The Mars Agency is an award-winning, independently owned global commerce marketing practice with a growth-for-clients focus. With talent spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia, we create breakthrough, connected commerce solutions by balancing the smartest humanity with the latest technology. The agency's latest MarTech platform, Marilyn®, is the industry's first and only end-to-end commerce advisor.
We're looking for a Director, Strategic Planning. Our Directors serve as key members of the agency team, collaborating with client leadership, channel marketing, media, and creative teams to develop a framework for strategic solutions and build positive relationships with clients. We are looking for someone to drive the development of shopper insights and strategy for CPG-specific commerce marketing opportunities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in initial client briefings.
• Work cross-functionally within the agency to ensure the successful execution of client and agency strategies.
• Consult with account and channel teams to define information requirements/needs.
• Lead and own the development of shopper-focused intelligence gathering and insight development to guide program strategy.
• Facilitate primary and secondary research support.
• Facilitate brainstorm sessions that inspire big, creative ideas.
• Synthesize data to provide strategic implications and creative inspiration.
• Facilitate creative briefing process and own the development of an insightful and inspiring creative brief.
• Ensure tactical plan achieves client objectives and strategies.
• Provide team/brand ongoing competitive assessments and industry news relative to shopper and consumer segments.
• Consumer/Shopper overview.
• General market trend analysis.
• Competitive/Category behavior assessment.
• Executes projects with excellence.
• Manages time effectively.
• All other duties as assigned by Manager.

SKILL SETS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree or greater.
• Minimum of 10 years experience (minimum 5 in an agency environment) in strategy and planning, with experience in marketing directly with/for retailers across CPG categories.
• Dynamic personality able to effectively engage and influence a variety of audiences.
• Passion for understanding the 'why's' of human behavior and a strong desire to improve/grow our clients' business.
• Strong analytical skills and creative skills.
• Demonstrated client engagement skills and service orientation.
• Proven leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving ability.
• Capable of handling multiple clients and projects simultaneously
• Experience leading, managing and developing other planners.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving ability.
• Strong deadline orientation and ability to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a flexible, dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word) and Google Suite (Mail, Docs, Drive).
• Travel is required on an as-needed basis.
• High level of energy and enthusiasm.
• Comfortable with high-pressure, fluid, and ambiguous situations
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.

The Mars Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, ancestry, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or handicap, HIV, veteran, marital or family status, or any other status or condition protected by applicable state and/or federal laws, except where a bonafide occupational qualification applies.
The Mars Agency has developed a wide variety of inclusive benefit plans and policies that address and promote the needs of all employees and their family members, including comprehensive group health plans, a parental leave program that includes paid maternity and paternity benefits for pregnancy, adoption and surrogacy, flexible paid time off, a broad and confidential employee assistance program, ongoing wellness support initiatives, trusted financial health advice and guidance, promotion of education through tuition support and assistance, and a flexible and supportive work environment and culture.
The salary range for this role is based on location and experience and is $120,000- $135,000.
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