📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Strategist
🔹 Company: SPINS
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid
🔹 Category: Market Research
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-22
🔹 Experience Level: 6+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading strategic partnership projects and driving client growth
- Collaborating with clients to identify growth opportunities and provide strategic guidance
- Pitching SPINS' capabilities and demonstrating unique value to foster lasting partnerships
- Mentoring junior team members and creating thought leadership perspectives
- Developing comprehensive brand and category strategies using industry knowledge
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the CPG industry, market trends, and data analysis to provide actionable insights and drive client growth.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead strategic partnership projects, managing the end-to-end process from planning to delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives and demonstrating SPINS' capabilities
✅ Collaborate closely with clients to identify growth opportunities, proactively offering strategic guidance on how they can capitalize on market trends, and positioning SPINS' solutions as key drivers of success
✅ Pitch SPINS' suite of solutions to clients with confidence and clarity, showcasing their benefits and aligning them with clients' business challenges to facilitate sales and deepen client relationships
✅ Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a collaborative environment and nurturing talent development within the team
✅ Create thought leadership perspectives, offering future-focused insights and analysis that establish SPINS as a trusted authority in the CPG space
✅ Develop comprehensive brand and category strategies, using industry knowledge to inspire clients through data-driven storytelling and position SPINS as an essential partner in their growth journey
✅ Partner with Sales to strategically position SPINS' solutions, actively participating in sales discussions and leveraging your strategic acumen to pitch solutions that meet clients' marketplace goals
✅ Assess the financial impact of client investments, providing senior-level guidance on ROI objectives and articulating the value of SPINS' offerings in delivering long-term strategic outcomes
✅ Act as a liaison between Sales, Operations, and Marketing, contributing to go-to-market initiatives, ensuring consistent messaging, and providing support to effectively communicate SPINS' value proposition
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, presentation, and project management skills to effectively manage client relationships and drive strategic initiatives.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 6+ years of experience, with a proven track record of outperforming sales objectives in consulting, market research, consumer insights, or category/brand management
Required Skills:
- Proficient in PowerPoint and Excel with an eye to aesthetics
- Proficient with SPINS, Circana, or Nielsen Data
- Strong intellectual curiosity with a forward-thinking mindset regarding CPG market dynamics
- Passion for the CPG Industry (Food, Beverage, Beauty, and VMS)
- Excellent communicator to senior leadership with strong stakeholder relationship management
- Project management skills with a passion for developing team members and contributing to team culture
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, French, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the CPG industry and familiarity with data analysis tools will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Senior Brand Strategist role in Chicago)
Benefits:
- Hybrid work options for flexibility
- Paid volunteer time to use for charitable causes
- Charitable donation matching
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for meetings and project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Chicago area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: SPINS operates in the Market Research industry, focusing on the Natural, Organic, and Specialty Products sector. The company provides retail consumer insights, analytics, and consulting services to help clients understand and meet the needs of values-based consumers.
Company Size: SPINS has 201-500 employees, which is considered a mid-sized company. This size allows for a collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and career development.
Founded: SPINS was founded in 1995 and has since grown to become a leading provider of data-driven insights and solutions for the natural products industry.
Company Description:
- SPINS believes in the transformative power of data in retail and offers cutting-edge tools to attract attention from the fast-growing segment of values-based consumers
- The company's retail consumer insights, analytics, and consulting services give clients a competitive advantage in increasing their share of the growing market
- SPINS' data is the most comprehensive and accurate in the industry, allowing clients to power AI models and machine learning algorithms to better understand and meet their customers' needs
Company Specialties:
- Consumer Packaged Goods Information and Consulting
- Food Industry Expertise
- Information Technology
- Market Research
- Big Data Analytics
- Data Technology
- Health and Wellness
Company Website: http://www.spins.com
ASSUMPTION: SPINS' focus on data-driven insights and solutions, combined with its expertise in the natural products industry, sets it apart from competitors and offers unique opportunities for growth and innovation.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in brand strategy, market research, or a related field.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Strategist reports directly to the Director of Brand Strategy.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a combination of on-site and remote work. The specific work arrangement may vary based on the needs of the team and the individual's preferences.
