Retail Media Ad Operations Manager

Acosta, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Acosta Group is seeking a Retail Media Manager to lead a team and drive strategic retail media initiatives. The role focuses on developing strategies, managing sponsored search and programmatic campaigns, and fostering client relationships across leading brands.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with internal and external partners, and deliver performance insights to optimize campaigns and Upsell opportunities. Strong knowledge of multiple retail media platforms is required.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in managing retail media sponsored search and programmatic ads.
• 2+ years leading and coaching a team, 3–5 direct reports.
• Understanding of SEM paired with programmatic.
• Strong team player capable of supporting specialists.
• Proficiency in performance marketing, conversion optimization, and online acquisition.
• Expert in ad technology for retail media such as Skai, Helium10, Pacvue, Analytic Index, AMC, Intentwise.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor junior staff to develop retail media expertise.
• Develop and execute retail media strategies aligned with business goals.
• Collaborate with internal/external partners to drive client value.
• Oversee sponsored search and programmatic campaigns, including optimization.
• Produce performance analyses and identify process improvements and upsell opportunities.
• Present quarterly and annual reviews to top clients.

Skills

Leadership

Retail Media Strategy

Campaign Management

Optimization & Performance

Industry Knowledge

Programmatic & SEM

Mentoring

Data Analysis

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Skai

Helium10

Pacvue

Analytic Index

Amazon Marketing Cloud

Intentwise

Job description

DESCRIPTION

As a Retail Media Manager, you will lead and mentor junior staff to become experts in retail media solutions while fostering a culture of open communication and feedback. Responsibilities include developing and executing retail media strategies aligned with business goals, collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders, and managing client relationships. The role also encompasses overseeing the management and optimization of sponsored search and programmatic ad campaigns, conducting performance analyses, and identifying opportunities for process improvement and upselling. Additionally, the candidate must stay current with industry trends and possess expertise in multiple retail media solutions and associated ad technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership:
• Be able to coach and mentor junior talent to become retail media solution experts.
• Train Retail Media Sponsored Ad and Programmatic Specialists in best practices and operational processes.
• Inspire your direct reports to reach their quarterly, annual, and long-term goals.
• Foster a culture of open communication and 360-degree feedback.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal and external partners to evangelize team’s value and expertise.
• Support Senior Director of Retail Media Operations with team development, team routines, and team vision.
• Retail Media Strategy:
• Develop and execute retail media strategies aligned with overall business goals, focusing on driving sales and increasing visibility.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including media agencies, client teams, retailer partners, and ad technology partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including brand management, product, and integrated marketing to align advertising strategies with overall business objectives.
• Create proposals and presentations to represent solutions designed around client goals.
• Lead client meetings to understand client needs.
• Prepare and present quarterly and annual business reviews for top-tier clients.
• Campaign Management:
• Support the management of sponsored search and programmatic ad campaigns for top tier clients, including keyword research, campaign setup, targeting, bidding, budget management and performance analysis.
• Review campaign billing for accuracy.
• Aid in keyword research and competitive analysis to uncover new marketing opportunities.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline process and creates supporting documentation.
• Optimization & Performance Monitoring:
• Support campaign monitoring and performance, leveraging data insights to optimize targeting, keywords, bids, and ad placements.
• Support post-campaign analysis, providing recommendations to promote repeat business.
• Provide reporting and insights updates on client performance to stakeholders, leadership and clients.
• Conduct A/B testing and experiment with different advertising approaches to identify successful strategies.
• Identify opportunities for upselling, inclusive of improvement and innovation, proactively implementing changes to drive performance and efficiency.
• Monitor competitors' advertising strategies and industry trends, recommending adjustments to maintain a competitive advantage
• Industry Knowledge & Proficiency:
• An expert across 3 or more retail media solutions (Amazon, Walmart, Target/Roundel, Instacart) and associated ad technology (AMC, Criteo, Citrus Ads, Skai) and adapt recommendations based on advertiser needs.
• Understand programmatic buying, real-time bidding, and audience segmentation.
• Stay current with industry trends, algorithm updates, and competitive landscape to proactively adapt strategies; helps develop competitive analysis as needed.

Undertake additional responsibilities as needed to support team and client requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications-Education and Experience

• Associate Degree

Minimum Qualifications-Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 5-8 +years of experience in managing retail media sponsored search and programmatic ad solutions (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Instacart) with a track record of achieving client objectives.
• 2+ years of experience leading and coaching a team, ideally with 3-5 direct reports.
• Understanding of SEM to pair with Programmatic
• A strong player / coach team member, with the ability to roll up their sleeves to help specialists.
• Proficiency in performance marketing, conversion optimization, and online customer acquisition.
• Expert of ad technology that supports retail media solutions, such as Skai, Hellium10, Pacvue, Analytic Index, Amazon Marketing Cloud, Intentwise)
• An exceptional eye for detail, analytical and ability to solve problems given the fast-paced nature of our division, the aptitude to multitask.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods (typically 6+ hours per day).
• Use a computer, including keyboard and mouse, for prolonged periods.
• Lift and carry light items (e.g., files, office supplies, laptops, typically 20+ pounds).
• Reach, bend, or stoop occasionally to access files or office materials.
• Maintain focus and attention for long periods of desk-based work.
• Follow clear directions.
• Perform repetitive motions (e.g., typing, clicking) consistently throughout the day.

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ABOUT US

Acosta is a part of Acosta Group – a collective of the industry’s most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies reimagining the way people connect with brands at every point in their shopping journey.

Specializing in retail sales services, digital strategy, and business intelligence, Acosta empowers brands to thrive in the world of omnichannel shopping. Our sales and digital teams build lasting relationships, ensuring our client brands get the space they deserve in stores and outperform the competition online, while our merch reps make brands shine in retail locations across the world.

But it’s not just about what we do – it’s about who we are. With a team of over 20,000 associates, we’re a community of forward-thinking, value‑driven professionals committed to an unmatched level of trust and transparency in the industry. And, we understand the importance of work‑life balance, which is why many of our field roles provide our associates with flexible scheduling options. Join us and be a part of a team that values growth and making a real impact for our clients, retail partners and their customers.

Acosta Group is an equal opportunity employer and will ensure that applicants with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [e-mail] . Be sure to include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject of your email to expedite the request.

Acosta Group believes in good faith that the minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly compensation range for this opportunity is accurate and reasonable at the time of posting.

The Acosta Group utilizes E-Verify for validating the ability to work in the United States for all job candidates. If you want more information on what this entails and your rights as a job applicant, please use the link provided to access information on our use of E-Verify and your right to work. Employer Resources (e-verify.gov)

Acosta, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Category: Marketing

Position Type: Full time

Business Unit: Digital Commerce

Salary Range: $85800.00 - $110000.00

Company: Acosta Employee Holdco LLC