We’re looking for a Strategic Planner to work on a major consumer goods client. Candidates must reside in a commutable distance to one of Mars United Commerce's hub locations in Chicago, New York, Dallas or Denver for a 3-4 day/week hybrid work schedule.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Serve as strategic liaison with internal and client teams for annual planning, program development, and brand stewardship across the integrated marketing mix.
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Assess and interpret existing consumer or shopper understanding; identify needs and knowledge gaps.
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Provide consumer and shopper perspectives and insights, including shopping and buying behavior, for individual projects. This includes the conducting of primary and secondary research.
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Influence creative strategy with compelling and thoughtful application of these insights.
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Be able to effectively integrate consumer and shopper insights into agency process.
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Maintain productive and regular communication with Account teams and client teams.
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Develop and deliver credible, succinct, and energetic presentations, briefs, or alternative planning deliverables that can be easily understood and acted upon.
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Identify emerging techniques and/or methodologies for qualitative projects (shopper insights, purchase motivation, consumer behavior, trend-spotting) or quantitative approaches.
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Perpetuate an understanding and utilization of Strategic Planning within cross-disciplinary teams.
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Share thought leadership pieces, new news, and industry ideas within Mars United Commerce.
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Contribute to agency New Business endeavors as called upon.
Demonstrations:
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Uses data to uncover insights.
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Finds and synthesizes trends and cultural fuel.
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Supports the development of and conducts primary research for either client or agency.
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Develops strategic implications.
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Drafts creative briefs and communication propositions.
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Attends internal meetings.
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Supports others across the larger planning team.
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Executes projects with excellence.
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Manages time effectively.
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Uses proprietary strategic models and tools on a regular basis.
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Continues to assist in knowledge sharing through internal communication events, training, and other written materials.
SKILLSETS REQUIRED:
A bachelor’s degree (recognized internationally) plus:
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2 plus years of professional service experience with client contact and project management.
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1 plus years of experience in marketing or marketing communications.
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Qualitative research or ethnography experience.
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Baseline understanding of research academics and methodologies.
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Strong analytical skills.
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Strong intuitive skills.
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Ability to inspire creative process.
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Ability to recognize and develop creative ideas.
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Professional presentation skills.
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Solid interpersonal skills.
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Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
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Collaborative – strong team working skills but also a self-starter.
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Organized and detail-oriented – must demonstrate attention to detail and ability to handle multiple. tasks/projects
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Bias for action and implementation.
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Positive attitude towards the role, the department, agency, and its clients.
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Positive professional team player who takes ownership of tasks and who seeks and accepts other responsibilities.
