At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and drive innovation in global commerce for Unilever.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail media and make a real impact on global brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail media, strong stakeholder management, and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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.
Role Summary and Impact
The Integrated Commerce Director is a senior leadership role within WPP Media’s Global Commerce Practice, responsible for shaping and managing Unilever’s global commerce partnerships agenda. Working closely with global and regional stakeholders, local market teams, retailer partners and WPP specialists, you will lead strategic relationships across key commerce and retail media partners including Carrefour, Criteo, Walmart, Tesco, Uber, Mercado Libre and Shopee, alongside selected social platforms where commerce and retail media intersect. The role combines partnership leadership, strategic consulting and thought leadership. You will help define how commerce and retail media continue to evolve, whilst ensuring Unilever extracts maximum value from its global partnerships through innovation, measurement, commercial benefits and capability development. Reporting to the Global Commerce Lead, you will act as a key bridge between Unilever, WPP and platform partners, helping drive growth, innovation and retail media excellence globally. Please note: This is a 10-month parental leave cover role with potential for extension.
Responsibilities
- Lead strategic engagement with Unilever’s key retail media and commerce partners, including Carrefour, Criteo, Walmart, Tesco, Uber, Mercado Libre and Shopee.
- Own the global commerce partnerships roadmap, identifying opportunities to drive growth, innovation and competitive advantage.
- Maximise the value of global Joint Business Plans, ensuring markets fully leverage partnership benefits, investment opportunities, measurement solutions and innovation programmes.
- Lead partner governance through quarterly and half-year business reviews, tracking performance and holding partners accountable against commitments.
- Advise Unilever stakeholders on retail media strategy and its role within broader commerce and media plans.
- Develop thought leadership around the future of commerce, including retail media, connected stores, AI and emerging technologies.
- Partner with local teams to identify, unlock & test alphas, betas, learning agendas and best practices that can scale across markets.
- Build strong relationships across Unilever, WPP and partner organisations, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing globally.
Skills and Experience
You are an experienced commerce and retail media leader with a strong understanding of retailer, media and platform ecosystems. You combine strategic thinking with operational discipline, equally comfortable discussing the future of retail media, AI and commerce innovation as you are managing partner commitments, business reviews and market adoption of partnership benefits. You thrive in complex stakeholder environments and have a proven ability to influence clients, agency teams and platform partners to drive measurable business outcomes.
Essential Criteria
- Significant experience in retail media, commerce media, eCommerce, digital partnerships or shopper marketing.
- Strong understanding of the global retail media ecosystem and leading commerce platforms.
- Experience managing senior client, retailer or media partner relationships.
- Proven ability to develop strategic recommendations that drive measurable business outcomes.
- Experience managing commercial partnerships, annual plans and business reviews.
- Strong understanding of retail media measurement, attribution and performance frameworks.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills.
- Experience working within complex, matrixed organisations.
- Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working on global FMCG businesses, ideally within a multinational organisation.
- Experience operating across global, regional and local market structures.
- Established relationships with retail media networks or commerce platforms.
- Understanding of commerce-enabled media platforms, including Meta, YouTube and Reddit.
- Experience developing thought leadership around commerce, retail media and emerging technologies.
- Knowledge of AI applications and measurement innovation within commerce and media.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including 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 characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. 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 that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.
Associate Director, Integrated Commerce, GCS (FTC) employer: Wppmedia
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, offering employees the flexibility of a hybrid working model in the vibrant setting of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, we provide ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement, ensuring that our team members are equipped to deliver outstanding client solutions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Integrated Commerce, GCS (FTC)
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Integrated Commerce, GCS (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at Wppmedia from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at Wppmedia specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wppmedia
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at Wppmedia, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
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We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show Wppmedia you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
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Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure Wppmedia that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for Wppmedia, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
