Catalyst Academy – UK – Strategy

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

VML (Wunderman Thompson)

London, England, United Kingdom

On-site

Posted May 5, 2026

Job Description

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

Strategy’s job is to work out how to solve the problems brands face. That might be: “Young people think our brand is for their parents,” or “We’ve launched a premium product, but people don’t understand why it costs more.” Strategists work with account teams to define what the client wants to achieve, with data and insight teams to understand how to get there, and with creatives to shape the idea that will make it happen.

What you'll need:

Curiosity: Are you interested in why people think, feel and behave the way they do?
Storytelling: Can you take something complicated and make it simple, compelling and easy to understand?
Contrarian thinking: Do you see things differently? Are you drawn to ideas that challenge the obvious answer?

What you'll learn:

How to diagnose a brand problem: Understanding the client’s business, audience and market to work out what really needs to change.
How to find and shape an insight: Learning how to turn data, research and cultural observation into something useful and inspiring.
How to brief and sell creative work: Learning how to write a clear creative brief, shape ideas with creatives, and tell the story of why the work is right.

What you'll get from us:

Be part of an exceptional industry-leading entry-level programme that combines training modules with practical work experience, where you will receive:

Competitive salary
Real work and responsibilities
In-depth training curriculum
1 week onboarding including training, eLearning and group projects
Bespoke client briefs throughout the 12 months
Access to the wider WPP network
A multitude of groups and communities you can be part of
The opportunity to make your mark

#LI-EMEA #LI-HYBRID

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to 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.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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