Commerce Strategy Director

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.

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.

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 though 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.

Overview

Join Us as a Commerce Strategy Director. At Publicis Media, we’re at the forefront of shaping the future of commerce for some of the UK’s leading brands. With a rapidly growing client portfolio, this is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic commerce specialist to play a pivotal role in turning bold ambitions into real-world impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of retail strategies that drive client growth and commercial success.
• Advise clients on key commerce topics, including digital shelf eContent, analytics, retail media, and business capabilities.
• Support initiatives to upskill client stakeholders and internal teams on emerging commerce trends and best practices.
• Identify gaps in current offerings and collaborate with relevant leads to develop innovative solutions and commercial models.
• Help clients engage with retailers in new and more effective ways, creating measurable business impact.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative team culture that encourages continuous learning and improvement.
• Operate effectively within a matrixed organization, solving complex business challenges and driving tangible results.

Qualifications

• Proven experience within digital retailing, ideally within a retailer, brand, or agency environment, with a deep understanding of the Commerce landscape.
• Strong subject matter expertise in digital commerce, extending beyond campaign management to include business planning, product portfolio management, and data-driven insights.
• Methodical, well-organised, and adaptable, with the ability to manage complex projects and navigate challenging situations with resilience.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to challenge clients constructively while maintaining diplomacy.
• Ability to build strong relationships, quickly understand clients’ businesses, and identify how to best support their Commerce ambitions.
• Comfortable working in a demanding and dynamic environment, with a genuine interest in strategic Commerce initiatives and industry change.
• Motivated by growth opportunities and the chance to make a tangible impact in a fast-evolving sector.

Additional Information

Spark 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.

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.