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# VP of Brand Strategy – Chicago, IL


Role Overview for VP of Brand Strategy – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in connecting top-tier talent with industry-leading organizations, is actively seeking a visionary and dynamic Vice President of Brand Strategy. This pivotal leadership role is based in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, and represents an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of a prominent brand within the consumer goods sector. Our esteemed client, a rapidly growing and innovative company, is at the forefront of its industry, known for its commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach.
As the VP of Brand Strategy, you will be the architect of the brand’s narrative, responsible for defining, evolving, and amplifying its presence in a competitive marketplace. This is more than a leadership position; it’s a chance to leave an indelible mark on a brand’s legacy, driving its strategic direction and ensuring its resonance with target audiences globally. You will lead a talented team, collaborate closely with executive leadership, and infuse every aspect of the organization with a cohesive and compelling brand identity. Your expertise will be crucial in translating business objectives into powerful brand strategies that foster deep customer loyalty, drive market share growth, and enhance brand equity.
This role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in developing and executing high-impact brand initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and the ever-evolving digital landscape. You will be instrumental in identifying emerging trends, leveraging data-driven insights, and fostering innovation to keep the brand at the cutting edge. If you are a seasoned brand leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for storytelling, and a desire to make a significant impact, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity with JRG Partners and our distinguished client in Chicago.
The successful VP of Brand Strategy will report directly to the Chief Marketing Officer or equivalent executive, playing a critical role in the senior leadership team. This position offers not just a challenging career path but also the opportunity to contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You will be empowered to drive change, champion new ideas, and build a brand that truly stands out. The scope of this role extends beyond traditional marketing, touching product development, customer experience, corporate communications, and sales enablement, ensuring a holistic approach to brand management.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Brand Strategy – Chicago, IL
The Vice President of Brand Strategy will be entrusted with a comprehensive set of responsibilities critical to the brand’s success and market leadership. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Brand Development & Vision:
Define and articulate the long-term vision, mission, values, and positioning for the brand, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and market opportunities.
Develop comprehensive multi-year brand strategies, roadmaps, and tactical plans that drive brand awareness, preference, and loyalty across all touchpoints.
Continuously monitor market trends, consumer insights, competitive landscape, and technological advancements to identify new opportunities and potential threats to brand health.
Lead the strategic planning process for brand initiatives, including new product launches, market expansions, and brand refreshes.
Market Research & Consumer Insights:
Oversee and direct qualitative and quantitative market research efforts to gain deep understanding of target audiences, their needs, motivations, and behaviors.
Translate complex data and insights into actionable brand strategies and compelling narratives.
Utilize data analytics to measure brand performance, track key KPIs, and optimize strategies for maximum impact and ROI.
Brand Positioning & Messaging:
Develop and refine unique brand positioning statements, value propositions, and messaging frameworks that differentiate the brand in crowded markets.
Ensure consistent brand voice, tone, and visual identity across all internal and external communications, marketing materials, and product experiences.
Guide the creation of compelling brand stories and content strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.
Integrated Marketing Campaign Leadership:
Collaborate with marketing, product, sales, and creative teams to ensure brand strategy is effectively integrated into all marketing campaigns and initiatives (digital, traditional, experiential).
Provide strategic oversight for campaign development, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and objectives.
Champion innovative approaches to reach and engage target consumers, staying ahead of the curve in the evolving landscape of brand strategy.
Team Leadership & Development:
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of brand strategists, managers, and specialists.
Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning within the brand team.
Manage resource allocation, budget, and project timelines effectively to ensure successful execution of brand initiatives.
Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:
Act as a key strategic partner to executive leadership, product development, sales, and other departments, ensuring brand strategy informs and aligns with all business functions.
Present brand strategies, performance reports, and market insights to senior leadership and key stakeholders, gaining buy-in and driving consensus.
Manage relationships with external agencies, consultants, and partners to leverage specialized expertise and resources.
Brand Governance & Protection:
Establish and enforce brand guidelines, standards, and best practices across the organization.
Monitor brand health and reputation, proactively addressing any issues or challenges that may impact brand perception.
Ensure legal compliance and protection of brand assets, trademarks, and intellectual property.

Requirements for the VP of Brand Strategy – Chicago, IL
To excel in this demanding yet highly rewarding role, candidates must demonstrate a robust blend of strategic acumen, leadership capabilities, and extensive hands-on experience in brand strategy. JRG Partners is seeking an individual who not only meets but exceeds the following qualifications:

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field is required.
An MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 12-15+ years of progressive experience in brand strategy, brand management, or strategic marketing roles, with a significant portion at a senior leadership level (Director or VP).
Proven track record of successfully developing and executing impactful brand strategies for established and/or growth-oriented brands, ideally within the consumer goods or a related consumer-facing sector.
Experience leading and managing teams of brand professionals, demonstrating strong mentorship and development skills.
Demonstrated ability to drive brand growth, market share, and revenue through strategic initiatives.
Experience working with global brands or in international markets is a strong asset.
Skills & Competencies:
Strategic Visionary: Ability to think big-picture, anticipate market shifts, and develop long-term brand strategies that align with overarching business goals.
Analytical & Data-Driven: Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex market data, consumer insights, and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions. Proficient in market research methodologies and tools.
Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and inspire cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of an organization. Strong executive presence and presentation skills.
Communication Excellence: Superior written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Ability to craft compelling brand narratives.
Creativity & Innovation: A creative mindset with a passion for innovation and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking to develop groundbreaking brand solutions.
Business Acumen: Deep understanding of business operations, financial metrics, and how brand strategy contributes directly to commercial success.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing market conditions.
Collaboration: Highly collaborative with a proven ability to build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
Digital Fluency: Strong understanding of digital marketing channels, social media, SEO, content marketing, and their role in modern brand strategy.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client understands that attracting and retaining top talent requires a commitment to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. As the VP of Brand Strategy, you will be offered an executive-level compensation package designed to reward your expertise and contributions. This includes:

Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience and industry standards.
Performance-based annual bonus and/or long-term incentive plan (e.g., equity or stock options).
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, with generous employer contributions.
Robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, designed to support your financial future.
Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Opportunities for professional development, executive coaching, and continuous learning to enhance your skills and career trajectory.
A dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive work environment in the heart of Chicago, offering a blend of in-office and flexible work options.
Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies to support your strategic initiatives.
Employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and other perks designed to promote work-life balance and overall well-being.
The chance to work with a highly respected leadership team and make a significant impact on a growing, influential brand.

How to Apply
If you are a visionary brand leader ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role as the Vice President of Brand Strategy in Chicago, JRG Partners invites you to submit your application. This is an exclusive executive search being conducted by our expert team, ensuring a confidential and streamlined process.
To express your interest and be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your detailed resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience, strategic achievements, and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. In your cover letter, please highlight specific examples of how you have successfully developed and executed brand strategies that led to measurable business growth.
We encourage you to learn more about our specialized executive search capabilities and how we partner with leading organizations to find transformative talent by visiting our Marketing & Sales Executive Search practice area page. JRG Partners is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.
Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
JRG Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.