Director, Retail Media at VML | Chicago, IL | $75K/yr – $180K/yr

VML

Director, Retail Media

Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

$75K/yr – $180K/yrDirector/Executive8+ years expFull time

Posted 3 months ago

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Job Summary

Drive retail media strategy and leadership across key client accounts with hands-on activation and ongoing test-and-learn optimization.

Own retail media strategy and budgets across RMNs with performance reporting.
Must-have: 8+ years in digital media, 5+ in retail media, plus agency/brand experience.
Standout: Direct client storytelling and team leadership with cross-functional collaboration.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Act as the retail media strategy lead on 3-5 key client accounts, serving as the senior point of contact for all retail media initiatives.
Grow and develop team members by providing regular, actionable, and motivating feedback that supports strengths and identifies areas for growth.
Lead oversight of all aspects of retail media investment, including budget pacing and management, performance reporting, and financial reconciliation.
Oversee retail media activation strategy, including campaign structure, keyword strategy, bidding optimization, and a rigorous test-and-learn agenda across sponsored search, display, and DSP placements.
Manage full-funnel campaigns on key RMNs (e.g., Amazon Ads, Walmart Connect, Instacart) to achieve KPI targets.
Present directly to clients, gaining their trust by telling a concise and compelling story around retail media performance, insights, and strategic recommendations.
Partner with integrated account teams to connect retail media strategy with broader commerce objectives, including digital shelf optimization, inventory planning, and promotions.
Provide thought leadership to the agency and clients to educate and inspire innovation in the rapidly evolving retail media space.
Institute rigor for test-and-learn capabilities across RMNs, ad formats, and audience tactics to drive continuous improvement.
Stay at the forefront of the retail media landscape, presenting new RMNs, ad products, and measurement solutions to help clients achieve their objectives.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in digital media, with at least 5 years focused specifically on retail media planning and activation within an agency or brand.
Minimum 3 years of direct management experience.
Expert understanding of the retail media ecosystem, including major RMNs (Amazon Ads, Walmart Connect, etc.), their ad products (Sponsored Products, Brands, Display, DSP), and unique measurement capabilities.
Proficiency with retail media management and optimization platforms (e.g., Pacvue, Skai, Perpetua).
Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to interpret campaign data, leverage first-party retailer insights, and translate performance into actionable strategic recommendations.
Expert presentation skills with the ability to articulate a compelling story to senior-level clients.
Ability to be hands-on when needed, especially in relation to problem-solving and generating business solutions.
Experience understanding the intersection of business strategy, consumer insights, and digital shopper behavior in grounding ideas.
Powerful communication and presentation skills; technically and creatively proficient in presentation planning and development.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including account management, creative, and analytics.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package.

VML

3.5 Glassdoor

VML is a global powerhouse born from the unification of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R — two of the world's most powerful and accomplished creative agencies with complementary capabilities and geographic strengths. We have an industry-unique opportunity to provide our client partners with a fully integrated offering across brand experience, customer experience and commerce practices — powered by deep data and technology experience. For more information, visit www.vml.com.

Founded in 2024

New York, New York, US

33K employees (8,368 in marketing)

www.vml.com

67% recommend to a friend

79% CEO approval