Media Director (Commerce / Retail Media Planning)

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

What We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Media Director to lead a CPG client's Omnichannel Media Planning eefforts across multiple Retail Media Networks (RMNs). This individual will lead the development of effective media strategies and buys, driving campaign analysis to achieve client objectives. They will be a key driver of innovation at both the strategic and campaign level, building strong relationships with clients and managing vendor relationships effectively.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and deliver effective media strategies and plans, utilizing research tools, historical client data, and knowledge of the media landscape and innovations.

• Research, develop, and share POVs on new client opportunities.

• Build relationships with clients; work seamlessly with clients throughout campaign development and implementation, resolving any issues with regards to changes in direction, campaign goals, and budgets.

• Translate media strategies into tactical plans that achieve client’s objectives and fit within budget.

• Create strong relationships with Retail Media Network partners and stay current on relevant upcoming offerings.

• Negotiate with vendor partners to obtain media availability and placement, advantageous rates, and added value; evaluate appropriate media opportunities for achieving client objectives.

• Act as a liaison between the media and account team to ensure that project milestones, timelines, and deliverables are met.

• Monitor buys in progress, arrange for make goods and credits, and update any related changes in the buy software.

• Analyze and report results of media campaigns.

• Maintain documentation of creative assets and costs for planned and placed media activity across all internal reports (flowcharts and buys).

Who You Are:

• Able to communicate clearly, thoroughly, succinctly, and in a timely manner both verbally and in writing; follow up on outstanding issues; ask questions.

• Keen attention to detail with strong mathematical and Microsoft Excel skills; able to identify and understand anomalies in large data sets.

• Able to build relationships across the team, department, vendors, and clients.

• Proactive approach demonstrated by providing regular project timeline and budget updates and anticipating potential problems and obstacles.

• Able to review results and performance of paid media campaigns based on predetermined success indicators, determine effectiveness and report back to client.

What You'll Need:

• 8+ years of media experience working in an agency setting

• Experience working with Retail Media Networks (Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, Albertsons, Kroger, etc) required

• Experience mentoring junior team members

• Client facing experience

What we offer:

• Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.

• Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.

• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.

• Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$75,000—$180,000 USD

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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