VP Marketing Strategy & Planning

Carter Murray; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading integrated retail and consumer services organization is seeking a Vice President of Strategy & Planning. This executive will shape the long-term direction of the business, leading corporate strategy and transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in retail or FMCG, strong market understanding, and a proven track record at the Director level or above.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in strategy, planning, or corporate development.
• At least 6 years in a Director-level or above role.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the corporate strategy roadmap.
• Oversee the annual business planning cycle.
• Champion enterprise-wide transformation programs.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Commercial Acumen

Market Insight

Business Transformation

Executive Communication

Cross-Functional Leadership

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

MBA or equivalent advanced degree

Job description

We are hiring for a leading integrated retail and consumer services organization with a strong presence across multiple high-growth markets. With a diversified portfolio spanning convenience retail, automotive services, and lifestyle offerings, we serve millions of customers through a robust network of physical and digital touchpoints.

The Vice President of Strategy & Planning will play a critical leadership role in shaping the long-term direction of the business. This executive will lead corporate strategy, business planning, and transformation initiatives across multiple business units. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in retail or FMCG, a strong understanding of regional market dynamics, and a proven track record at the Director level or above.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and drive the corporate strategy roadmap in alignment with business goals and market opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives, including market entry, portfolio optimization, and digital transformation.
• Partner with C-suite executives to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

Business Planning & Performance Management

• Oversee the annual business planning cycle, including target setting, forecasting, and scenario modeling.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to track strategic execution and business performance across regions.
• Lead strategic reviews and provide insights to support executive decision-making.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis

• Build and lead a high-performing strategy and insights team to deliver market intelligence, consumer trends, and competitor benchmarking.
• Identify growth opportunities across categories, channels, and geographies.
• Translate insights into strategic recommendations that drive commercial impact.

Transformation & Change Management

• Champion enterprise-wide transformation programs focused on operational efficiency, digital enablement, and customer-centricity.
• Drive alignment across business units and functions to ensure seamless execution of strategic initiatives.
• Foster a culture of agility, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and board members.
• Collaborate with regional and international teams to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, consultants, and industry stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Strategy, Economics, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in strategy, planning, or corporate development, with at least 6 years in a Director-level or above role.
• Proven experience in Tier 1 retail, FMCG, or consumer-facing industries.
• Strong exposure to regional markets in the Middle East, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience leading high-impact teams and managing complex, cross-functional projects.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Vision
• Commercial Acumen
• Market & Consumer Insight
• Business Transformation
• Executive Communication
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Data-Driven Decision Making