Posted 4 days ago

Strategy Director

AP010 Edelman China China, Shanghai, China
Onsite Full Time
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Job description

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Role introduction Edelman is investing in building creative and strategic capabilities in China as part of our continued commitment to growth in one of our most important markets. We are looking for a senior strategist who combines deep brand thinking with an instinct for culture—someone who understands how ideas earn attention, shape conversations and create lasting brand relevance. This role will focus on leading strategic thinking for FMCG, one of our most significant growth opportunities in China, while partnering across a broader portfolio spanning food & beverage, beauty and cosmetics, sports and lifestyle, with opportunities to shape work in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles. You'll help clients navigate a communications landscape where culture moves faster than media plans, social platforms shape consumer behaviour, and earned ideas have the power to influence business outcomes. Success in this role requires equal parts strategic rigour, cultural curiosity and commercial thinking. The Role 10–12 years' experience in brand strategy, communications planning or integrated planning within leading agencies or brand organisations. Strong experience working on leading FMCG brands, ideally across food & beverage, beauty and cosmetics. Experience in sports, lifestyle or electric vehicles is a plus. Deep understanding of the Chinese consumer landscape, with strong knowledge of local culture, media and social platforms including Xiaohongshu (RED), Douyin, WeChat and Weibo. A strategist who believes in earned-first thinking and understands how brands build trust, relevance and influence through ideas that people choose to engage with. Naturally curious with a strong instinct for culture. You actively identify emerging behaviours, conversations and tensions, and translate them into meaningful opportunities for brands. Commercially minded and proactive, with the confidence to originate opportunities and shape client agendas rather than simply respond to briefs. Able to connect business ambition, brand strategy, consumer insight and cultural understanding into clear strategic direction. An inspiring storyteller and facilitator who can influence senior stakeholders and simplify complex challenges. Fluent Mandarin is essential; strong English communication skills are preferred for collaboration across APAC and global teams. Key Responsibilities Lead strategic thinking for brands while supporting the growth of Edelman's portfolio across food & beverage, beauty, sports & lifestyle and other priority sectors. Develop integrated, earned-first brand and communications strategies that drive business growth and inspire exceptional creative work. Translate consumer, category and cultural insight into compelling strategic narratives, creative briefs and platform ideas. Identify emerging cultural shifts, platform behaviours and social conversations to create proactive opportunities that keep clients ahead of the market. Partner closely with creative, client Leadership and regional strategy teams to deliver integrated work across earned, social, owned, paid and experiential channels. Lead client workshops, strategic planning sessions and senior stakeholder discussions, building confidence in Edelman's strategic point of view. Contribute to business growth by identifying new opportunities, strengthening client relationships and supporting new business pitches. The talent will join the regional Strategy community, fully aligning with China business needs and collaborating closely with the regional team to drive cross-regional delivery. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. It started with one man’s passion to make an impact through stories… 70 years later, we are the world’s largest communications firm, which fosters an environment where people feel empowered to take the kind of bold action that makes careers, reshapes industries, and creates the unexpected. We are one global team, over 6,000 strong across 60 offices, grounded by our shared values. We promise an experience where our employees see that boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. Since Dan Edelman founded the firm in 1952, we have remained an independent, family-run business, and our culture is one that brings understanding, collaboration, and respect to our work and to each other. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our clients, and our communities, and propel us forward as a company. At Edelman, we are in relentless pursuit of a fair and inspiring workplace that is respectful to all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust and collaboration. Each day and on each project, we strive to ensure that our colleagues feel a sense of true inclusion and belonging and can bring their best to their work— taking action and shaping impactful moments and movements within our company, on behalf of our clients, and within communities around the globe. The relentless pursuit of excellence The freedom to be constantly curious The courage to do the right thing The commitment to positively impact society. We grow our people We invite and celebrate differences Our reputation is our brand We’re global, yet local We offer more than just a career – we offer a place to grow, make a meaningful impact, and help drive change alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our culture is built on trust, innovation, and inclusivity, where unique perspectives are not only welcomed, but celebrated. At Edelman, your ambitions are supported, your voice matters and your work contributes to shaping the future of communications and clients’ business. Join our talent community to receive the latest DJE Holdings news and content, and to be notified when job openings match your skills and experience.