Growth Opportunities:
- As SPINS continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Senior Brand Strategist to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role
- The company's focus on employee development and mentorship provides opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
- Working closely with clients and internal teams offers the chance to build relationships and expand one's network within the industry
ASSUMPTION: The Senior Brand Strategist role offers significant opportunities for growth and development, both within the company and in the broader industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: SPINS' headquarters is located in Chicago, IL, with a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 222 W. Hubbard St, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60654, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major metropolitan area with a diverse economy and a thriving natural products industry
- The city offers a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for meetings and project deadlines. The hybrid work arrangement allows for some remote work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible work schedule at SPINS provide employees with the opportunity to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Industry knowledge and expertise in brand strategy or market research
- Data analysis and presentation skills
- Communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Project management and organizational skills
- Alignment with SPINS' company values and culture
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the CPG industry and SPINS' unique value proposition
- Prepare examples of your brand strategy work and be ready to discuss your thought process and approach
- Research SPINS' company culture and be prepared to discuss how your values and work style align with the organization
ATS Keywords: Brand Strategy, Market Research, CPG Industry, Data Analysis, Client Relationship Management, Project Management, Thought Leadership, SPINS
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should take the time to tailor their application materials and prepare for interviews to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- PowerPoint
- Excel
- SPINS, Circana, or Nielsen Data
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used to manage projects, analyze data, and communicate findings to clients and internal teams.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Direct: Communicate with clarity, honesty, and respect in all situations, and embrace opportunities to provide solution-oriented feedback
- Determined: Be committed to overcoming all obstacles to achieve results, adapt to change, seek opportunities to learn, and rapidly translate that learning into action
- Passionate: Go above and beyond to help partners achieve their goals, challenge assumptions, and be comfortable forging new paths
- Collaborative: Leave egos at the door, believing that working together will produce an outcome that's greater than each individual contribution
Work Style:
- Data-driven and analytical, with a strong focus on using data to inform decision-making and strategy
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on working together to achieve common goals
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills as needed
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong understanding of the CPG industry and market trends?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to inform strategic decisions?
- Do you have excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to a variety of stakeholders?
- Are you a collaborative team player, with a focus on working together to achieve common goals?
- Do you have a passion for the CPG industry and a commitment to helping clients succeed?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with SPINS' company values and work style are more likely to be successful in this role and contribute to the organization's continued growth and success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The hybrid work arrangement may require some travel to client sites or SPINS' headquarters for meetings and presentations
- The role may involve working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and organizational skills
- The CPG industry is dynamic and fast-paced, with constant changes in market trends and consumer behavior, requiring the Senior Brand Strategist to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and adapt their strategies accordingly
- The role may require some evening or weekend work to accommodate client needs or project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent in the role and require a proactive and adaptable approach to succeed in this fast-paced and dynamic industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other brand strategy roles, this position offers a unique focus on the CPG industry and values-based consumers, providing an opportunity to work at the intersection of data, strategy, and consumer behavior
- In the broader market research industry, SPINS' focus on the natural products sector sets it apart, offering a niche expertise and competitive advantage
- Career paths in brand strategy can vary, with opportunities to move into management, consulting, or related fields, depending on individual interests and skills
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of industry focus, data-driven approach, and strategic guidance, providing a strong foundation for career growth and development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand strategy for a leading CPG company, leveraging data analysis and market trends to inform positioning and messaging
- Conducting a competitive analysis of the natural products industry, identifying opportunities for growth and differentiation for a client's product portfolio
- Creating a thought leadership piece on the future of the CPG industry, highlighting emerging trends and opportunities for innovation and growth
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and deliverables for the Senior Brand Strategist role, showcasing the opportunity to work on high-impact initiatives that drive client growth and elevate SPINS' position within the CPG sector.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how this role fits within the organization?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the CPG industry, and how does SPINS' approach address these issues?
- How does SPINS support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does SPINS measure the success of its brand strategy initiatives, and what metrics are most important for this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a proactive and engaged approach to the interview process, showcasing your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your understanding of the CPG industry and SPINS' unique value proposition
- Prepare examples of your brand strategy work and be ready to discuss your thought process and approach during the interview
- Research SPINS' company culture and be prepared to discuss how your values and work style align with the organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
