Sr Brand Strategist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sr Brand Strategist will work to develop client strategies in the brand/marketing space as well as within retail and will be responsible for managing the client relationship. The strategist will receive client briefs, identify research sources, compile and analyze data, and generate insightful and actionable strategies. The strategist will be the key account manager and is responsible for all communication back to the client, including the presentation of strategies. 
 

• Support the Strategy Director to effectively deliver Equator’s strategy proposition for new and existing clients in both Retail and CPG markets.  
• For assigned projects, define clear and impactful brand strategy that sets both the client and Equator team up for success in the subsequent design and artwork phases. 
• Propose and manage Brand Strategy services for our clients including portfolio strategy, Brand positioning, consumer insights, segmentation and consumer research.  
• Be seen as a thought leader and dot-connector to client contacts and internal teams, operating as a trusted advisor with a deep understanding of the market, consumers and the client’s business.  
• Making the strategy process, fun, inspiring and informative for everyone that you work with. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

CLIENT EXPERIENCE: Proactive client partnerships to meet objectives and deliver exceptional outcomes 

• Cultivates strong partnerships with client contacts and internal teams. Establishes relationships in which clients and colleagues proactively seek out your advice and counsel. 
• Is a strategic partner with clients and on projects, developing a deep understanding of their market and business sectors, and their specific challenges and opportunities.  
• Engage clients through insightful discussion and charismatic presentation of key deliverables, demonstrating passion for what we do. 
• Maintains close relationships with internal teams to ensure Brand strategy deliverables follow project scope. 
• Brand advocate for multiple brands/client contacts through dedicated categories of business; understands category insights and trends to inspire design 

ADDING STRATEGIC VALUE: Providing solid strategic foundations on which exceptional brand solutions can be developed 

• Leverages Equator strategic frameworks and models, implementing them in real world settings to solve complex client challenges.  
• Provides thought leadership, insights and perspectives that support client initiatives and align services and solutions with client needs. 
• Data savvy with a strong ability to assimilate statistics and reports into actionable insights and recommendations to direct future solutions. 
• Can communicate and adapt language complexity to ensure key messages resonate. 

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE: Cross-team partnerships and employee satisfaction 

• Applies strong people skills to expertly manage resources and stakeholders to deliver excellent outcomes. 
• Effectively communicate with teams and senior leaders, escalating issues were appropriate. 
• Creates strong and effective internal partnerships with the Creative and Client Service teams; collaborates across the business to ensure client needs are met and projects stay within scope, budget, timeline, quality and other Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 
• Coaches and trains cross-functional teams and project partners to ensure we communicate to our clients in a shared understanding and unified voice. 

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: Internal collaboration to inspire design and efficiently deliver under one roof model 

• Own the process for the development of Equator thought leadership around trends, brand strategy and creative strategy, ensuring consistent and timely delivery. 
• Work within the parameters of the Equator process to achieve innovative and effective strategy solutions. 
• Identify and seek to resolve any issues or problems that may arise in the strategy process. 
• Creates strong and effective internal partnerships with the Creative and Client Service teams; collaborates across the business to ensure client needs are met and projects stay within scope, budget, timeline, quality and other Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

FINANCIAL GROWTH: Fuel business growth delivering exceptional outcomes to drive sales and control costs  

• Able to develop project scopes, understanding how to keep projects within budgets and agreed time frames. 
• Keeps senior leaders updated on project progression and delivery of defined scope. 
• Listens for and can identify organic growth opportunities and partners with cross-functional teams to proactively recommend Equator Strategy services where applicable. 

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Graphic Arts, Marketing, Advertising or related field.  
• 5+ years progressive Brand Strategy experience in a Creative Design Agency, Market Research firm, or similar consulting environment.  
• Experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Occasional travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be required. 
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications. 
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation and project management skills.  
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning). 
• Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment. 

PHYSICAL ASPECTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk, hear and see.  
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. 

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.