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Strategic Planning Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Strategic Analysis & Business Insights * Perform deep-dive analyses to identify business ... Support leadership in strategic planning, prioritization, and decision-making processes. What we're ...

Strategic Analysis & Business Insights * Perform deep-dive analyses to identify business ... Support leadership in strategic planning, prioritization, and decision-making processes. What we're ...

Associate Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Associate Planner Salary: $95,000-$125,000 annually / DOE About: Help Shape the Future of ... planning strategies, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver creative, data ...

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Strategic Planning Associate information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$71.8K

$149K

How much do strategic planning associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic planning associate in California is $71,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $80,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is strategic planning a soft or hard skill?

Strategic planning is considered a hard skill because it involves technical knowledge of analysis, data interpretation, and developing long-term plans. However, it also requires soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. For a Strategic Planning Associate, both skill types are important for success.

Is strategic planning a good career?

Strategic planning is a valuable career for professionals who enjoy analyzing data, developing long-term goals, and working with cross-functional teams. Roles such as Strategic Planning Associate often require strong analytical skills, business acumen, and proficiency with tools like Excel or PowerPoint. It offers opportunities for advancement into management and consulting fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Strategic Planning Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Strategic Planning Associate, you need strong analytical skills, business acumen, and a relevant degree in business, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and business intelligence platforms, as well as experience with strategic planning frameworks, is often required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help you effectively present insights and work across departments. These skills are crucial for developing actionable strategies that drive organizational growth and ensure informed decision-making.

What is the difference between Strategic Planning Associate vs Business Analyst?

AspectStrategic Planning AssociateBusiness Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field; some roles prefer certifications like CBAPBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field; certifications like CBAP or PMI-PBA are common
Work EnvironmentCorporate strategy teams, consulting firms, or corporate planning departmentsBusiness units, consulting firms, or corporate departments analyzing processes and data
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate strategy, consulting, and finance sectorsCommon across finance, technology, healthcare, and consulting industries

While both roles involve analysis and strategic thinking, a Strategic Planning Associate focuses on developing long-term strategies and corporate plans, whereas a Business Analyst concentrates on analyzing business processes and data to improve efficiency. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus, with the associate more involved in strategic initiatives and the analyst in operational improvements.

What are the 4 P's of strategic planning?

The 4 P's of strategic planning are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, which are key elements of marketing strategy that a Strategic Planning Associate may analyze to develop effective plans. These components help in understanding how to position a product or service in the market and reach target audiences effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by Strategic Planning Associates when working with cross-functional teams?

Strategic Planning Associates often collaborate with teams from various departments, such as finance, marketing, and operations. A common challenge is aligning different stakeholders’ priorities and ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding strategic objectives. Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills are essential to bridge gaps, facilitate consensus, and drive strategic initiatives forward. Navigating competing interests and managing timelines can also be demanding, but these experiences build valuable problem-solving and leadership skills.

What does a Strategic Planning Associate do?

A Strategic Planning Associate supports an organization's long-term goals by conducting research, analyzing data, and helping develop business strategies. They work closely with senior management to identify opportunities for growth and improvement, prepare presentations, and track the progress of strategic initiatives. Their role often involves market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and financial modeling to inform decision-making. Strategic Planning Associates play a key part in ensuring the organization stays competitive and aligned with its objectives.

What does a strategy associate do?

A strategy associate analyzes business data, conducts market research, and supports the development of strategic plans to help organizations achieve their goals. They often work with senior leaders, use tools like Excel and PowerPoint, and require strong analytical and communication skills. The role typically involves preparing reports, identifying opportunities, and assisting in project implementation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Strategic Planning jobs in California? The most popular types of Strategic Planning jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Strategic Planning Associate jobs in California? For Strategic Planning Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Strategic Planning Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Strategic Planning Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Strategic Planning Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Strategic Planning Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Strategic Planning Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,762 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Strategy & Planning Associate

