Description

Strategic planning managers are the ones who oversee the overall strategic planning process. They work with senior management to review their performance over time and decide on the most effective strategy for the future - for instance, in the handling of acquisitions, mergers as well as the direction of the company's R&D. Strategic planning managers might have a lot of direct employees and their managers is expected to provide direction and discipline to these employees. They should be able to perform forecasting, assisting executives determine the most effective opportunities to grow the company. They are responsible for initiatives to grow and could create plans to acquire businesses that could provide the opportunity to grow. The position is usually full-time and is performed in an office environment however, travel might be needed depending on the requirements of the company.

Manager positions in strategic planning require significant prior experience in the field, typically at least 15 years of experience in a similar job. A minimum bachelor's degree in a business or similar field is usually required in addition, but they are typically required to hold an MBA or master's degree in administration of business (MBA). A strong interpersonal skill is required for strategic planning, since managers regularly interact with suppliers, customers engineers, company executives and business professionals, legal professionals, and potential partners businesses. Experience in sales and marketing could be beneficial as well.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Strategic Planning Manager with 9+ years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Lead the strategic planning process by conducting thorough market research, analyzing industry trends, and evaluating competitors.
  • Collaborate with senior management to define organizational goals and objectives, and develop strategic initiatives to achieve them.
  • Facilitate strategic discussions and workshops, ensuring alignment among key stakeholders and departments.
  • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of strategic plans, track key performance indicators, and provide regular progress reports to senior leadership.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Strategic Planning Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Profound strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to assess complex business challenges and develop long-term strategic plans.
  • Strong data analysis skills to gather and interpret market research data, competitor analysis, and financial information to inform strategic decisions.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills to articulate and communicate strategic plans and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities to effectively lead cross-functional teams in the execution of strategic initiatives and drive organizational change.

Essential Skills For Strategic Planning Manager

1

Strategic Mindset

2

Project Planning

3

Strategic Management

4

Strategic Planning

Skills That Affect Strategic Planning Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Program or Project Management

10%

Strategic Planning

2%

Career Prospects

The role of a Strategic Planning Manager is crucial in overseeing and implementing effective strategies in an organization. With 9+ years of experience in the United States, professionals in this field can explore various alternative roles. Here are following options to consider:

  • Business Development Manager: A role focused on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and driving growth.
  • Project Manager: A position responsible for planning, executing, and managing projects to achieve organizational objectives, ensuring timely delivery and optimal resource allocation.
  • Operations Manager: A role that involves overseeing day-to-day operations, streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring smooth functioning across departments.
  • Market Research Analyst: A position centered around gathering and analyzing market data, conducting market research, and providing insights to aid in decision-making and strategic planning.

How to Learn

The Strategic Planning Manager role in the United States is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past decade, the job role has seen an increasing demand, with organizations recognizing the importance of strategic planning for their success. According to recent data, employment opportunities for this position are expected to continue expanding in the coming years. This growth is attributed to factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and the need for companies to navigate an increasingly competitive business landscape. With the evolving business environment, the Strategic Planning Manager role is anticipated to remain crucial in driving organizational success and resilience.