and drive Brand Love (Equity) and Brand Value (Transactions, Weekly+ Consumers, Baskets, etc.)

✅ Ensures all brand expressions align with Brand Essence and Architecture

✅ Oversees execution plans that express the Core Creative Idea with consistency and craft

✅ Relentlessly pushes for innovative, social-first, consumer-centric brand experiences

✅ Collaborates with counterparts across all 9 Operating Units & Global Team to develop and execute cohesive brand/category creative strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, requiring strong communication and influencing skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 12-15+ years of significant marketing experience, with a strong consumer understanding and grasp of cultural trends

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to develop liquid ideas into actionable strategy and execution
• Experience working within agile, cross-functional teams
• Experience in leading overall IMX / communication strategies
• Preferred background in agency creative or strategic planning
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and uncover new growth spaces driven by insights and culture

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in multiple languages (English is required)
• Experience working in the beverage industry

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their creative strategy and development skills.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 (Estimated, based on industry standards for a senior director role in the beverage industry, with experience level and location considered)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Employee discounts on Coca-Cola products

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed

ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Coca-Cola Company operates in the Food and Beverage Services industry, with a focus on non-alcoholic beverages. The company is a global leader in the beverage industry, with a portfolio of over 200 brands.

Company Size: The Coca-Cola Company is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects.

Founded: The Coca-Cola Company was founded in 1886 and has since grown into a multinational corporation with a strong global presence.

Company Description:

• The Coca-Cola Company is committed to bringing about real change, innovating its portfolio, and transforming its business to grow in more sustainable ways
• The company employs over 700,000 people throughout its global system alongside bottling partners
• The Coca-Cola Company is dedicated to refreshing the world and making a difference

Company Specialties:

• Beverages

Company Website: http://www.coca-colacompany.com

ASSUMPTION: The Coca-Cola Company's large size and global presence offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Director roles typically fall within the senior management level, reporting directly to the Vice President or similar executive

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Vice President of Creative Strategy, Eurasia & Middle East

Work Arrangement: This role is based in Istanbul, Turkey, with occasional travel required for collaboration with global teams

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to Vice President or similar executive role within the creative strategy function
• Opportunities to work on global campaigns and collaborate with diverse teams
• Chance to gain experience in a large, multinational corporation and develop leadership skills

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with exposure to global campaigns and diverse teams.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Coca-Cola Company's Istanbul office is a modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on innovation and creativity

Office Location(s): Istanbul, Turkey

Geographic Context:

• Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and serves as a major cultural, historical, and economic hub
• The city offers a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighborhoods
• Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed

ASSUMPTION: Istanbul offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, providing a rich and diverse work environment for employees.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
• Final interview with the Vice President of Creative Strategy, Eurasia & Middle East

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving
• Leadership and team management skills
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your creative strategy and development skills, as well as your experience working with cross-functional teams
• Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to develop liquid ideas into actionable strategies and executions
• Research the Coca-Cola Company and its creative strategy function to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values

ATS Keywords: Creative Strategy, Brand Growth, Content Development, Advertising, Consumer Engagement, Digital Media, Social Strategy, Human Insights, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Campaign Effectiveness, Brand Storytelling, Innovative Experiences, Cultural Trends, Agile Teams, Strategic Planning, Measurement Strategies

ASSUMPTION: The Coca-Cola Company's application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experience throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for creative strategy and development positions within the marketing industry.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Leadership: We lead with our values, putting people first and challenging the status quo
• Collaboration: We succeed together, working across boundaries and embracing diverse perspectives
• Integrity: We act with integrity, always doing the right thing

Work Style:

• Innovative: We embrace change and continuously seek new and better ways to do things
• Agile: We move quickly and adapt to changing circumstances
• Collaborative: We work together to achieve common goals and drive results

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and are you comfortable working with diverse teams?
• Are you able to develop and execute creative strategies that align with brand essence and architecture?
• Do you have a strong understanding of consumer behavior and cultural trends, and can you translate insights into powerful creative strategies and briefs?

ASSUMPTION: The Coca-Cola Company values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work effectively with teams from various backgrounds and cultures.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires a high degree of collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, which can be challenging at times
• The role may require occasional travel, which can be demanding and disruptive to personal schedules
• The role involves working with a wide range of stakeholders, which can be complex and time-consuming
• The role requires a strong understanding of consumer behavior and cultural trends, which can be difficult to keep up with in a rapidly changing market

ASSUMPTION: The challenges associated with this role are outweighed by the opportunities for career growth and development within the Coca-Cola Company.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other senior director roles within the creative strategy function, but with a focus on the Coca-Cola Trademark Eurasia & Middle East and the Global Network
• Compared to other roles within the beverage industry, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on global campaigns and collaborate with diverse teams
• Career paths for this role may include advancement to vice president or similar executive roles within the creative strategy function

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work on global campaigns and collaborate with diverse teams, setting it apart from similar roles within the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a creative strategy for a global campaign to launch a new product line
• Collaborating with a cross-functional team to create a brand storytelling platform that resonates with consumers across multiple regions
• Leading a team to develop and execute a campaign that drives brand love and brand value for an existing product

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of creative strategy and development work that candidates can expect to engage in within this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the creative strategy function?
• How does this role collaborate with other functions within the Coca-Cola Company, such as marketing, sales, and operations?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the Coca-Cola Company support the growth and development of its employees?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company, and to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the interview process.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your creative strategy and development skills, as well as your experience working with cross-functional teams
• Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to develop liquid ideas into actionable strategies and executions
• Research the Coca-Cola Company and its creative strategy function to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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