ATOMS Careers page

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Who we are
In the past, to be a successful restaurateur, you simply had to have a passion for food and a passion for people - but to succeed as a digital restaurateur you also need to have a passion for technology. We believe in the joy of serving others, and that's why we created Otter - to help restaurateurs succeed in online food delivery. Restaurants around the world, both large and small, including Chick-fil-A, Ben & Jerry's, KFC, and Eataly trust our software to power their delivery business. We increase sales, reduce order issues, and decrease delivery headaches.
Job Profile Summary
Supports strategic decision-making and business growth initiatives through data-driven analysis, go-to-market strategy development, and cross-functional program execution. Partners with product, sales, marketing, finance, and operations teams to evaluate market opportunities, optimize commercial strategies, and drive high-priority initiatives from concept through implementation. Delivers actionable recommendations to leadership by combining analytical rigor, business acumen, and operational excellence.
What you'll do
Go-to-Market Strategy & Commercial Planning
  • Support the development and execution of go-to-market strategies for new products, features, partnerships, and market expansions.
  • Evaluate customer segments, market opportunities, and competitive dynamics to inform commercialization strategies.
  • Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to develop recommendations related to pricing, packaging, customer acquisition, and growth initiatives.
  • Analyze performance metrics and market feedback to optimize GTM motions and improve business outcomes.

Strategic Analysis & Business Insights
  • Perform deep-dive analyses to identify business opportunities, operational challenges, and growth levers.
  • Develop hypotheses, conduct quantitative and qualitative research, and present findings and recommendations to leadership.
  • Build business cases and financial models to support strategic investments, partnerships, and new initiatives.
  • Translate complex data into actionable insights that drive executive decision-making.

Cross-Functional Program Management
  • Lead and coordinate strategic initiatives across multiple business functions, ensuring alignment, accountability, and successful execution.
  • Partner with Product, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams to drive key company priorities.
  • Manage project timelines, dependencies, stakeholder communications, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Monitor initiative performance and identify opportunities to improve execution and operational efficiency.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
  • Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and scaling challenges across the organization.
  • Design and implement operational improvements that enhance business performance and team productivity.
  • Establish reporting frameworks, KPIs, and operating rhythms to measure initiative success.
  • Drive continuous improvement efforts by leveraging data, stakeholder feedback, and industry best practices.

Executive Reporting & Communication
  • Prepare presentations, analyses, and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
  • Communicate findings and project updates to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
  • Support leadership in strategic planning, prioritization, and decision-making processes.

What we're looking for
  • 2-5 years of experience in Strategy, Business Operations, Corporate Strategy, Management Consulting, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital, GTM Strategy, or related analytical roles.
  • Experience supporting commercialization efforts, pricing and packaging initiatives, strategic partnerships, market expansion, or go-to-market execution.
  • Demonstrated ability to structure ambiguous business problems, develop hypotheses, conduct analysis, and deliver actionable recommendations.
  • Strong financial modeling, business analysis, and executive communication skills.
  • Proven track record of managing cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders across multiple teams.
  • Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-growth environments where priorities evolve quickly.

Preferred Industries & Experience
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in:
  • Management Consulting (McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, Accenture Strategy, LEK, Oliver Wyman, EY-Parthenon, Strategy&)
  • Investment Banking
  • Private Equity
  • Venture Capital
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Business Operations
  • GTM Strategy
  • Product Strategy
  • Revenue Strategy
  • High-Growth Technology or SaaS Companies
  • Fintech, Payments, or Marketplace Businesses

Target Schools
Strong preference for candidates from highly selective universities with rigorous analytical, business, economics, engineering, or quantitative programs, including:
  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
  • Princeton University
  • Yale University
  • Columbia University
  • Duke University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Chicago
  • Dartmouth College
  • Brown University
  • Cornell University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Virginia
  • Georgetown University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology

Equivalent international institutions and exceptional candidates from other universities with strong professional experience will also be considered.
Why join us
  • Demand for online food delivery is growing really fast! In the last 5 years, just in the US, the overall market has expanded 10X from $10B to $100B, and could expand to $500bn- $1T by 2030.
  • Changing the restaurant industry: You'll be part of a team that helps restaurants succeed in online food delivery.
  • Collaborative environment: You will receive support and guidance from experienced colleagues and managers, helping you to learn, grow and achieve your goals, and you'll work closely with other teams to ensure our customer's success.

What else you need to know
This role is based in our Los Angeles office location. As a company driven by innovation and continuous change, close collaboration is essential. We're constantly reimagining our industry, creating new products, and refining our processes, and we do our best work together. That's why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.
The base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $125,000 per year.
Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance-based bonus.
Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans, incl. HSA options).
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance (short- and long-term).
  • Voluntary insurance: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity.
  • Optional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children.
  • Pet insurance discount.
  • 401(k).
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
  • Time Off policies:
    • Discretionary vacation days
    • 8 paid holidays per year
    • Paid sick time
    • Paid Bereavement leave
    • Paid Parental Leave

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?
#LI-Onsite