Strategic Insights Director (Raleigh, NC)

At JTI we celebrate differences, and everyone truly belongs. 46,000 people from all over the world are continuously building their unique success story with us. 83% of employees feel happy working at JTI.

To make a difference with us, all you need to do is bring your human best.

What will your story be? Apply now!  

Learn more: jti.com

Please apply till February 16th, 2026, COB

Strategic Insights Director

What this position is about:

This role leads the Strategic Insights function, providing the USA ExCom and the wider Market with clear strategic direction through deep analysis of market, category, trade, brand, and competitor performance. The position identifies future trends and growth opportunities for JTI Liggett in the rapidly evolving, complex U.S. nicotine landscape.

A core accountability is market modelling and forecasting for the U.S. market, factoring in pricing and taxation, competitor dynamics, and regulatory impacts. This includes navigating one of the world’s most complex pricing environments, driven by 50 different State Excise Tax structures (with additional municipal taxes in some locations), minimum selling price legislation in specific areas, and further complexity from MSA non-signatory states and state-specific mechanisms (e.g., escrow-related impacts) that can create uneven competitive pricing—particularly in key value-volume states.

The role delivers actionable commercial insights and strategic reviews (including ASP and broader commercial performance assessments) by interpreting internal and external data and market research across all nicotine categories and all consumer and trade channels in the U.S., including ownership of the USA Consumer Tracker Program.

As a trusted strategic advisor, Strategic Insights influences overall Business, CTP, and RRP strategy through a holistic view of consumers, trade, and competitor behavior. The position also provides analytical direction and support to Marketing and Sales to improve the quality and speed of decision-making.

This role acts as the primary interface for USA Strategic Insights with Global HQ, the Regional team, and GBS, ensuring the delivery of high-quality insight support across all USA functions, and collaborates with key external partners (e.g., MSAi, scanned data providers, and the Anti-Illicit Trade group).

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction to the USA ExCom and Market by analysing market, category, trade, brand, and competitor performance; identify trends and growth opportunities across the nicotine landscape.
• Own long-term forecasting and market modelling across all segments (incl. ASP and key commercial reviews), incorporating consumer dynamics (incl. cross-category usage), pricing, excise tax, and wider industry drivers.
• Assess regulatory developments and consultations; translate them into commercial impact scenarios and market models, and provide input for advocacy positions in partnership with Corporate Affairs.
• Partner with the USA ExCom and Functional Directors to convert forecasts and modelling into clear business impacts and decision-ready recommendations.
• Lead the delivery of commercial performance reporting and trade-channel analytics (incl. in-market pricing monitoring) to support the delivery of JTI Liggett objectives.
• Produce retail and trade sector overviews and ad-hoc analyses; present insights internally and, when relevant, directly to key accounts to support CTP & RRP decisions.
• Leverage market research to strengthen the CTP & RRP business; review and validate GBS-developed reports for USA relevance; act as the point of contact and oversee ad-hoc reporting when required.
• Track external developments and best practices in research, analytics, business information management, and smoker/shopper insights; share and apply them with the Regional SI network.
• Plan and manage the department’s annual AP budget; manage local and global supplier relationships.
• Lead, coach, and develop the team, ensuring performance, career development, and succession planning.
• Manage additional projects and tasks as assigned by the line manager or GM.
• Communicate and present complex insights clearly and succinctly; explain research concepts and methodologies to non-experts and senior stakeholders.

Who we are looking for – Requirements:

• University degree (MBA preferred).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior leadership roles in Analytics/Insights (or closely related Strategic Marketing roles), ideally in FMCG.
• Proven expertise in forecasting and market modelling, with strong commercial acumen and market experience.
• Strong insights and research background, including tracking studies and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Fluent English.
• Excellent PC skills, especially in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with research/analytics software and report-writing tools to deliver actionable insights.

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.