Brand Strategist

With new projects starting and existing clients growing quickly, we’re looking for someone to help lead strategy work at Only. As a strategist, you will be working with clients across a range of sectors, helping to deliver brand and marketing projects. About Only Only is a branding agency dedicated to creating impactful brands that unite teams and inspire audiences through simple, powerful ideas. As part of our mission to transform brands into clear, powerful leaders that drive cultural and creative impact, we are looking for an ambitious and proactive strategist to join our small, expert team. Our approach to strategy is guided by a belief in the power of simplicity. We help clients distill complex ideas into clear, powerful brands that captivate, endure, and drive meaningful change. Through our commitment to clarity, creativity and enduring value, we guide our clients toward a compelling vision for the future, fostering positive change within their organisations and the wider world. We are proud to be an independent B Corp, partnering with creative and purposeful brands such as Cambridge Audio, Soccer Aid, Cardiff University and NTT. We welcome the very best people to our team and champion all of the different opinions, ideas and life experiences that they bring, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation and socio-economic background. About You We are looking for someone who values collaboration and flexibility, and is willing to assist in various areas—from client work to developing agency processes. You should demonstrate proven experience as a Strategist and be comfortable contributing to research, creative ideation, and writing. As a Strategist, you will be deeply immersed in culture, trends and the shifting social landscape. You will possess a confident, personable and culturally informed style that adapts to various brand sectors and engages clients effectively. Your ability to flex across different disciplines and collaborate with different members of the team will be key to the role. Responsibilities Conduct audience and market research and competitor audit. Distill complex information, research and context into clear strategic directions or creative briefs Use design knowledge to create clear briefs, tell compelling stories, and enhance communication between strategy and design teams Design and lead strategy workshops with clients to establish project direction Formulate brand strategy outputs such as brand ideas, vision, mission, values, and positioning Liaise with designers throughout the creative ideation process to ensure consistency with strategic goals Provide integral support in continuing to develop Only’s strategy process Develop strategy resources, including deck templates, workshop templates and strategy briefing documents Maintain cultural awareness and promote diversity Demonstrate excellent writing skills Exhibit excellent organisational skills and adeptness in multi-tasking. Salary and benefits We are committed to ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued for their work. We provide equal opportunities and support flexible working arrangements to nurture a healthy work/life balance, though applicants are expected to work primarily from our studio in Manchester. Open to full or part-time applicants Salary: £40k to £50k pro rata, depending on experience, plus profit share scheme 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays Studio closure between Christmas and New Year Cycle to work scheme How to apply Please share your CV and short covering note to workonlystudio.co.uk using the subject line ‘Strategist’. We’d love to learn a bit about you, your strengths, and your interest in the role. Applications close 20th August.