At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commerce strategy for top global brands and drive innovative media campaigns.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, great perks, and a focus on your growth.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a vibrant culture and opportunities for learning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of commerce with a talented team and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in media strategy and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
About EssenceMediacom: A Leading WPP Media Brand
Summary and Impact
The Role:
We are seeking an experienced Commerce Associate Director to join the growing community in WPP Media's Commerce Practice. This is a senior leadership role within the practice, responsible for shaping commerce strategy, not just retail media execution, for a portfolio of leading global and regional brands across sectors including technology, FMCG, retail, and beauty. You will act as a trusted commerce advisor to clients, connecting media investment to the broader path-to-purchase and helping shape multi-year commerce roadmaps.
The 3 Best Things About the Job:
- The opportunity to shape genuine commerce strategy, not just retail media execution, across a diverse portfolio of well-known brands with a shared desire for innovation and growth.
- Working within a truly collaborative agency model with great opportunities for continued cross-media and performance marketing learning.
- A talented team supporting each other in implementing best-in-class, award-winning campaigns, and having fun along the way.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Client Growth
- Act as the senior strategic lead for key client accounts, translating complex business objectives into high-impact commerce media strategies across Amazon Sponsored Ads, Amazon DSP, CitrusAd, Criteo, Kevel, and other relevant retail media platforms.
- Lead senior client business reviews, providing a clear narrative on the holistic impact of media investment.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients, identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and expanded scope across the commerce ecosystem.
Campaign Excellence & Innovation
- Oversee the development and execution of performance-driven media plans, ensuring the highest standards of QA, pacing, and optimisation across your portfolio of accounts.
- Develop and champion test-and-learn roadmaps to drive innovation in targeting, bidding strategies, and emerging retail media formats.
- Collaborate closely with wider internal teams to ensure a joined-up, full-funnel approach to media across all client accounts.
Team Leadership & Practice Evolution
- Line manage, mentor, and develop a team of activation specialists, setting the standard for quality, delivery, and professional growth.
- Take ultimate responsibility for the quality of work delivered by your team, ensuring consistency and excellence across all accounts.
- Proactively contribute to the evolution of best practice within the wider eCommerce Practice, sharing successes and learnings across the team.
- Manage scope, forecasting, budgets, and profitability across your portfolio of accounts, and drive process automation through the adoption of new technology and efficient ways of working.
Skills and Experience
At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:
- Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
- Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
- Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.
About you
- A proven media agency background, with significant senior experience in Commerce and retail media strategy or a transferable media channel.
- Strong hands-on experience running campaigns in Amazon Sponsored Ads and DSP.
- Solid working knowledge of CitrusAd and Criteo (onsite and offsite retail media).
- Confidence managing senior client stakeholders, simplifying complex performance results into clear, actionable recommendations.
- A genuine passion for coaching and building capability within your team.
- Experience of Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) or retailer clean room analytics would be a nice to have but is not required.
- Exposure to wider commerce channels (e.g. Tesco Media or similar) is advantageous.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include 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 particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. 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.
Associate Director, Commerce in London employer: WPP Media
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer competitive benefits and a hybrid work model that encourages creativity and flexibility, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the media landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Commerce in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for WPP Media and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like WPP Media are looking for.
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Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with WPP Media on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Commerce in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit WPP Media. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of WPP Media:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about WPP Media’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at WPP Media will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At WPP Media, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
