Monks is looking for a Strategic Planner to work on a major consumer goods client within Mars United Commerce. You will serve as the strategic liaison for annual planning, program development, and brand stewardship across the integrated marketing mix.

What You'll Do

Serve as strategic liaison with internal and client teams for annual planning, program development, and brand stewardship.
Assess and interpret existing consumer or shopper understanding; identify needs and knowledge gaps.
Provide consumer and shopper perspectives and insights, including shopping and buying behavior.
Conduct primary and secondary research.
Influence creative strategy with compelling and thoughtful application of insights.
Effectively integrate consumer and shopper insights into agency process.
Maintain productive and regular communication with Account teams and client teams.
Develop and deliver credible, succinct, and energetic presentations, briefs, or alternative planning deliverables.
Identify emerging techniques and/or methodologies for research projects.
Perpetuate an understanding and utilization of Strategic Planning within cross-disciplinary teams.
Share thought leadership pieces, new news, and industry ideas within Mars United Commerce.
Contribute to agency New Business endeavors as called upon.
Use data to uncover insights.
Find and synthesize trends and cultural fuel.
Support the development of and conduct primary research.
Develop strategic implications.
Draft creative briefs and communication propositions.
Attend internal meetings.
Support others across the larger planning team.
Execute projects with excellence.
Manage time effectively.
Use proprietary strategic models and tools on a regular basis.
Assist in knowledge sharing through internal communication events, training, and other written materials.

What We're Looking For

Bachelor’s degree recognized internationally.
2+ years of professional service experience with client contact and project management.
1+ years of experience in marketing or marketing communications.
Qualitative research or ethnography experience.
Baseline understanding of research academics and methodologies.
Strong analytical and intuitive skills.
Ability to inspire and recognize creative ideas.
Professional presentation and communication skills.
Solid interpersonal and collaborative team working skills; a self-starter.
Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks.
Bias for action and implementation.
Positive attitude towards the role, the department, agency, and its clients.
Positive professional team player who takes ownership of tasks and seeks new responsibilities.

Benefits & Compensation

Compensation: $53,200 - $70,560 annually.
Comprehensive group health plans.
Parental leave program including paid maternity and paternity benefits for pregnancy, adoption and surrogacy.
Flexible paid time off.
Broad and confidential employee assistance program.
Ongoing wellness support initiatives.
Trusted financial health advice and guidance.
Promotion of education through tuition support and assistance.
Flexible and supportive work environment and culture.
Regular roles offer medical, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off.

Work Mode

This is a hybrid role based in Chicago.

Mars United Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and recruits, hires, trains and promotes persons in all job classifications without regard to race, ancestry, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or handicap, HIV, veteran, marital or family status, or any other status or condition protected by applicable state and/or federal laws, except where a bonafide occupational qualification applies.