Senior Strategist - Marketing / Advertising Agency Manchester - Hybrid working £40,000 - £50,000 benefits (depending on experience) Focus 5 Recruitment is partnering with a leading marketing / advertising agency based in Manchester to find a talented and experienced Strategist. This is a senior-level opportunity within a well-established, forward-thinking agency that works with some of the UK’s most recognisable brands. This Strategist role is ideal for someone who thrives on collaboration and has a healthy mix of creativity, strategic thinking, and analytical capability. You’ll help shape the direction of client campaigns, driving performance and innovation across social platforms and, in some cases, broader digital channels. Why this Strategist role? You’ll be stepping into a role where your work truly matters—where you can see and measure the impact of your strategies. You'll be involved in delivering high-profile campaigns and developing strong relationships with household name clients. It’s also a place with clear progression paths and the chance to grow alongside some of the best talent in the industry. Key Areas of Responsibility for the Senior Strategist: 1. Research & Insight Use segmentation tools to create defined audience profiles, analysing how they use social across the full customer journey. Conduct audits of brand social media performance, alongside competitor and market benchmarking. Stay on top of emerging trends, platform updates, and algorithm shifts to help the team stay ahead of the curve. 2. Strategy & Planning Support clients in setting SMART objectives that align with their wider business and marketing goals. Design and execute social strategies across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter). Contribute to thought-leadership pieces and internal presentations around evolving social topics. Lay the strategic groundwork to inspire creative teams and content creators. Collaborate closely with in-house content and creator teams to: Shape platform-specific content calendars and campaign messaging. Refine brand voice and tone across touchpoints. Guide paid social campaign strategy to ensure ROI is maximised. Identify relevant influencers or brand partners to expand reach and impact. 3. Measurement & Optimisation Monitor performance using relevant tools and metrics, sharing clear insights and recommendations. Drive continual optimisation through evidence-based strategic input. Maintain strong client relationships through regular performance updates and strategic reviews. What we’re looking for: 4 years in a strategy-focused, client-facing role within a marketing or advertising agency. Solid understanding of social media platforms and their role in wider marketing strategies. A strong portfolio of work showcasing strategic thinking, innovation, and commercial impact. Experience in other areas of digital marketing would be a bonus. This is an active vacancy with one of our key clients. If you’re a Strategist ready to take the next step in your career and want to work with a progressive and well-respected agency, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now for immediate consideration.