Senior Business Strategist

At AKQA innovation is a core value. Our multi-disciplinary teams are tasked with disrupting business models, designing customer experience strategies, and building product and service innovations that grow business and continuously deliver value. Our Intelligence CoE offers global business and growth consulting services, in strong collaboration with other AKQA disciplines. We partner with our clients to define and guide them through their digital transformation journey. We are currently looking for a Senior Business Strategist who will work at international level on strategic and organisational topics. As a Senior Business Strategist, you will be responsible for solving client briefs with a strategic point of view, assessing the viability of new innovation opportunities, sizing opportunities, building P&Ls and engaging other team members and client representatives around a shared roadmap to implement brand and experience innovations. You will combine qualitative‑quantitative research, market analysis, data, analytics and problem‑solving and business planning methods into recommendations that contribute to overall project deliverables. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and talented consultant / entrepreneur / innovator naturally inclined to work across functions with different colleagues, both internally and with the client team. We seek a risk‑taker and intellectually curious individual, eager to contribute to the fast growth of our teams in our global AKQA studios. Based in our Johannesburg studio, you will join a cross‑functional team focused on delivering outstanding outcomes while having fun and learning from each other. ROLE REQUIREMENTS Analyse data, market trends, and industry benchmarks to provide data‑driven insights to clients to offer innovative solutions and customised innovation strategies, positioning AKQA at the cutting edge of research and insight. Build and maintain strong customer relationships by understanding their business needs, challenges, and objectives and develop and implement strategic plans Develop, research, analyse, and refine points of view and problems to solve Define business models and innovative solutions by running (client) workshops and dynamic sessions Translate a business model into a set of assumptions for a business plan and develop such business plan / ROI modelling using market research, relevant benchmarks and own estimates Understand and evaluate the operational impact of your strategic recommendations Map and understand the organisational model of the client and identify challenges to solve as well as the key stakeholders Measure project success using KPIs and comprehensive progress reports Proactively creating and converting new revenue opportunities with new and existing clients. QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS You have experience in a senior role in business consulting, venture development, product management or customer experience, either at an agency or within an enterprise or product organisation. You should have experience defining and implementing growth, business and innovation strategies and initiatives across a range of industries. You have depth of expertise developing commercially sound, end‑end strategic plans for different types of innovation programmes. You have a good understanding of P&L of new / existing businesses and main cost / revenue drivers. You are able to translate a business model into a set of assumptions for a business plan using market research, relevant benchmarks and own estimates. You are able to evaluate the operational impact of strategic recommendations and define / monitor KPIs effectively. You have an understanding of how business, brands, and consumers interact, and how technology is impacting their lives Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and the ability to interface with clients of a Head, Director, VP, and C‑Suite seniority. Explore our extensive range of benefits here. We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach including required in‑office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. #J-18808-Ljbffr