Associate Director Strategy & Intelligence Agency

Advantage Solutions•Cincinnati, OH

33d•Remote

About The Position

Associate Director Strategy & Intelligence - Remote within the US Position Overview We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional with a strong foundation in data analysis and storytelling. The ideal candidate will have experience working with market and behavioral data, proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and a passion for problem-solving and strategic thinking. This role offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to high-impact projects within the first 90 days. The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today. Position Summary The Manager of Business Analytics is responsible for partnering with national retailers to support the analysis and execution of Advantage programs. Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with software tools to create, edit, and analyze complex reports, graphs, and presentations. Be able to make sound decisions and the ability to take initiative and accountability for the accuracy of information. Support Operations in maximizing value to existing customers. Independently take ownership of projects to completion by effectively coordinating all the necessary resources. Resolve complex, non-routine problems, and issues where no precedent has been established or exists with no supervision.

Requirements

Education: College degree (any level).Experience: 2–5 years in a relevant role (marketing, shopper marketing, advertising, CPG, data analytics, or similar).
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience with data dashboards and interpretation.
Familiarity with data analysis tools/platforms (e.g., SPSS, Nielsen, Circana, retailer databases).
Strong communication and storytelling abilities.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Hunger to learn and a self-starter mindset.
Operational discipline and focus on quality.
5+ years of experience in performing analysis a service-based business or field with database creation/management/query building experience
Prior experience with Microsoft and SQL tools and applications, including business intelligence, and reporting technology computer systems and software
Strong Intellectual Ability/Decision making skills
Hands-on leader with outstanding Interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
Negotiate skillfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups
Displays the ability to achieve desired results through others with positive, energetic and enthusiastic communication
Train, delegate, coach, motivate and follow up on staff to achieve desired results
Forecasts, sets objectives, anticipates, structures tasks, and establishes priorities
Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets objectives and goals; breaks down work into the process steps; develops schedules and task/people assignments; anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks; measures performance against goals; evaluates results
Ability to identify performance challenges or issues and work with associates to improve/correct those issues.
Ability to recognize opportunities for growth and improvement, and to work with associates to achieve company and personal goals
Demonstrates commitment to meeting or exceeding customer expectations, effectively solicits and responds to the needs of the customer both external and internal
Works cooperatively with others toward common group objectives, demonstrates respect for the ideas and contributions of other team members, cultivates positive relationships with other associates, and provides assistance and support to others

Nice To Haves

MBA Degree or equivalent experience
Prior experience with business intelligence environments supporting complex performance analysis and consumer insights a plus
Retail technology solutions, including reporting and analytics, category and space management and business intelligence for consumer packaged goods companies.
Experience working with national retailers and knowledge of their business practices preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Analyze, interpret, and present market and behavioral data from sources such as MRI, Nielsen, Circana, Numerator, or retailer platforms.
Maintain and enhance data dashboards; assist with updating MRI definitions.
Support category and pricing initiatives through data insights.
Participate in onboarding, tools training, and strategic foundation workshops.
Develop profiles and assist with tactical journey learning.
Communicate insights effectively through compelling storytelling and presentations.
Collaborate across projects and clients, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
Partner with leadership to enhance the deliverables provided, identify required key push reporting and ad hoc analytics needs
Develop tools to aid customer operations team and streamline standard reporting
Utilize various data systems, extract raw data from reporting systems, and conduct in-depth analysis on various KPI’s
Analyze business needs/requirements and provide recommendations to implement and administer reporting, processes, and systems
Provide business updates and track overall business KPI’s for management and executive team
Determine and quantify primary business opportunities and key drivers by analyzing data
Support key business opportunities by recommending solutions based on applicable data
Manage and maintain ongoing strategic and collaborative relationships
Work with existing clients and customers on strategic initiatives to ensure proper resources are allocated, expectations are met and optimal results delivered
Proactively work with other teams to communicate and foster adoption of the longer-term vision
Develop project objectives by reviewing project proposals and plans, and conferring with management
Manage, build and maintain ongoing strategic and collaborative relationships and category management activities
Creates insight driven presentations with actionable tactics and strategiesManage Direct Reports
Manage, train, and mentor team to help them achieve skill development and professional objectives
Manage workload of direct reports to ensure client satisfaction
Ensure team thoroughly understands companies' businesses and the issues and challenges facing the industry and organization