Senior Strategist (Commerce)

VML; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

VML, a leading agency, is seeking a seasoned strategist in retail to drive impactful commerce strategies for a major CPG brand. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, leveraging data for impactful campaigns, and staying ahead of commerce trends to ensure exceptional client success.

Benefits

Group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision)

Generous 401k match (100% up to 5% of salary)

Paid time off offerings

Growth-oriented mindset with training opportunities

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in retail strategy or engagement marketing.
• Proven experience in developing engagement strategies across multiple channels.
• Ability to analyze complex data and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop commerce strategies and lead communications plans.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with clients and ensure project alignment.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Critical thinking

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or related field

Tools

MRI Simmons

Mintel

Infegy

YPulse

Job description

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a strategic and innovative thinker to drive impactful commerce strategies for our client, a large CPG brand in the retail space. The ideal candidate is passionate about understanding consumer behavior and leveraging data to create engaging and effective campaigns. As a collaborative leader, you will work cross-functionally to deliver best-in-class commerce solutions. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are eager to stay ahead of emerging trends in the commerce landscape. Above all, you are a champion for client success, building strong relationships and delivering exceptional results.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and articulate comprehensive engagement and retail strategies aligned with clients' overall marketing objectives and business goals.
• Lead the development of integrated channel and communications plans, ensuring consistent messaging and optimal reach across all relevant platforms (e.g., in-store, online, social media, email).
• Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats in the retail landscape.
• Identify and analyze data, market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and platforms within the commerce space and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Serve as a primary strategic contact, building strong relationships and fostering trust with clients.
• Present strategic recommendations and insights to clients in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.
• Proactively identify client needs and opportunities for growth.
• Manage client expectations and ensure strategic alignment across all projects.
• Collaborate closely with creative, media, technology, and account management teams to ensure seamless execution of strategic plans.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to internal teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate internal workshops and brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
• Partner with media team to prepare and present performance reports to internal teams and clients, highlighting key findings and recommendations.

Who You Are:

• A seasoned strategist with 3-5 years of experience in retail strategy, engagement marketing, or a related field, preferably at an agency, CPG company, research company, or consulting firm.
• A proven expert in channel and communications planning, including developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
• Experienced in working in Commerce Strategy with key retailers and channels (Drug/Value, Grocery, Target, etc), with a strong understanding of their business models, marketing strategies, and customer base.
• A critical thinker who can develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Proficient with database tools and systems such as MRI Simmons, Mintel, Infegy, YPulse.
• An excellent communicator, able to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• A relationship builder, able to collaborate effectively with team members, departments, vendors, and clients.
• Organized and able to effectively manage timelines and deliverables of multiple projects simultaneously.

What You'll Need:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful retail and engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, market trends, and consumer behavior to inform strategic decisions.
• Strong understanding of the retail landscape and the evolving commerce space.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for innovation and a desire to stay ahead of the curve in the commerce industry.
• Critical thinking; drawing conclusions, find creative solutions, structured problem-solving approach.

What we offer:

• Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
• Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
• Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

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, click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$60,000-$140,000 USD

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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