Director of Programmatic Retail Commerce

Mindshare; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP Media in Chicago seeks a Director of Programmatic Commerce to lead retail media activations across networks and DSPs, driving performance and holistic commerce strategy. You will manage a team, shape audience and creative strategies, conduct competitive research, and deliver best-in-class campaigns across Amazon, Walmart, Criteo, The Trade Desk, and more.

The role requires 7+ years in biddable media, a deep understanding of retail media ecosystems, and expertise in platforms like

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in biddable performance media execution or paid ecommerce, with a strong preference for retail media programmatic execution.
• Experience managing a team of direct reports.
• Experience across Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Understanding of retail margins, inventory forecasting and demand planning to inform media decisions.
• Experience with retail bid management platforms (Pacvue/Skai).
• Campaign management across multiple retail platforms (Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Criteo, Google, Meta).
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of direct reports and grow their careers.
• Oversee programmatic activations across retailer networks and DSPs (Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, Walmart).
• Manage campaign setup, bid recommendations, and budgeting to meet client goals.
• Partner with agency and client teams to navigate Commerce activation.
• Utilize GroupM Commerce to deliver best-in-class solutions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cross-channel testing.
• Develop frameworks, case studies, trainings, and content to raise bidding performance.
• Maintain relationships with priority Commerce partners for top campaigns.
• Create and deliver presentations and thought leadership to clients.
• Stay updated on marketplace dynamics of ad products and measurement.

Skills

Team management

Programmatic campaigns

Campaign setup

Budgeting

Cross‑channel testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Analytics/Marketing/Communications/Advertising

Tools

Pacvue

Skai

Epsilo

Job description

WPP Media in Chicago seeks a Director of Programmatic Commerce to lead retail media activations across networks and DSPs, driving performance and holistic commerce strategy. You will manage a team, shape audience and creative strategies, conduct competitive research, and deliver best-in-class campaigns across Amazon, Walmart, Criteo, The Trade Desk, and more.

The role requires 7+ years in biddable media, a deep understanding of retail media ecosystems, and expertise in platforms like