Retail Media Associate Director

Company description Spark Foundry make up part of a thriving global media network and are part of the Publicis Groupe, one of the world’s leading communications groups. We are globally connected with over 8,000 employees in 110 offices across 70 countries.

Who We Are in the UK? Spark Foundry, the Acceleration Agency. We help brands to identify, learn and respond to opportunities faster than the competition. Every client has an area of their business they need to accelerate, from short-term goals to long-term transformation. We’ve proven our approach during the most difficult year on record. Now we’re using it to provide a launchpad for their future. Come be an accelerator with us.

How we accelerate:

• Planning: an approach that works in practice rather than theory, arming planners with the ability to create cutting edge campaigns.
• Intelligence: a suite of tools that give definitive answers to big questions, and uncovers actionable insights about real people.
• Trading: a model built on flexibility and trusted relationships, underpinned with bold guarantees.
• Relationships: a culture of asking challenging questions to better understand the brief – we are not a ‘yes’ agency.
• People: a strong history of recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and accelerating their careers.

Our Commitment: We are diverse through our experience, people and the clients we look after - and we celebrate that diversity. Our people hold us accountable to our beliefs and via regular surveys and our grass roots D&I team, The Collective, and internal next generation board, Firestarters, we hold regular events and work continually towards generating ideas, initiatives and educating our people to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive agency. As part of our dedication to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, Spark Foundry is committed to equal access to opportunity for people without regard to race, age, sex, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.

Publicis Commerce: As a global branded "wrapper" that delivers the strongest commerce talent, tech, and partnerships in markets, Publicis Commerce provides clients with end-to-end products and solutions that drive clear business outcomes. With a highly collaborative team of subject‑matter experts, Publicis Commerce is a trusted partner to clients in navigating the complexities and emerging opportunities of the Commerce landscape, whether that be through marketplaces, eRetail or emerging direct‑to‑consumer channels. We have a flexible go‑to‑market strategy, whether we appear as Publicis Commerce to clients or through one of our many agencies within the Groupe.

Overview: The Retail Media Associate Director will lead the strategic development and execution of retail media campaigns across multiple platforms, overseeing a team dedicated to driving eCommerce success for our clients. This role requires a seasoned professional with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of retail marketing strategies, and the ability to foster client relationships while achieving revenue targets. We are seeking an enthusiastic and entrepreneurial candidate who thrives in dynamic environments. This role presents an exciting opportunity to join a young and vibrant agency environment, working on high-profile multi-million budget accounts within the retail media sector.

Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic growth for key eCommerce client accounts, developing and executing innovative roadmaps to exceed revenue targets.
• Drive performance across platforms such as Amazon Advertising, Epsilon Retail Media, and Criteo, providing data‑led insights and optimisation strategies.
• Build strong client relationships through proactive communication, regular performance reviews, and effective issue resolution.
• Inspire and develop a high‑performing team, providing coaching, mentorship, and continuous feedback to drive excellence and collaboration.
• Oversee campaign and financial management, ensuring accuracy, budget control, and maximum ROI through effective spend optimisation.
• Represent the agency externally, engaging with key retail and technology partners (e.g., Amazon, Criteo, Tesco, Sainsbury’s) and contributing to industry events and forums.

Qualifications:

• Experience in retail media and/or agency environments, including hands‑on work with Amazon Advertising, Epsilon Retail Media, or Criteo.
• Proven track record in managing large accounts, ideally within an agency setting.
• Strong understanding of search and Amazon Advertising strategies, alongside broader digital media knowledge, including attribution models, conversion rate optimisation, retail readiness, and consumer behaviour.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience managing direct reports and fostering a collaborative, high‑performing team culture.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to set clear goals, drive team performance, and deliver on innovation roadmaps.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis, performance tracking, and reporting.
• Preferred certifications or experience with Amazon Advertising Foundations, Sponsored Ads Foundations, Amazon Vendor Central, Amazon Brand Analytics, Amazon DSP, Epsilon Retail Media, Criteo, or other retailer‑specific platforms.

Additional information: Publicis has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer:

• WORK YOUR WORLD: opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS: Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day‑to‑day work and create time to focus on your well‑being and self‑care.
• HELP@HAND BENEFITS: 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES: We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF: You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.
• GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS: This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us! Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office‑based three days during the working week. We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).