Freelance Strategic Planning Consultant

Mccann Erickson SA; Manila, Hinoba-an; On-site; PHP 1,240,000 - 2,066,000; Full time

Job summary

McCann Worldgroup in Manila is seeking a Freelance Strategic Planning Consultant to shape insight-led brand and campaign strategies, collaborating with account management, creative, data analytics and mapping teams.

The role focuses on translating consumer and market insights into actionable recommendations, creating briefs and frameworks, and guiding campaign development through to evaluation.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in Strategic Planning or related field.
• Experience in advertising, digital, or brand consulting.
• Understanding of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and marketing effectiveness.
• Proven ability to translate insights into strategic recommendations.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop brand, campaign, and communication strategies based on client briefs and objectives.
• Translate consumer, category, cultural, and business insights into actionable strategic recommendations.
• Create briefs and strategic frameworks guiding campaign development.
• Identify opportunities for brand growth, differentiation, and market relevance.
• Present strategic recommendations to clients and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with creative, data analytics, and account management teams to ensure alignment.
• Provide input to strengthen creative ideas and optimize campaigns.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Brand Strategy

Communications Planning

Consumer Insights

Research & Analysis

Presentation Skills

Facilitation

Independent Working

Job description

ID 7013

Job Description

Freelance Strategic Planning Consultant

Role Overview

This role will work closely with Account Management, Creative, Data Analytics, and Media/Mapping teams to develop insight-led strategies that inspire effective creative work and deliver meaningful business results. The ideal candidate combines strong strategic thinking, consumer understanding, and business acumen to help solve client challenges through compelling brand and communication strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Development

• Develop brand, campaign, and communication strategies based on client briefs and business objectives.
• Translate consumer, category, cultural, and business insights into actionable strategic recommendations.
• Create inspiring creative briefs and strategic frameworks that guide campaign development.
• Identify opportunities for brand growth, differentiation, and market relevance.

Research & Insights

• Analyze market trends, brand performance, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes.
• Design and interpret qualitative and quantitative research findings to uncover actionable insights.
• Process and synthesize data into meaningful strategic recommendations.
• Collaborate with data analytics and mapping teams to inform strategy development.
• Partner with Creative and Account Management teams to ensure strategic alignment throughout campaign development.
• Provide strategic input and feedback to strengthen creative ideas and campaign effectiveness.
• Help optimize creative materials for testing and performance evaluation.

Client Engagement

• Present strategic recommendations, communication plans, and campaign approaches to clients.
• Provide consultative guidance on brand, marketing, and communication challenges.
• Support workshops and strategic discussions with client stakeholders as needed.

Effectiveness & Performance

• Ensure strategic outputs contribute to measurable business and marketing outcomes.
• Apply effectiveness principles to maximize campaign impact and performance.
• Identify learning opportunities and recommendations for future optimization.

Qualifications

• At least 5-8 years of experience in Strategic Planning, Brand Strategy, Communications Planning, Consumer Insights, or a related field.
• Experience working within advertising agencies, digital agencies, media agencies, brand consulting firms, or client-side marketing teams.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy, communications planning, consumer behavior, and marketing effectiveness.
• Proven ability to develop insight-driven strategies that result in impactful creative work.
• Experience conducting and interpreting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Strong analytical, presentation, storytelling, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable presenting recommendations to senior stakeholders and clients.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to diagnose business and brand challenges and develop practical strategic solutions.
• Strong understanding of integrated marketing communications and digital ecosystems.
• Experience collaborating with creative, media, data, and account management teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and consulting skills.
• Strong knowledge of cultural, consumer, and industry trends.
• Familiarity with strategic planning frameworks and effectiveness measurement methodologies.

McCann Worldgroup, part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), is a leading global marketing solutions network whose professionals are united across 100+ countries by a single vision: To help brands play a meaningful role in people's lives. McCann Worldgroup was named "Global Agency Of The Year" by Adweek magazine, “Network of the Year” by the Cannes Lions, the world's most creatively-effective marketing services company by the Effie Awards (for three consecutive years), "Global Network of the Year" by Campaign Magazine and “Network of The Year” by The Webby Awards. Fast Company named McCann Worldgroup to its list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies.