At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic accounts and drive innovative advertising solutions for top clients.
- Company: Join Ocado Retail, the UK's largest online supermarket with a mission to deliver joy.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, hybrid working, and generous discounts at M&S.
- Other info: Be part of our AI Academy and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in digital advertising while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in digital advertising and strong client management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Lead
Application Closing Date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re also on a mission to empower our business with smart technology; we've recently launched our AI Academy, providing a tailored AI learning journey for every colleague. We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com.
About the team and the role
The Strategic Accounts Lead is a critical senior role responsible for defining and executing the strategy for our largest, most strategic advertising partners. You are a proven leader with deep expertise in retail media, e‑commerce, and executive‑level client management.
What you’ll do
- Strategic Leadership & Commercial Vision: Define the long-term vision and strategy for the Strategic Accounts portfolio, identifying key growth drivers, opportunities for new product adoption, and market positioning. Serve as the senior commercial and strategic leader for Ocado Ads, engaging directly with C‑suite and executive leaders at our largest client partners (e.g., major FMCG/CPG brands). Drive and be accountable for the annual and quarterly revenue targets for the Strategic Accounts team, implementing robust forecasting and performance management processes.
- Account Management & Partnership Development: Establish and maintain executive-level relationships across all key Strategic Accounts, ensuring Ocado Ads is a priority media partner embedded in their corporate strategy. Collaborate with buyers and suppliers on their joint business plans (JBPs), outlining strategic growth opportunities, product adoption, and campaign excellence. Oversee the strategic planning and execution of omnichannel retail media campaigns, ensuring clients achieve superior performance and ROI. Act as the voice of the Strategic Advertiser internally, working with Product, Marketing, and Data teams to influence the product roadmap and service delivery.
- Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of Strategic Media Planning Managers, fostering a culture of commercial excellence, innovation, and client obsession. Develop and implement best‑in‑class account management methodologies and sales processes to drive repeatable, scalable growth. Be responsible for talent acquisition, performance management, and career development within the Strategic Accounts team. Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and identify skills gaps and training needs to ensure the team is leveraging best practices in retail media and client relationship management.
- Collaboration and Market Insight: Work closely with the Proposition Lead, Commercial and Customer teams to translate client needs into product roadmap suggestions and to effectively package and launch new offerings. Provide accurate sales forecasting and pipeline management for the team’s combined book of business to leadership. Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and industry changes to proactively adapt commercial strategies.
Who you are
- Experience in digital advertising, media sales, or account management, with experience in a leadership/senior commercial role.
- Proven track record of consistently exceeding large sales quotas and driving significant revenue growth.
- Deep expertise in Retail Media, e‑Commerce, or programmatic advertising, with an understanding of the grocery sector a strong plus.
- Exceptional ability to build rapport, influence, and negotiate at the senior executive level, both with clients and agencies.
- Strong analytical skills, capable of using data and insights to create compelling commercial narratives.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
What’s in it for you
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail. You'll also be part of our AI Academy, a dedicated learning journey designed to empower every colleague with the smart technology skills of the future. If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal.
- Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market‑leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
- Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
- Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Everyone’s welcome. We’re an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at careers@ocadoretail.com and we’ll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.
Strategic Accounts Lead in Hatfield employer: Ocado Retail
At Ocado Retail, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer that champions innovation and employee growth. With a vibrant work culture that encourages collaboration and creativity, our team members benefit from a comprehensive range of perks including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and access to our AI Academy for continuous learning. Located in Hatfield, our hybrid working model allows for a balanced work-life experience while being part of the world's largest dedicated online supermarket.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Accounts Lead in Hatfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Strategic Accounts Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Ocado and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience in retail media can drive their success. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams to success in the past. We love candidates who can inspire and mentor others, especially in a high-performing environment like ours.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our mission at Ocado.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Accounts Lead in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in digital advertising and account management. We want to see how your skills align with the Strategic Accounts Lead role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team. Share examples of how you’ve mentored others or driven team success in your previous roles. This will help us see your potential as a leader at Ocado.
Be Data-Driven:We love numbers! Use data to back up your claims about past successes, whether it’s exceeding sales targets or improving client relationships. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to create compelling narratives.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Accounts Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of revenue targets and performance metrics. Brush up on your past achievements in exceeding sales quotas and be ready to discuss specific figures that showcase your success.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Prepare to weave compelling narratives around your experiences in digital advertising and account management. Use data and insights to back up your stories, making them relatable and impactful for the interviewers, especially when discussing your influence at the executive level.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to talk about how you lead and inspire teams. Share examples of how you've mentored others and fostered a culture of excellence. Highlight your approach to talent acquisition and performance management, as this role requires strong team leadership.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research current trends in retail media and e-commerce, particularly within the grocery sector. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact Ocado Ads and suggest innovative strategies that align with their corporate goals.
