Manager, Strategic Market Planning

Manage and perform strategic analysis of complex markets to assess the desirability of specific locations in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico to determine the value of a new or converted franchise hotel on the existing franchise system. Provide strategic analysis and support regarding complex strategic and operational questions across multiple functions (including development, brand strategy and franchise operations). Provide support for key decision making processes, including the Franchise Approval Committee. Maintain and track regional view on system size and pipeline highlighting actions required to meet IHG system size growth ambition. Provide financial, analytical and business planning support and advice to assigned business unit to ensure their success in implementing the Company’s strategic priorities.

Your day to day 

• Conduct strategic analyses which include the development, data mining, and interpretation of quantitative analytical support for Franchise Sales and Development and Americas Finance.
• Provide in-depth analytical support and insight, including a deep understanding of complex market performance drivers, to identify target locations for the Company’s mainstream, upscale or new brand hotels. Develop reports and processes to maintain and track performance against targets over time. Communicate frequently with the field sales team to translate complex analysis into easy to understand market insights. Support the development and ongoing evolution of the COMPASS model build outs and improvements to the tool.
• Support and manage the development of key strategic reports utilized regularly for decision making by senior management, including reports specifically for the CEO and regional operating committee members (reports include confidential data and information with which major decisions are made).
• Perform market analyses for the US, Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico territories to include studies of current and future trends of consumer economic, demographic and competitive data.
• Independently conduct market field work to establish viability and/or feasibility of proposed IHG branded hotels.
• Build and maintain data and systems underpinning Market Strategy approach e.g., Compass, Tableau, Business Objects, Access database(s).
• Maintain and track Americas region view on system size, pipeline, all development revenue streams, and royalty projections to ensure alignment with IHG system growth ambition.
• Review proposed hotel projects for location attributes, notification to existing owners, and recommendations as part of IHG’s internal review process.

What we need from you

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Business, Strategy, Finance, Statistics or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience
• 3 plus years’ progressive work experience in strategy, consultancy or finance with demonstrated mastery of technical and business knowledge, understanding multiple disciplines/processes and tackling complex strategic issues related to the position. Previous work experience in the Hotel Industry, market planning or real estate development areas are highly desirable
• Demonstrated project management experience in planning and executing complex analytical projects and processes from conception through implementation.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking through an ability to analyze markets, performance data, and complex business issues in order to draw insight/conclusions.
• Demonstrated financial modeling/analysis (DCF, NPV, accounting, statistics) and basic financial principals.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and understand a variety of internal and external economic and financial issues and to analyze data and forecast future business trends in order to support the strategic market/business planning function.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills for the purpose of providing information to clients, vendors, senior management and staff. Demonstrated ability to communicate and present data and analysis using a persuasive argument or to effectively negotiate a position.
• Demonstrated advanced-level knowledge and understanding of economic conditions, industry trends, financial statements, and other issues affecting potential franchise transactions. Demonstrated ability to analyze these factors and draw logical conclusions.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building skills, in order to effectively act as a liaison to explain analysis, recommendations and decisions to the Director, Market Strategy & Development Analytics, the development/ franchise sales organization and senior management
• Demonstrated financial and business analysis skills, and demonstrated ability to analyze operating, forecast, and budget information. Demonstrated ability to use the results of analysis to make effective strategic decisions

Travel – 15-25%

Location – Atlanta, GA: Our hybrid work structure is an expectation of three (3) days a week in office. This expectation may be adjusted to evolve with the changing needs of the business.

The salary range for this role is $84,000.00 to $97,000.00.  This role is also eligible for bonus pay (as applicable). We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and other benefits to employees.  

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