Media Director (Commerce/Retail Media Planning) (Chicago)

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

What We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Media Director who embodies VML's values of collaboration, innovation, and client focus to work on a large CPG client. This individual will lead the development of effective omnichannel media strategies and buys, driving campaign analysis to achieve client objectives across Retail Media Networks. 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 across RMNs, 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 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.
• Be the Media SME for the account, leading junior team members

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:

• Approximately 10 years of media experience working in an agency setting
• Experience working with Retail Media Networks (i.e Walmart Connect, Kroger, Amazon, Target etc)
• Experience collaborating and leading with cross department partners such as creative, strategy, analytics, account, PM
• Experience as a people manager, leading and 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 inclusivecommunity 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.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.

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.

_ $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. For more information, please visit our website , and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram , LinkedIn ,and X .

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