Connected Commerce Director (BD)

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. 

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com .

Role Summary  This pivotal role focuses on strategically integrating and activating Retail Media, elevating it from a channel-specific tactic to a fully integrated, data-driven strategic pillar within our overall media offering. We are seeking a strategic thinker who can connect brand and performance objectives by optimizing the use of retailer data, audiences, and capabilities. You will be instrumental in driving client success, fostering innovation in audience strategy, and shaping the future of connected commerce for our organization and our clients.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Integration & Alignment:

• Integrate Retail Media across media planning and strategy, ensuring seamless alignment with broader brand objectives.
• Drive cross-channel alignment, ensuring Retail Media initiatives complement and amplify other media efforts.

Briefing & Proposal Leadership:

• Provide strategic guidance as a subject matter expert in client briefings, identifying Retail Media opportunities.
• Incorporate Retail Media strategies into proposals, articulating their contribution to overall objectives.
• Develop data-backed proposals and strategic frameworks for integrated Retail Media initiatives.
• Support new business development with expert Retail Media strategy.

Advanced Data & Audience Strategy:

• Develop strategies for leveraging retailer-specific audiences for campaigns.
• Champion data-driven decisions using Retail Media signals and first-party audiences.
• Translate Retail Media performance data into actionable insights for continuous optimization.
• Partner on cross-channel attribution and ROI measurement for integrated campaigns.
• Advise on online amplification strategies for in-store plans.

Retailer & Partner Relationship Management:

• Manage strategic relationships with key Retail Media partners and platforms.
• Monitor and communicate evolving platform capabilities and best practices.
• Source valuable insights and data from retail partners to enhance planning and activation.
• Evaluate retailer data, capabilities, and insights for strategic value.
• Advocate for client needs with platforms, seeking enhanced capabilities and access.

Thought Leadership & Capability Building:

• Monitor the evolving Retail Media landscape, identifying trends and best practices.
• Develop and deliver training programs to elevate internal Retail Media capabilities.
• Establish best practices for integrated Retail Media planning and execution.

Internal Collaboration & Consultancy:

• Collaborate with various internal teams (e.g., Commerce, Planning, Measurement) to foster cohesive client solutions.
• Serve as an expert for complex cross-retail/cross-channel strategies, guiding internal teams.
• Facilitate integration across Retail Media platforms for a unified approach.

The Impact You'll Have:  Your success in this role will bring significant value:

• Operational Blueprint: You will establish a blueprint for connected commerce, setting new standards for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strategic Alignment: You will eliminate critical disconnects between brand objectives and channel-specific Retail Media execution, ensuring every pound spent works harder towards overall goals.
• Empowered Teams: You will empower internal teams by providing strategic alignment and access to partner capabilities.
• Business Growth: You will contribute to business growth through integrated, innovative, and effective Retail Media strategies, enhancing client satisfaction and retention.

Skills and Experience  To succeed in this role, you'll need a unique blend of strategic vision, expertise, and exceptional relationship-building skills.

• 5+ years of senior experience in media planning, strategy, or account management, with strong expertise in Retail Media, including audience strategy.
• Strong understanding of various Retail Media platforms, their data capabilities, and evolving offerings.
• Proven track record in developing and executing advanced audience strategies, including leveraging first-party retailer data.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience managing strategic relationships with external partners and securing valuable insights/capabilities.
• A collaborative mindset, comfortable working cross-functionally with various internal teams.
• Proactive problem-solver with a passion for innovation and shaping the future of connected commerce.
• Experience in client-facing roles, including presenting strategic proposals.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.  

We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.  

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.  

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location

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While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  

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