Strategist at Riquesa Africa

Job Overview:

• We are seeking a seasoned Senior Strategist with over 5 years of experience working in an agency environment.
• The ideal candidate will possess a creative mind, strong storytelling abilities, and a proven track record of handling client briefs, debriefing, and delivering exceptional solutions.
• This role requires a strategic thinker who can develop overarching ideas that guide the agency’s work and elevate the client’s experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Brief Handling:

•  Receive, understand, and interpret client briefs to align with their strategic goals.
•  Conduct thorough research to inform strategic insights and recommendations.

Strategic Planning:

•  Develop comprehensive strategic plans that address client objectives and drive business growth.
•  Create actionable strategies that integrate with broader marketing and business plans.

Idea Generation:

•  Lead brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas that meet client needs.
•  Craft compelling stories and narratives that resonate with target audiences.

Client Communication:

•  Present strategic plans and ideas to clients with confidence and clarity.
•  Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic discussions and updates.

Collaboration:

•  Work closely with creative, account, and project management teams to ensure strategic alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
•  Facilitate debrief sessions to ensure all team members understand and are aligned with the client’s vision.

Market Analysis:

•  Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats.
•  Provide insights and recommendations based on market dynamics and consumer behavior.

Performance Measurement:

•  Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the success of strategic initiatives.
•  Analyze campaign performance and provide actionable insights for optimization.

Client Retention:

•  Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent, strategic value delivery.
•  Act as a trusted advisor, offering strategic counsel and guidance.

Innovation and Creativity:

•  Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to inform strategic recommendations.
•  Foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the agency.

Training and Development:

•  Mentor and guide junior strategists and team members, fostering professional growth.
•  Lead training sessions on strategic thinking and best practices.

Project Management:

•  Oversee the implementation of strategic initiatives from inception to completion.
•  Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Budget Management:

•  Develop and manage budgets for strategic projects.
•  Ensure efficient allocation and utilization of resources.

Content Development:

•  Collaborate with content creators to develop engaging and relevant content that supports strategic objectives.
•  Ensure all content aligns with the overall strategic direction.

Stakeholder Engagement:

•  Engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and buy-in for strategic initiatives.
•  Manage stakeholder expectations and provide regular updates on progress.

Thought Leadership:

•  Represent the agency at industry events and conferences.
•  Publish thought leadership pieces to enhance the agency’s reputation and visibility.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of strategic planning experience in an agency setting.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful strategies for clients across various industries.
• Exceptional storytelling and narrative development skills.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in market analysis tools and strategic planning software.