Strategy Manager

Role Mission

The Strategy Manager serves as the experienced operational lead within Foundation Marketing's strategy division. This senior role is responsible for managing key client relationships at a high level, mentoring the strategy team members, and enabling VP-level leaders to focus on organizational growth, structure, and strategic direction.

Core Responsibilities

• Act as the main strategic contact for assigned accounts, nurturing strong relationships with financial decision-makers and senior stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for strategic issues, client concerns, or conflicts requiring senior-level intervention.
• Lead strategy presentations and confidently advocate for proposed directions, ensuring clients perceive you as a senior strategic partner.
• Continuously assess the overall health of your portfolio and proactively alert VP leadership to potential risks.
• Supervise the execution of geographic (GEO) and content strategies to ensure alignment with strategic goals and client KPIs.
• Review strategic deliverables such as content plans, quarterly business reviews, and monthly reports to identify any deviations or opportunities.
• Apply a GEO-centric approach, demonstrating expertise in generative and answer engine optimization in your evaluations and guidance.
• Collaborate closely with Account Management to smoothly handle contract matters, upselling, and coordination across teams.
• Manage a team of 3-5 strategists, taking responsibility for their growth by creating personalized development plans and conducting regular one-on-one sessions.
• Coach strategists on client communication skills, confidence in calls, and owning strategic positions under pressure.
• Assess strategist performance using structured criteria and provide detailed feedback to foster continuous improvement.
• Ensure your team is capable of articulating and implementing advanced GEO strategies confidently.
• Promptly report any performance concerns with evidence to senior leadership rather than waiting for scheduled reviews.
• Spot and communicate potential upselling opportunities in your accounts, working closely with Account Management with clear strategic justification.
• Take part in sales discussions for new business where your expertise enhances credibility and conversion rates.
• Keep abreast of developments in GEO positioning, platform changes, citation habits, and AI search trends to inform team strategy.

Candidate Profile

• Experience beyond traditional SEO, actively building strategies centered on generative and answer engine visibility integrated as a fundamental component.
• Deep understanding of B2B and SaaS/technology client dynamics, including sales funnels, stakeholder relationships, and engagement models distinct from B2C.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure, articulating and defending strategic decisions confidently in front of senior client executives.
• Passion for leadership and talent development demonstrated by tangible examples of staff growth.
• Self-starter attitude with a readiness to lead even when not completely prepared, prioritizing ownership over escalation.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum five years’ experience in digital, content, or multi-channel marketing strategy, including at least two years in senior or oversight roles.
• Proven track record managing or significantly developing at least one direct report.
• Advanced proficiency in GEO strategies tailored for AI-driven answer engines, with credible delivery experience.
• Portfolio focused on B2B or SaaS/tech clients, with experience presenting strategies to VP or Director-level audiences.
• Strong analytical skills using digital tools such as Google Analytics, Search Console, Ahrefs, and HubSpot.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining complex strategies clearly and confidently both in writing and orally.

Performance Metrics

• Maintain zero unresolved escalations and a post-strategy Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 8 or higher, with positive retention across your portfolio.
• Ensure timely delivery of strategic materials that meet specifications and uphold quality standards, catching issues before submission to clients.
• Each direct report should maintain active professional development plans reviewed monthly, with measurable improvements in identified skill gaps quarterly.
• Recommended GEO strategies should be aligned with current platform standards and demonstrated to improve AI citation visibility within 3 to 6 months.
• Identify and communicate upsell opportunities proactively, contributing to revenue growth within your accounts.

Compensation

• Annual base salary ranges from 80000 to 110000 CAD.
• On-target earnings (OTE) expected between 105000 and 145000 CAD, depending on experience, role level, and location.
• Compensation is designed using a role, level, and location model, supporting global hiring and rewarding impact.