Corporate Planning Strategist

The Corporate Planning Strategist, reporting to the CEO, supports the development and execution of the organization’s strategic priorities and growth initiatives. This role partners with the CEO and COO to inform and develop the corporate strategy, translate business objectives into actionable plans, and ensure effective execution across the organization. This role leads the organization’s enterprise strategy development and long-range planning processes, translates vision and opportunities into clear priorities, measurable goals, and actionable roadmaps.

This position will help drive alignment and execution by developing reporting and monitoring systems and processes.

The position will analyze market trends, the competitive landscape and create compelling messaging (POVs, white papers, executive presentations, etc.) to inform leadership decision-making and the evaluation of growth opportunities.

The ideal candidate has an analytical mindset with the ability to craft compelling stories and comes from a corporate strategy, strategic operations role or management consulting firm.

This position is a hybrid role which requires the employee to work in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

• Provide insights, recommendations, market intelligence, and decision-making support on critical business opportunities and challenges.
• Partner with the CEO, COO, and executive team to develop strategic priorities and translate business objectives into operational initiatives, key performance metrics, and execution plans.
• Lead annual strategic planning processes, including goal setting, prioritization, business reviews, and performance tracking.
• Lead and oversee high-priority strategic initiatives sponsored by executive leadership.
• Leverage AI-based tools and technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and quality of work within scope of responsibilities.
• Monitor evolving automotive retail, digital marketing, customer experience, data, and technology trends to identify opportunities for competitive advantage and growth through strategic investments and partnerships.
• Develop executive-level POVs, business cases, thought papers, and recommendations supported by data, financial analysis, and business insights.
• Facilitate coordination between the CEO, COO, and executive team to ensure enterprise-wide alignment, consistent tracking and follow-through on commitments and strategic objectives.
• Lead preparation of reports, business reviews, briefing materials, updates and facilitation of executive team meetings, strategic reviews, planning meetings, and board-level presentations.
• Support organizational change management efforts associated with strategic initiatives and business transformation.
• Support annual operating plan and budgeting processes in partnership with Finance and business area leaders.

% Travel Required (Approximate): 25%

At Ford Direct, we believe in diversity as a strength. You are encouraged to apply even if your experience or background doesn't precisely match the job description. Candidates who do not meet all listed qualifications may be considered based on the combination of relevant work experience and depth of expertise in job-related skills.

• Progressive experience in strategic planning, business operations, management consulting, corporate strategy, program management, or related disciplines, 10+ years
• Experience influencing senior executives and driving cross-functional initiatives, 7+ years.
• Experience leading enterprise-wide strategic initiatives and organizational transformation efforts.
• Strong financial acumen, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and investment evaluation.
• Experience in either automotive, digital marketing,…