Associate Strategy Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Agency:
Job Function:
Account Management and Growth
Job Subfunction:
Account Management
Job Description:
Strategy Director
Who We Are
IMS represents leading brands at the point of purchase - in store, online, and behind the scenes - including digital and traditional signage, print and POP, and branded merchandise. Our marketplace is solution agnostic, so our clients achieve best execution at lowest price throughout North America. Our integrated platform (planning, procurement, freight, warehousing, kitting, fulfillment, field execution, analytics, and program management) empowers our clients to stay at the strategic level, knowing that we can help turn their marketing vision into a reality. Visit us at: www.IMSretail.com.
IMS is wholly owned by Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), an inter-connected global network of leading marketing communication companies offering a diverse, comprehensive range of marketing solutions spanning brand advertising, customer relationship management, media planning and buying services, public relations and numerous specialty communications services to drive bottom line results for its clients (www.omnicomgroup.com).
We value what makes you, you
IMS is committed to building and maintaining a team that reflects the diverse consumer base and communities that we serve. We know that when our associates are empowered to bring their whole selves to work, they feel valued and appreciated, and bring better results for our clients. We strive to build a culture that rewards people for their unique perspectives and contributions, and where our people are connected - to the work we do, to each other, and to IMS.
WHAT DOES THE STRATEGY DIRECTOR DO:
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Strategy Director to lead and drive organic growth initiatives within the corporate team of a leading Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chain. This role will be instrumental in developing and executing comprehensive account strategies that expand our retail marketing and supply chain opportunities, enhance operational efficiency through technology and process improvements, and drive revenue growth across the broad-base account enterprise. The Strategy Director will serve as a key strategic partner to senior leadership, responsible for identifying growth opportunities, building executive relationships, and implementing scalable solutions that align with the QSR's corporate initiatives and long-term business objectives.
Primary Responsibilities:
Develop and lead comprehensive organic growth strategies focused on expanding retail marketing including POS solutions and services across the corporate QSR team
Identify and assess market opportunities for new service lines, product enhancements, and operational efficiencies within the existing account
Create detailed growth roadmaps with measurable KPIs, timelines, and resource requirements
Conduct competitive analysis and market research to inform strategic recommendations and positioning
Partner with product and operations teams to develop solutions that address specific corporate team needs
Serve as one of the primary strategic business partners to senior leaders within the QSR corporate organization
Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key stakeholders across multiple departments (Operations, IT, Finance, Corporate Partnerships)
Act as an internal advocate for the account, ensuring alignment across all company departments
Identify and quantify new revenue opportunities within the corporate account, including service upselling, technology implementations, and operational optimization initiatives
Develop business cases and ROI analyses for proposed solutions and investments
Monitor and report on organic growth progress, pipeline development, and revenue realization
Establish and manage annual account growth targets and develop detailed plans to achieve or exceed them
Collaborate with implementation, support, and technical teams to ensure customer success and satisfaction
Manage account feedback loops and translate client input into actionable product and service enhancements
Work closely with account leads, sales, operations, product development, and customer success teams to coordinate strategic initiatives
Champion internal alignment around account priorities and growth opportunities
Facilitate communication and collaboration between the client organization and internal teams
Present findings, recommendations, and progress updates to senior management
Onsite client presence required; some travel required
Key Requirements:
Experience in business strategy, client engagement, or related field within the QSR, restaurant technology, or retail execution sectors
Demonstrate expertise in developing and executing organic growth strategies that resulted in measurable revenue increases
Proven ability to build and maintain executive-level relationships and influence key decision makers
Strong understanding of restaurant operations and QSR business models
Strategic thinking with the ability to translate market insights into actionable business initiatives
Exceptional communication skills with ability to present complex information to diverse audiences
Project management expertise with proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives to completion
Analytical capability with strong proficiency in data analysis, financial modeling, and business metrics
Problem-solving mindset with ability to identify creative solutions to complex business challenges
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree with a proven history of career progression
10+ years of relevant account management, strategic partnerships, or business development roles
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, independently, efficiently and under tight deadlines
Strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and in a team
Track record of identifying and capturing organic growth opportunities within existing accounts
Critical thinking, strong analytical skills and problem-solving ability
Ability to maintain professional demeanor under pressure
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products and Adobe
Familiarity with CRM software, process mapping software, and business intelligence tools such as Salesforce, Power BI, Figma
QSR, Retail and/or CPG experience
WHAT WE OFFER:
In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment and the ability to make a significant company impact, you will receive:
Competitive salary
Medical, dental, vision coverage, including family-forming benefits and gender-affirming care
401(k) with match
Disability Insurance (short term and long term)
Generous Time Off policy
Hybrid work policy
Robust peer recognition program
Training and development opportunities
Tuition reimbursement program
Access to Omnicom's Employee Resource Groups: Black Together, Open Pride, Acento, Open Disability, and OmniWomen
Commitment to growing and enhancing our organizational culture
IMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The salary range for this job is $150,000-$170,000 - The salary range provided in this job posting is an estimate based on market data and internal equity. Final compensation will be determined based on knowledge, skills, experience, location, and other relevant factors such as certain certifications that may be desired for this role. $150,000.00 - $170,000.00
Omnicom's policy requires employees to work in the office for a minimum of three days a week, unless additional in-office days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement over time, and many of our agencies as well as Omnicom's corporate group already require five days of in-office attendance.
Omnicom is committed to hiring and developing exceptional talent. We agree that talent is uniquely distributed, and we're focused on developing inclusive teams that can bring the best solutions to everything we do. We strongly believe that celebrating what makes us different makes us better together. Join us-we look forward to getting to know you. We will process your personal data in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
Link to Recruitment Privacy Notice: https://www.omc.com/privacy-notice
For US Job Seekers:
It is the policy of Omnicom and any of its affiliates to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. EOE/AA/M/D/V/F.