As the name suggests, a strategic planner is a high-level professional who is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and processes that are intended to enable a company to meet its growth objectives. In order to truly understand the role of a strategic planner, it’s helpful to have a deeper understanding of strategic planning itself and how it benefits companies. Strategic planning is a dynamic, continuous process. It involves conducting an assessment of where the company currently stands (Point A), what the vision for the future is (Point B), and how to transition the company from Point A to Point B. It’s typical for strategic planning to map out a short-term future — usually the next three to five years — although there are exceptions. The results of strategic planning are captured in a written report. The strategic plan is crucial because all types of companies need a clear, firmly established mission. The strategic plan provides a roadmap toward achieving that mission.