Strategic Planner

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary function of the Strategic Planner is to understand clients business issues and provide strategic input; both internally in interpreting briefs to inspire creative development and creation of creative briefs, and externally in providing a marketing strategic resource for clients to help build strong brands.

The Strategic Planner has a clear understanding of consumer, market and customer insights to drive the strategic approach and development of creative briefs and client business strategy.

The Strategic Planner is a brand custodian, ensuring that each piece of communication that the agency puts out is true to the brand in question. 

They ensure that the objective of each brief is met, and that the best solution is found to address the problem/opportunity that the brand is facing.

Integrating and maintaining a sound relationship with Client Service and Creative to ensure that his/her vision is delivered by driving a culture of creativity throughout the business.

Building and maintaining sound client relationships through the delivery of quality strategic input to assist with building the clients brands.

To provide ongoing knowledge-sharing with agency stakeholders and oversee junior members of the team (if applicable), providing mentoring and training.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Minimum of 2-5 years advertising agency experience in a strategic planning role, and/or extensive marketing, planning or strategy experience in related field

Diploma or Degree qualified in Marketing Communications (ideal)

Ability to find solutions to various levels of marketing challenges, demonstrating a sound understanding of marketing and branding disciplines An understanding of media and channel planning

Pro-active problem-solving abilities: both rigorously analytical as well as intuitive

A sound understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research

Thinking observer, with particular interest in human and brand behavior

Engaging and articulate presentation skills, with sound preparation and strong persuasion abilities

Has knowledge of consumer motivation and behavior patterns in the marketplace

Excellent communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills