Associate Director Strategic Planning

WPP Unite Overview

There’s never been a more exciting time in marketing, as media and commerce continue to merge to drive meaningful consumer experiences. As one of the most innovative CPG companies in the world, Unilever, the maker of iconic brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, TRESemmé, Degree and many others, is adapting to this rapidly changing landscape with the help of WPP and its unparalleled network of agencies. 

The newly-created unit, WPP Unite, will be the pioneering force at this intersection, led by two of WPP’s most dynamic agencies: GroupM and Barrows, operating as ONE end to end strategy, design, and execution powerhouse.

GroupM will bring their media thought-leadership and performance expertise, combined with the retail and commercial expertise of Barrows to deliver integrated, end-to-end programs for the entire Unilever portfolio of iconic, household brands. True to its name, the team operates with a unified vision, from initial strategy to final execution, leveraging our collective expertise in design, engineering, and media integration to craft world-class brand programming. 

WPP Unite, comprised of the best talent in the industry, will pioneer a truly integrated agency model and drive unprecedented growth for Unilever in the years to come.

Barrows

Barrows brings 40 years of expertise in retail design and marketing, and excels in leveraging insights and cutting-edge digital strategies to create engaging omni-channel experiences.

As a key part of WPP Unite, Barrows will  help shape the future of commerce marketing across renowned brand categories and retailers, and drive meaningful results for one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

Within the WPP Unite structure Barrows is looking for an Associate Director Strategic Planning to join our dynamic team. We are looking for a passionate, vibrant and committed individual who is on top of digital, cultural and industry trends. The right person brings high energy and optimism into a team dynamic and possesses foundational strategic thinking driven by curiosity and resourcefulness. This person must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, and show-up with a drive to win every day. They must possess an immense level of efficiency, productivity, and innate analytical know-how, and be motivated by tasks that are both specific and ambiguous as they will be the key driver in creating and managing connected commerce ecosystems that align with our strategic goals. The role involves designing and executing integrated digital plans that seamlessly connect various online and offline touch points to enhance the shopper’s journey. 

In addition to bringing a killer attitude and energy, this individual must be able to:

• Develop Commerce go-to-market plans: Create comprehensive tactical plans that integrate with broader strategy & creative, ensuring alignment with client objectives and market trends.
• Coordinate with Internal Teams: Collaborate with creative, strategic and client teams to ensure that tactical plans are executed effectively and meet strategic goals.
• Campaign Execution Plan: Outline the commerce go to market plan, including setting up, monitoring, and optimizing digital content, and promotions.
• Performance Metrics: Provide initial thoughts on ROI against each tactic and where applicable track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of digital strategies and adjust tactics based on data insights.
• Stay Current with Trends: Keep up-to-date with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to ensure our tactical plans remain innovative and competitive.
• Problem-Solving: Address and resolve any issues or challenges that arise during campaign execution, working proactively to find solutions and mitigate risks.
• Storytelling: Be a compelling, consistent storyteller and presenter commanding presence in a room (or Zoom) with senior clients, partner agencies and colleagues
• Capability Building: Spearhead the planning capability with best-in-class frameworks & approaches to delivering comprehensive thinking. Lead tools & technology recommendations that make us innovators in this space. 
• Partnership Integration: Be active in meeting new partners & vendors to understand capabilities and integrate into comprehensive plans (from Pinterest to Ibotta).
• Commerce Intelligence: Be well-versed and active in the commerce landscape understanding how brands win in the marketplace with speed & high impact. This includes knowledge of Retail Media Networks & innovation at each retailer. 

• 5+ years of relevant experience in shopper marketing, strategy, planning and/or analytics
• Leader with a passion for innovation and storytelling and an aptitude for team leadership and strategic partnership
• Superior storytelling ability with excellent presentation and copywriting skills
• Creative thinker with objective lens on varying consumer and shopper segments
• Bring forth a passion for the psychology behind how and why shoppers make purchase decisions
• Agency/in-house experience, knowledge and know-how in retail/consumer marketing, research and operations preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of commerce and retail channels including: grocery, convenience, liquor, on-premise
• In depth experience with tactical journey mapping across the commerce landscape
• Deep knowledge of retailer ecosystems and retail media networks
• Experience coordinating multiple strategic campaigns and brands across internal teams, client teams and partner agencies
• Shopper marketing, path to purchase, and holistic 360-degree planning preferred
• Advanced written, oral communication and presentations skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Ability to work in the office 3 days a week.

The salary range for this role is $95,000 to $130,000*

*exact compensation will be determined based on individual experience

Benefits include:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision (with an option for free medical care!)
• 401K with a % match
• Various maternity/paternity leave options
• Fully funded disability and life insurance options
• Headspace subscription
• Wellness Stipend
• and more....