Freelance Strategic Planning Consultant

McCann; Metro Manila; On-site; PHP 1,107,000 - 2,214,000; Full time

Job summary

McCann is seeking a Freelance Strategic Planning Consultant to work with Account Management, Creative, Data Analytics, and Mapping teams. You will develop insight-led strategies to inspire creative work and drive measurable business results.

The role emphasizes strategic development, research and insights, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver effective campaigns and client workshops. Strong presentation and facilitation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in Strategic Planning or related fields.
• Experience in advertising, digital, media, brand consulting, or client-side marketing teams.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and marketing effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Develop brand, campaign, and communication strategies based on briefs and objectives.
• Translate insights into actionable strategic recommendations and briefs.
• Create strategic frameworks to guide campaign development.
• Collaborate with Creative, Analytics, and Mapping teams to inform strategy.

Skills

Strategic planning

Brand strategy

Consumer insights

Research methods

Analytics

Presentation skills

Stakeholder management

Job description

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.l
• Process and synthesize data into meaningful strategic recommendations.
• Collaborate with data analytics and mapping teams to inform strategy development.

Creative Collaboration

• 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.