Group Strategy Director - eCommerce Growth & Leadership

Makemarks; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plans with prescription-dr

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) Savings Plan

Job summary

Makemarks in Chicago, IL seeks a Group Strategy Director, Commerce to lead the development, growth, and strategic direction of our eCommerce Strategy discipline across the agency. This leader will oversee a growing team and partner with Creative and Account leads to shape omnichannel strategies for major retailers.

The role demands 10+ years in digital strategy with 4–5 years leading eCommerce initiatives, deep knowledge of retailer platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, and hands-on

Qualifications

• 10+ years in digital strategy with at least 4-5 years leading eCommerce-focused initiatives
• Leadership experience mentoring and managing strategy teams
• Experience in CPG and Retail verticals
• Deep knowledge of major retailer platforms (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.), SEO, PDP strategy, and content syndication tools
• Experience with platforms like Helium 10, Walmart Connect, Amazon Ads / Vendor Central, Profitero, Stackline, Salsify, Vizit, or similar
• Strong strategic thinking with ability to zoom in/out from vision to execution
• Strong grounding in brand strategy and the role eCommerce plays in the broader brand-building ecosystem
• Understanding of the global landscape of eCommerce: diversity/exclusivity of channel

Responsibilities

• Define and scale strategic frameworks and toolkits that standardize excellence across all eCommerce clients
• Create governance standards for strategy development, QA protocols, KPI frameworks, and performance benchmarks
• Oversee strategy development across a portfolio of clients with consistent output elevation
• Collaborate with Creative and Account leadership to drive holistic, high-performing campaign strategies
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Strategy Directors and junior strategists
• Develop onboarding, training, and development plans to scale team capabilities
• Champion a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and learning within the practice
• Partner with HR and leadership on recruitment and team design as the practice scales
• Stay ahead of marketplace changes, retailer algorithms, and emerging technologies
• Serve as a thought leader in eCommerce through industry panels, case studies, and agency education
• Lead development of proprietary methodologies across SEO, AEO, GEO, and digital shelf optimization
• Represent the agency in client strategy presentations, thought leadership initiatives, and new business pitches
• Translate client challenges into strategic solutions for new business pitches
• Evaluate RFPs, develop pitches, and scope strategic solutions
• Identify new strategic opportunities and deepen client relationships
• Ensure strategy engagements are measurable, actionable, and tied to outcomes

Skills

Digital strategy leadership

eCommerce strategy

Team mentorship

Retail industry knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Thought leadership

Tools

Helium 10

Walmart Connect

Amazon Ads/Vendor Central

Profitero

Stackline

Salsify

Vizit

Job description

Makemarks in Chicago, IL seeks a Group Strategy Director, Commerce to lead the development, growth, and strategic direction of our eCommerce Strategy discipline across the agency. This leader will oversee a growing team and partner with Creative and Account leads to shape omnichannel strategies for major retailers.

The role demands 10+ years in digital strategy with 4–5 years leading eCommerce initiatives, deep knowledge of retailer platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, and hands-on