Overview: *Play a lead role in supporting the Executive leadership to develop, evolve and enhance the company's strategy proposition for new and existing clients in both Retail and CPG markets. Developing and enhancing our global reputation as Brand and Packaging Design experts. *To define clear and impactful brand strategy that sets both the client and our team up for success in the subsequent design and artwork phases, where brands are brought to life on pack, in store and online. *Managing and motivating a small team to deliver Brand Strategy services for our clients including including portfolio strategy, Brand positioning, consumer insights, segmentation and consumer research. *Scope out new exciting services and grow the team in line with revenue. Collaborating closely with internal colleagues across all departments and studios to drive brand value and equity for our clients. *Developing deep, consultative relationships with senior-level client contacts, 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.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE: Proactive client partnerships to meet objectives and deliver exceptional outcomes *Cultivates strong partnerships with senior-level client contacts and key agency players. Establishes trusted advisor relationships in which clients and colleagues proactively seek out your advice and counsel. *Is a strategic partner to clients demonstrating a deep understanding of their market and business sectors, and their specific challenges and opportunities. *Consults effectively with the client to understand needs and offer suggestions to enhance results, you don't accept the status quo. *Maintains close relationships with the client's assigned leadership team to ensure Brand strategy deliverables follow project scope and exceed client needs. *Expertly guides clients through the strategic process instilling confidence in Equator, demonstrating effective collaboration with client and internal stakeholders. *Engage clients through insightful discussion and charismatic presentation of key deliverables, demonstrating passion for what we do.
ADDING STRATEGIC VALUE: Providing solid strategic foundations on which exceptional pack solutions can be developed *Is knowledgeable in strategic marketing frameworks and models, and adept at implementing them in real world settings to solve complex client challenges. *Develops effective models from previous Brand Strategy assignment experience, current market trends, competitor intelligence, and innovative thinking to help establish creative innovative and cost-effective Brand strategies to meet client challenges and needs. *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. *Utilizes data in decision-making to maintain or improve capabilities and performance. *Can communicate to varying levels of stakeholder and adapt language complexity to ensure key messages resonate.
EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE: Cross-team partnerships and employee satisfaction *Plans, directs, and coordinates activities of employee(s) to ensure goals or objectives are accomplished. *Mentors, coaches, trains and develops the team to ensure their knowledge and skills continually improved. *Applies strong people skills to expertly manage resources and stakeholders to deliver excellent outcomes.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: Internal collaboration to inspire design and efficiently deliver under one roof model *Work within the parameters of the Equator internal process to achieve innovative and effective strategy solutions. *Provides guidance and leadership to address and efficiently resolve any issues or problems that may arise. *Manages all stakeholder expectations with proactive, accurate and professional communication across all touch points, 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).
FINANCIAL GROWTH: Fuel business growth delivering exceptional outcomes to drive sales and control costs *Uses commercial acumen to build project scopes, assign resources and deliver projects within budgets and agreed time frames. *Keeps senior leaders updated on project progression and delivery of defined scope. *Actively pursues organic growth opportunities through strong client relationships and a deep understanding of the Company's and the client's industry, business and products. *Translates client needs into opportunities to sell additional solutions and drive revenue growth within assigned client accounts.
QUALIFICATIONS: *Bachelor's Degree in Business, Graphic Arts, Marketing, Advertising or related field. *Advanced degree (MBA, Master's) preferred. *10+ years progressive Brand Strategy experience in a Creative Design Agency, Market Research firm, or similar consulting environment. *8+ years in a leadership role *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.
