Associate Director, Commerce Search

Wpp; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

WPP Unite seeks an Associate Director, Commerce Search to lead retail search activations across major networks, drive keyword strategy, competitive research, and campaign setup. You will work with retailers and internal teams to maximize media investment for client accounts.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in biddable media, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of Pacvue/Skai. This hybrid, NYC-area role offers a competitive benefits package and growth opportunities within WPP Unite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in biddable performance media execution or paid ecommerce, with a strong preference for retail media search execution.
• Experience managing a team of direct reports.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Experience with retail bid management platforms such as Pacvue or Skai.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of direct reports and their career development.
• Oversee search media activations across several retailer media networks (Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, Walmart, etc.).
• Execute campaign setup, bid recommendations, and budgeting to achieve client goals.
• Maintain relationships with key account stakeholders to maximize opportunities.
• Ensure ongoing campaign compliance with GroupM guidelines.
• Lead cross-channel testing and optimization strategies.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly campaign performance reports.
• Synthesize data, identify trends, and recommend actions to maximize results.
• Address technical issues with media campaign serving.
• Stay updated on changes in marketplace dynamics and ad products.
• Manage reconciliation, invoicing, trafficking, and data mapping to internal platforms.

Skills

Team leadership

Retail media expertise

Campaign setup & optimization

Budgeting

Cross-channel testing

Data reporting

Project management

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent

Tools

Pacvue

Skai

Epsilo

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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 ourpioneeringagentic 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.

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: WPP Media and Barrows, operating as ONE end to end strategy, design, and execution powerhouse.

WPP Media 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.

Role Summary & Impact

The Associate Director, Commerce Search will utilize their retail expertise to drive excellence in tactical activation and day-to-day management of search-based activations. You will lead keyword strategy development, competitive research, day-to-day campaign setup, management, and reporting of search media buys. This role will be focused on search activations across several retailer media networks, including but not limited to Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, Walmart, etc. The role will require an understanding of each of the platforms search offerings – from self-serve to managed service buys. You will connect directly with the retail media networks at each of the key customers on behalf of, and in partnership with the client. You will be supporting the Director, Commerce Search as we seek to maximize retail media investment for our client accounts. An entrepreneurial spirit with a bias for action and problem-solving is necessary to be successful in this role.

Skills and Experience

• Manage a team of direct reports and their career development.
• Oversee search media activations across several retailer media networks, including but not limited to Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, Walmart, etc.
• Execute campaign setup, bid recommendations, and budgeting to ensure overall client goal attainment, including the use of retail bid management technologies where applicable such as Pacvue, Skai, and Epsilo.
• Maintain excellent relationships with key account stakeholders to maximize promotional opportunities and assist them in navigating the Commerce activation landscape.
• Ensure on-going campaign compliance to GroupM established guidelines and best practices.
• Lead the incorporation of cross-channel testing and optimization strategies.
• Prepare campaign performance reports on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.
• Synthesize key data points, identify trends, and recommend activities to maximize business results and deliver an optimal customer experience.
• Address technical issues with media campaign serving.
• Stay up to date on changing marketplace dynamics surrounding ad products, technology, and measurement across search partners.
• Manage reconciliation, invoicing/billing, trafficking, and mapping data to our internal media campaign management platform.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience
• 5+ years of experience in biddable performance media execution or paid ecommerce, with a strong preference for retail media search execution.
• Experience managing a team of direct reports.
• Experience across the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Deep understanding of retail commercial elements such as profit margin, inventory levels, forecasting, and demand planning to inform media decisions.
• Deep understanding of how different media channels work together and how retail media fits within the wider ecosystem.
• Strong drive to understand the retail landscape and latest trends in commerce media.
• Experience with retail bid management platforms, such as Pacvue or Skai.
• Experience in campaign management and optimization across multiple retail platforms (Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Criteo, Google, Meta, etc.).
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• A self-starter attitude that thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent project-management skills; able to coordinate projects across multiple teams and functions.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising. WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt 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 eventsshowcasingteam 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 whenwe'retogether, 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.

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The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

US Pay Range

$75,000 - $180,000 USD

Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics.

As set forth in WPP Media’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.