Associate Account Executive- Chicago

Sage Global Services Limited; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance (opt

401K with company match

Headspace subscription

Wellness Stipend

Job summary

Barrows, a key part of WPP Unite and Unilever’s commerce programs, seeks an Associate Account Executive to drive Omni‑channel marketing for Drug, Value & Grocery retailers. You’ll coordinate design and production, manage client briefs, and help optimize across digital and brick‑and‑mortar channels. 1–3 years’ agency or retail experience is expected.

You’ll join a startup‑like team with a collaborative culture, hybrid office presence (3 days a week), and a strong emphasis on growth and excellence.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in a marketing agency, retailer, or digital company.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Passion for shopper/retail for CPG or health and wellness brands.
• Strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with hunger for growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and serve as the liaison between design and production teams.
• Be the point of contact for clients from brief to final delivery.
• Oversee status updates, reporting, and project trackers.
• Anticipate internal and client needs to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams to produce high‑quality briefs and work.
• Participate in planning sessions with a focus on innovation.
• Handle timelines, budgets, and multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills

Project management

Client liaison

Communication

Organizational skills

Startup mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

There’s never been a more exciting time in marketing, as media and commerce continue to merge to drive meaningful consumer experiences. As one of the most innovative CPG companies in the world, Unilever, the maker of iconic brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, TRESemmé, Degree and many others, is adapting to this rapidly changing landscape with the help of WPP and its unparalleled network of agencies.

The newly-created unit, WPP Unite, will be the pioneering force at this intersection, led by two of WPP’s most dynamic agencies: GroupM and Barrows, operating as ONE end to end strategy, design, and execution powerhouse.

GroupM will bring their media thought-leadership and performance expertise, combined with the retail and commercial expertise of Barrows to deliver integrated, end-to-end programs for the entire Unilever portfolio of iconic, household brands. True to its name, the team operates with a unified vision, from initial strategy to final execution, leveraging our collective expertise in design, engineering, and media integration to craft world-class brand programming.

WPP Unite, comprised of the best talent in the industry, will pioneer a truly integrated agency model and drive unprecedented growth for Unilever in the years to come.

Barrows

Barrows brings 40 years of expertise in retail design and marketing, and excels in leveraging insights and cutting-edge digital strategies to create engaging omni-channel experiences.

As a key part of WPP Unite, Barrows will help shape the future of commerce marketing across renowned brand categories and retailers, and drive meaningful results for one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

Within the WPP Unite structure Barrows is looking to bring on a dynamic and results-oriented Associate Account Executive t o join our team, focusing on commerce for Unilever across key retailers in the Drug, Value & Grocery. This role is pivotal in driving integrated marketing strategies that leverage commerce insights to enhance brand presence and performance in the digital and physical retail landscapes within Drug, Value & Grocery.

This role empowers the team to recognize opportunities and accelerate project optimization for more effective brand delivery. The individual will be a WPP Unite employee integrated directly within the Unilever team structure.

Role & Responsibilities

• Manage projects, while being the key liaison betwe en design and production teams. In these cases, you will be responsible for clearly defining the project scope, managing the timeline, and ensuring ongoing communication among all parties.
• Serve as a point of contact for clients and manage their project needs, from initial brief to implementation within the studio through to final reveal.
• Manage status updates and reporting, as well as key project management tools and trackers that are internal and external facing.
• Proactively anticipate both internal needs and client needs to ensure accurate and timely delivery of projects.
• Developing the highest quality of creative briefs that succinctly communicate what the brand is trying to achieve.
• Champion outstanding collaboration between departments to get to better work.
• Participate in strategic and tactical planning sessions with a mind to innovation.
• Proactively solve with oversight from the manager and elevate issues as appropriate.
• Collaborate well with internal agency teams.
• Strong attention to detail and organization even under pressure. Demonstrated ability to effectively proofread own and others’ work to ensure accuracy.
• Actively and effectively manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables of multiple projects simultaneously.
• 1-3 years of experience in a marketing agency, retailer, or digital company.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Passion for shopper/retail for CPG or health and wellness brands.
• Strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with hunger for growth.
• Excited about working in a startup environment.
• Comfortable working with clients; strong interpersonal skills.
• Proactive and decisive; driven and logical thinker.
• Lead by example and perform well under pressure; ability to handle multiple projects at once.
• Computer literate, administratively strong, attention to detail, accountable.
• Ability to work in the office 3 days a week.

The salary range for this role is $45,000 to $65,000*

*exact compensation will be determined based on individual experience

Benefits include:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision (with an option for free medical care!)
• 401K with a % match
• Various maternity/paternity leave options
• Fully funded disability and life insurance options
• Headspace subscription
• Wellness Stipend
• and more....