Is there a product you buy so often, and so loyally, that it almost feels like part of who you are? 

If so, that’s probably thanks to a combination of two things: a great product and a great Brand Strategist.

The Creative Ladder’s Career Spotlight, presented by Smartsheet, features one of the many creative industry roles that today’s rising talents might want to consider as a rewarding career path. 

And if you want a career that’s always on the cutting edge of culture, creativity and insight, Brand Strategist could be a great fit. 

What this role does:

A brand strategist is responsible for helping companies develop and maintain a consistent brand identity. This includes conducting market research to understand the target audience and the competitive landscape, creating brand guidelines, developing brand messaging and positioning, and working with creative teams to ensure that all marketing materials align with the brand’s identity. 

Brand Strategists play crucial roles in shaping a company’s public perception in the market and helping companies stand out from their competition. They work closely with teams across the organization to ensure that the brand’s values and message are consistently communicated.

Salary range:

$74,000–$131,000 (average $98,000), per Glassdoor; $46,000–$131,000 (average $77,663), per Indeed.

Personality traits that thrive in this career: 

• Strong problem solving skills

• Collaboration and teamwork

• Curiosity and a passion for culture

• Excellent time management skills

What they love about their job:

“I love the freedom I’ve been given to reinvent a brand from the ground up, from naming to visual messaging and voice.” —Sam Kennedy, Brand Strategist

What recruiters look for in hiring this role:

• Experience in advertising and marketing at an agency or brand

• An ability to turn complex business goals into a simple, powerful strategy that shapes how customers think of the company’s brand

• An understanding of all the ways brands come to life through advertising, content, publicity, packaging and more

• Someone who can relate to both the audience and the brand, bridging any gaps that might exist between a company and its customers

A sample career path for this role:

• Associate Brand Strategist

• Brand Strategist

• Senior Brand Strategist

• Director of Brand Strategy

• Chief Strategy Officer