Retail Media Associate Director in London

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. From strategy and organisational design to activation models, Publicis Commerce works across a number of exciting briefs, such as how clients can maximise visibility and sales on the digital shelf, best construct data‑led relationships with retailers and how to effectively transform legacy organisational structures. Our aim is not to talk to individual capabilities, instead focusing on driving client outcomes.

There is significant momentum in the Groupe having acquired the retail media platform, Epsilon Retail Media, and the eRetail analytics platform, Profitero, alongside a genuine desire from clients to explore the opportunity the emerging landscape offers. We are placing a significant bet on Commerce within the Groupe on eRetail and are building a powerhouse of capability to deliver on this. We are on the hunt for interesting and ambitious people to join us on this journey.

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.

*ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE NEW YEAR*

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.
• 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: