Associate Director, Retail Search

KINESSO; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A performance marketing agency is looking for an Associate Director, Retail Search in Toronto. This role involves managing complex client relationships, optimizing retail media campaigns, and leading a team of Campaign Managers. The ideal candidate has a strong background in Retail Media Advertising and client strategy, with excellent communication skills. The position offers a hybrid work model and generous benefits.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Flexible hybrid work model

Opportunities for personal development

Qualifications

• Proven ability to understand high-level client goals and translate them into e-commerce strategies.
• Proficiency in using SaaS platforms for Retail Media is highly desirable.
• Passion for retail media, e-commerce strategy, and new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage large, complex client relationships as the primary contact.
• Collaborate with clients on budget plans aligned with KPIs.
• Lead a team of Campaign Managers, mentoring and developing them.

Skills

Retail Media knowledge

Strong communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Client service orientation

Campaign management

Education

Professional or educational background in Retail Media or Advertising

Tools

Amazon Ads console

Pacvue

Skai

Job description

Join to apply for the Associate Director, Retail Search role at KINESSO

Overview

The Associate Director, Retail Search is a key player in driving client success within the rapidly evolving landscape of Retail Media Networks (RMNs). As the KINESSO Client Lead, you'll be responsible for managing complex client relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and delivering world-class retail media campaigns for high-profile brands. You'll work closely with a team of Campaign Managers to ensure seamless execution and optimization of campaigns across major RMNs like Amazon, Loblaws, Walmart, Instacart, Criteo, and emerging platforms.

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong communication skills who can effectively articulate campaign performance and insights to senior stakeholders. You'll also play a key role in mentoring and developing the Campaign Management team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage large, complex client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact for all aspects of e-commerce media performance and strategy.
2. Collaborate with clients to forecast and execute budget plans aligned with agreed-upon KPIs.
3. Partner with the Director of Retail Media Strategy to develop and implement ongoing client strategies and team management initiatives.
4. Partner with Director / Manager of Shopper tactics to manage and integrate retailer shopper initiatives with retail media digital ads in a holistic manner.
5. Monitor client goals and KPIs to ensure timely and successful campaign delivery.
6. Lead a team of Campaign Managers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages growth and development.
7. Identify new opportunities for clients, proactively resolving issues and providing actionable insights.
8. Develop and deliver compelling RFPs, decks, proposals, and planning recommendations based on data-driven insights.
9. Mentor and train Campaign Managers and Associates, fostering their professional development.

Campaign Execution & Optimization

1. Lead the development and implementation of strategic campaign structures to maximize performance aligned with client goals.
2. Leverage data-driven keyword harvesting and selection to create effective keyword strategies.
3. Define and implement bidding strategies, utilizing SaaS tools like Pacvue or within each Retail Media Network (RMN) platform, to optimize campaign performance.
4. Manage and optimize e-commerce campaigns as well as budget management.
5. Ensure efficient budget allocation and adjustments across campaigns and ad groups to maximize ROI.
6. Conduct in-platform checks throughout campaign lifecycles to prevent budget overspend or underspend.
7. Continuously optimize campaigns against pre-determined benchmarks to improve overall performance.

Reporting & Analysis

1. Analyze campaign performance data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
2. Develop and deliver comprehensive reports to stakeholders, including key metrics, insights, and actionable recommendations for optimization (bi-weekly or monthly).
3. Leverage all available Retail Media data sets to enhance reporting and recommendations.

Team & Client Development

1. Educate agency teams and clients on best practices and campaign objective requirements.
2. Build strong collaborative relationships with planning teams, specialty business units (SBUs), partners, and vendors.
3. Remain up-to-date with the latest capabilities and innovations amongst our eCommerce 3P partners to always implement top capabilities in our processes.
4. Stay abreast of industry news and emerging technologies, developing relevant POVs and thought leadership to share with clients.

Desired Skills & Experience

1. Professional or educational background in Retail Media or Advertising.
2. Proficiency in Amazon Ads console with a focus on Sponsored Ads (Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, Sponsored Brands Video, Sponsored Display, Stores).
3. Proficiency in using 3P SaaS platforms or data aggregators for Retail Media such as Pacvue or Skai is highly desirable.
4. Mid / Intermediate level experience in other Retail Media networks (Advance by Loblaws, Wal-Mart Connect, Instacart, Criteo).
5. Comprehensive experience in programmatic and display within Retail Media Networks.
6. Experience in retailer-managed Shopper campaigns & programs (e.g., Walmart, Loblaws, Flipp, others) is a plus.
7. Proven ability to understand high-level client goals and translate them into effective e-commerce strategies.
8. Understanding of broader media planning and buying to ensure integration with wider media objectives.
9. Previous experience working within an advertising agency or with a media partner.
10. Proven experience managing a team.
11. Ability to apply insights from research resources effectively.
12. Strong understanding of the e-commerce industry and supporting technology (e.g., SKAI, Pacvue, Criteo, Helium 10).
13. Passion for retail media, e-commerce strategy, data, emerging media, and technology.
14. Continuous learning agility and professional development.
15. Client service orientation with a proactive problem-solving approach.
16. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
17. Highly organized with attention to detail and accuracy.
18. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Company & Benefits

KINESSO is a technology-driven performance marketing agency, part of IPG Mediabrands, specializing in optimization, analytics, AI, and experimentation. We serve clients globally with a team of over 6,000 employees across 60+ countries. Learn more at www.KINESSO.com

What’s in it for you?

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, wellness days, long weekends, and half-day summer Fridays.
• Flexible hybrid work model.
• Opportunities for personal development, including training and inclusion programs.
• Global network of agencies and community employee groups.

Equal Opportunity

KINESSO is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities. For accommodations, contact [e-mail]

Additional Information

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Advertising

Industry: Advertising Services