Job Details

500° is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Consumer Insight and Strategy to help lead the strategic evolution of our clients' business. This role sits at the intersection of cultural insight, business intelligence, and creative thinking—designed for a non-traditional strategist who thrives in fast-paced environments, has a passion for emerging trends, and possesses deep experience in developing strategies that resonate with Gen Z and Millennial audiences.

This is a high-impact, client-facing role based in our Columbus, OH office. The Director of Consumer Insight and Strategy will partner closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to craft compelling, layered strategies across trade, communications, and retail activation. This individual will play a pivotal role in delivering thoughtful, data-informed strategic guidance that drives measurable results for multi-unit retail, restaurant, travel, and CPG clients—particularly within the fast-paced QSR category.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

• Lead the development of full-funnel, tiered strategies that combine zone-level insights, communications planning, and trade marketing.
• Translate consumer, cultural, and behavioral insights—particularly around Gen Z and Millennials—into actionable strategies and compelling narratives.
• Work hand-in-hand with analytics partners to shape data-driven strategies that drive client outcomes and inspire creative teams.
• Rapidly develop clear, creative-ready strategic briefs that meet the tight timelines often required in QSR and fast-paced retail environments.
• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to senior clients, including CMOs and VPs of Marketing, helping uncover new opportunities and elevate brand relevance.
• Present strategic recommendations in a confident, polished, and client-friendly manner—whether in the boardroom or on video calls.
• Collaborate with account and creative leadership to ensure strategic continuity from ideation to execution.
• Author and present thought leadership pieces that translate emerging trends into relevant implications and recommendations for clients.
• Stay on the pulse of category shifts and consumer behavior trends, contributing to proactive ideas that keep clients ahead of the curve.
• Serve as a key strategic contributor in new business pitches, leading the development of strategy narratives and delivering presentations that win.
• Work cross-functionally to develop pitch strategies, build decks, and present ideas that resonate with prospective clients and differentiate the agency.

What You'll Need (Requirements)

• 7–10 years of strategic planning or brand strategy experience within an agency, consulting firm, or client-side marketing environment.
• Strong understanding of Gen Z and Millennial consumer segments, including cultural influences, digital behaviors, and media consumption patterns.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with analytics teams to build strategies grounded in data.
• Exceptional presentation and storytelling skills, with a proven ability to distill complex insights into simple, powerful ideas.
• Experience developing strategies for fast-paced verticals like QSR, retail, travel, or CPG is strongly preferred.
• Comfortable working on high-visibility initiatives and partnering directly with executive-level clients.
• Prior experience contributing to or leading new business pitches is a must.

What's Nice to Have

• Experience in multi-location retail, restaurant/merchandising, or financial services.
• Familiarity with tools such as Simmons, MRI, or similar planning platforms.
• Keynote fluency and polished visual storytelling capabilities.

*We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.