Brand Strategist

You will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing effective brand and communication strategies at HOTCULT. Your responsibilities will include conducting thorough research, developing strategic recommendations, and collaborating with internal teams and clients to drive impactful advertising and branding initiatives. Your tasks will involve conducting primary and secondary research to gather insights on market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes. You will commission and oversee external qualitative and quantitative research, as well as analyze sales data and market trends to inform strategic decisions and recommendations. As a Strategy & Brand Planner, you will develop and present comprehensive strategic plans aligned with client objectives and market opportunities. You will create detailed creative briefs to guide the internal creative team and ensure alignment with strategic goals. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing positioning recommendations, defining brand elements, and establishing the brand tone. Collaboration with clients and internal teams is crucial in this role. You will lead brand workshops and training sessions for client teams to co-create effective communication solutions. Presenting findings and strategic recommendations to clients, demonstrating a deep understanding of their business, market, and brand, will be part of your responsibilities. You will also conduct brainstorming sessions with internal stakeholders to generate innovative ideas and solutions. Your role will involve overseeing and evaluating the effectiveness of campaigns, using insights to refine and enhance strategies. You will develop and implement strategies to address business challenges and capitalize on market opportunities. Leadership and training are key aspects of this position. You will lead and manage the local planning team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Representing the agency at training sessions and industry events, including college outreach programs, will be part of your responsibilities. Furthermore, you will assist in pitching for new business opportunities, leveraging strategic insights to win new clients. Staying current with cultural and social trends, and anticipating future developments to ensure forward-thinking strategies will be essential. Utilizing big-picture thinking, storytelling, and synthesis to set and achieve strategic goals will also be part of your role. To excel in this position, you should have 5-6 years of experience in strategic planning, brand development, and market research. Strong analytical abilities to translate data into actionable strategies, excellent communication skills, leadership experience, and familiarity with statistics, research analysis, and marketing strategy are required. A forward-thinking mindset, understanding of emerging trends and consumer attitudes, experience in developing creative briefs, conducting brand workshops, and proficiency in using criteria development tools are also necessary. Additionally, a strong grasp of South Indian cultural nuances and an understanding of cultural codes to craft impactful and relevant pitches will be beneficial.,