Catalyst Academy – Germany – Strategy & New Business

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

We help create connected brands that drive growth and shape culture. We're a diverse team of brand strategists, customer experience specialists, creative technologists, and data experts. We partner with creative, client service, commerce, and UX teams to transform client challenges into tangible growth. What do we do? We dive deep. We dissect client businesses, understand customer needs, and decode cultural trends to uncover the insights that fuel breakthrough ideas. We're researchers, workshop facilitators, strategic planners, and problem-solvers leveraging tools like journey mapping, messaging frameworks, creative briefs, and brand positioning frameworks to craft actionable strategies. Collaboration is key. You'll work alongside talented professionals across departments, ensuring every creative execution is strategically sound and commercially successful. Beyond brand and customer experience solutions, we also contribute to broader business and growth strategies, helping clients identify new opportunities, optimize their marketing efforts, and build stronger brands.

New Business

We drive growth by turning opportunities into new client partnerships—and making VML visible where it matters most. As part of the New Business team, you’ll be at the heart of how the agency grows: identifying leads, supporting pitch processes, and shaping compelling proposals that win work. We dive deep. We research prospective clients, analyze markets, and explore strategic topics like competitor screening and POV development to understand where and how we can stand out. Visibility is key—so we turn insights into clear, relevant propositions and strong narratives that position VML in a competitive landscape. You’ll collaborate closely with teams across strategy, creative, and client service—bringing together capabilities and ideas into cohesive responses that resonate with potential clients. From first contact to final pitch, you’ll help structure and support the process of turning potential into partnership. Beyond pitches, we contribute to broader growth initiatives—refining how VML shows up in the market, identifying new areas of opportunity, and continuously strengthening our presence and positioning.

What You'll Need

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Proactive & Organized Mindset
• Interest in Business Development & Strategy
• Analytical curiosity
• Collaborative spirit
• Presentation skills

What You'll Learn

• Critical strategic thinking
• Strategic framework application fueled by Design Thinking and agile principles
• Creative and data-driven storytelling
• Lead Generation & Opportunity
• Research Pitch Development & Coordination
• New Business Strategy & Process Management

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

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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