Associate Director, Commerce Strategy

***12 months contract-to-hire position

***Hybrid (Onsite 3-4x/wk)

***W2 only, No C2C

***Not accepting 3rd party resumes

POSITION SUMMARY:

Leads development of client strategy and new business initiatives through an insights-driven but data-backed approach to aid in the development of communications initiatives for clients. and direction to support development of communications initiatives for clients. Acts as the voice of the consumer in bringing human truths, shopper triggers, and shopper barriers to the planning process. Works closely with the Marketing Science, Account Management, Creative and Media teams, this position provides both and internal and client facing strategic direction and briefing of big ideas.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Leads brand, creative, retail strategy in partnership with account teams (agency and client) on annual brand and campaign planning
• Takes ownership of building data-driven strategies to improve the effectiveness of communications programs
• Uncovers key consumer and shopper insights to deliver powerful marketing strategies to deliver inspiring creative that drives shopper behavior change
• Partners closely with research team in developing quantitative shopper studies and integrating learnings into marketing strategy
• Research innovative and cutting-edge techniques and methodologies
• Leads the development or relevant and inspirational creative briefs to solve client challenges
• Define the client’s challenge, business opportunity and shopper target
• Use research and strategy tools to gather information about the shopper/consumer and culture including: MRI Simmons, Mintel, YPulse, Infegy, Kantar Retail IQ, IRI Panel
• Identify consumer/shopper mindset and behavior to uncover pivotal insight and develop marketing strategy
• Takes agile, collaborative approach to briefing creative teams on their commerce assignments
• Evaluate creative concepts, ensuring they are on strategy and meet client objectives
• Present strategy section of program ideas and creative concepts presentation to client
• Evaluate national program tactics and media plans against agreed upon strategies to ensure alignment; suggest alternatives where necessary
• Support client’s annual planning activities and ad hoc requests by leveraging client research and all other available data sources/tools
• Proactively monitors consumer and retailer news and trends and share with broader strategy team and assigned client team(s)

KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, communications, behavioral science (sociology, psychology, anthropology) or analytic field (statistics, social science research) preferred
• 5-7 years of experience in research, strategic planning, or related field, preferably at an agency, CPG company, research company, or consulting firm
• Applied experience with database tools and systems such as MRI Simmons, Mintel, Infegy, YPulse
• Experience with sales (i.e. IRI/Nielsen/Retail Link), and shopper panel (IRI/Nielsen Panel, Numerator) data a plus
• Strong knowledge of North America retail enviornments and touchpoints (Global a plus)
• Able to communicate clearly, thoroughly, succinctly and in a timely manner both verbally and in writing; follows up on outstanding issues; asks relevant questions
• Critical thinking; drawing conclusions, find creative solutions, structured problem-solving approach
• Proven ability to communicate complex, technical concepts to non-quantitative audience
• Ability to build relationships across team, departments, vendors and clients
• Ability to effectively manage timelines and deliverables of multiple projects simultaneously
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills

ECCO Select’s Comprehensive Benefits:

• PTO PaidHolidays
• 401(k) plan company match
• Life & Health
• Employee Assistance Program

Our Commitment

ECCO Select is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. ECCO Select’s policy is to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category.

Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law

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