Job Description

I’m representing a global, independent integrated communications agency with a strong Middle East presence and a long-standing relationship with one of Abu Dhabi’s most high-profile semi-government entities. The business is owner-led, highly entrepreneurial and known for producing culturally relevant, globally resonant work. This role sits within a newly strengthened team following a retained account win and is considered critical to continuing this partnership strongly.

This is a senior, high-impact Strategic Planning Director role, dedicated to one flagship Abu Dhabi-based client. The position reports directly into the Managing Partner and works closely with senior creative leadership. This is not a traditional framework-led planning role. The client is demanding, sophisticated and global in outlook, requiring a strategist who brings strong point of view, confidence, cultural sensitivity and the ability to challenge thinking at a senior level.

The successful hire will be deeply embedded with the client, operating as a trusted strategic advisor while remaining a long-term employee of the agency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all strategic thinking for one flagship destination and tourism-focused client
• Act as the senior strategic partner to client stakeholders, building credibility and trust
• Challenge briefs and assumptions to uncover deeper business and cultural opportunities
• Develop global, multi-market strategies with strong cultural and audience insight
• Lead and facilitate senior-level strategic workshops and alignment sessions
• Translate insight into clear strategic direction, narratives and inspiring creative briefs
• Partner closely with creative leadership to unlock bold, effective work
• Ensure strategic consistency across campaigns while allowing creative ambition
• Deliver confident, compelling strategy presentations to senior stakeholders
• Stay across global tourism, travel and cultural trends, particularly key international source markets

Experience & Requirements

• Senior strategic planning experience within a creative or integrated agency
• Strong destination, travel or tourism marketing experience
• Proven exposure to global and multi-market campaigns
• Comfortable working closely with demanding, senior, semi-government clients
• Strong strategic writing, storytelling and presentation skills
• Confident challenging thinking and operating without heavy frameworks
• Native English preferred due to client-facing requirements
• International experience strongly valued

Thank you for your interest. All applications are viewed and evaluated according to the role requirements. We aim to contact shortlisted candidates within 2 weeks. As we often receive a high volume of applications, we are unable to reply to everyone. If you have not heard back from us within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.