Director, Strategic Planning

MARS is focused on creating pure shopper delight—an invitation for shoppers to do more than just buy brands. It’s getting them to actually share their lives with those brands. That moment when a shopper physically touches a brand is the culmination of everything we do. And that brand needs to touch her back- her heart, her mind and her sense of what’s possible.

MARS is the number one shopper marketing agency in North America. We hone our craft by unlocking shopper insights and leveraging deep retailer knowledge to create memorable, profitable shopper connections. Our clients are national Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers—names you know and trust. Our team is composed of people with various backgrounds, but they share a talent for bringing thought leadership to our clients.

MARS is currently seeking a Director, Strategic Planning for our New York, NY office. This position serves as a key member of the agency team collaborating with client service, channel marketing and creative teams to develop a framework for strategic solutions and building positive relationships with clients. This role leads the consumer understanding and strategic framework development for the agency.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in client briefings
• Direct account and channel teams in defining information requirements/needs
• Lead primary and secondary research support
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from all available sources to provide strategic implications and creative inspiration
• Facilitate brainstorm sessions that inspire big, creative ideas
• Own development of shopper-focused intelligence gathering and insight development to guide program strategy
• Consumer/Shopper overview
• General market trend analysis
• Competitive/Category behavior assessment
• Lead creative briefing process and own the development of an insightful and inspiring creative brief
• Assist channel/account/planning teams in defining program strategy
• Ensure tactical plan achieves client objectives and strategies
• Provide support to the account/channel teams in the creation of a comprehensive plan
• Provide team/brand ongoing competitive assessments and industry news relative to shopper and consumer segments with implications
• Cultivate relationships with other account planners from other client agencies to facilitate information sharing

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or greater
• Minimum of 8 years experience in strategy and planning
• Dynamic personality able to effectively engage and influence a variety of audiences
• Strong analytical skills
• Proven leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Self starter with strong problem solving ability
• Capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously
• High level of energy and enthusiasm
• Comfortable with high pressure, fluid and ambiguous situations
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis

Apply here: http://hire.jobvite.com/j/?cj=o4pEWfwN&s=Path_to_Purchase