Associate Director Strategy

Associate Director Strategy

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, communications, behavioral science (sociology, psychology, anthropology) or analytic field (statistics, social science research) preferred
• 5-7 years of experience in research, strategic planning, or related field, preferably at an agency, CPG company, research company, or consulting firm
• Applied experience with database tools and systems such as MRI Simmons, Mintel, Infegy, YPulse
• Experience with sales (i.e. IRI/Nielsen/Retail Link), and shopper panel (IRI/Nielsen Panel, Numerator) data a plus
• Strong knowledge of North America retail environments and touchpoints (Global a plus)
• Able to communicate clearly, thoroughly, succinctly and in a timely manner both verbally and in writing; follows up on outstanding issues; asks relevant questions
• Critical thinking; drawing conclusions, find creative solutions, structured problem-solving approach
• Proven ability to communicate complex, technical concepts to non-quantitative audience
• Ability to build relationships across team, departments, vendors and clients
• Ability to effectively manage timelines and deliverables of multiple projects simultaneously
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills

Responsibilities

• Leads brand, creative, retail strategy in partnership with account teams (agency and client) on annual brand and campaign planning
• Takes ownership of building data-driven strategies to improve the effectiveness of communications programs
• Uncovers key consumer and shopper insights to deliver powerful marketing strategies to deliver inspiring creative that drives shopper behavior change
• Partners closely with research team in developing quantitative shopper studies and integrating learnings into marketing strategy
• Research innovative and cutting-edge techniques and methodologies
• Leads the development of relevant and inspirational creative briefs to solve client challenges
• Define the client’s challenge, business opportunity and shopper target
• Use research and strategy tools to gather information about the shopper/consumer and culture including: MRI Simmons, Mintel, YPulse, Infegy, Kantar Retail IQ, IRI Panel
• Identify consumer/shopper mindset and behavior to uncover pivotal insight and develop marketing strategy
• Takes agile, collaborative approach to briefing creative teams on their commerce assignments
• Evaluate creative concepts, ensuring they are on strategy and meet client objectives
• Present strategy section of program ideas and creative concepts presentation to client
• Evaluate national program tactics and media plans against agreed upon strategies to ensure alignment; suggest alternatives where necessary
• Support client’s annual planning activities and ad hoc requests by leveraging client research and all other available data sources/tools
• Proactively monitors consumer and retailer news and trends and share with broader strategy team and assigned client team(s)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sales (i.e. IRI/Nielsen/Retail Link), and shopper panel (IRI/Nielsen Panel, Numerator) data a plus
• Strong knowledge of North America retail environments and touchpoints (Global a plus)