Strategic Planner

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 The Mars Agency’s hub locations: Detroit, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York, Minneapolis, Bentonville, Dallas or Nashville.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review, with others, client objectives and input and develop short and long-term integrated marketing strategies for the client. 
• Work cross-functionally within the agency to ensure the successful execution of client and agency strategies. 
• Perform secondary research on industry trends, reports, and consumer trends to develop insight. 
• Finds and synthesises trends and cultural fuel. 
• Supports the development of and conducts primary research, for either client or agency. 
• Works with rest of the planning team to develop strategic implications 
• Works with internal partners (creative and client leadership) and other planning team members to develop and write creative briefs and communication propositions. 
• Review Creative concepts and provide additional input or recommendations on client and project strategy. 
• Support ongoing competitive assessments and industry news relative to shopper and consumer segments. 
• Consumer/Shopper overview 
• General market trend analysis
• Competitive/Category behavior assessment 
• Supports others across the larger planning team 
• Executes projects with excellence 
• Builds experience 
• Builds trust 
• Manages time effectively 
• All other duties as assigned by Manager.

SKILL SETS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field.
• At least one year of experience in marketing strategy or insight type role.
• Understanding of integrated marketing principles, particularly shopper/commerce. 
• Ability to synthesize information from various sources and extract key messages. 
• Highly creative with first-rate conceptual, visual and writing skills. 
• Superior oral communication and presentation skills. 
• Highly resourceful, with strong research skills and a working knowledge of marketing analytics. 
• Proactive and able to work independently. 
• 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).

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.