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Managing Director, Commerce Strategy

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VML

17d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Data
    Marketing
  • New York

AI generated summary

  • You should have 15+ years in Commerce Strategy, team leadership, client liaison, award submissions, database expertise, AI tech experience, strong communication, critical thinking, and project management skills.
  • You will lead commerce strategy and creative briefs, mentor a team, analyze consumer insights, evaluate concepts, and ensure alignment with client objectives while monitoring industry trends.

Requirements

  • 15+ years of experience in Commerce Strategy, preferably at an agency, CPG company, research company, or consulting firm
  • Experience and comfort liaising with senior level clients, such as CMOs and Brand VPs, to partner on solutions.
  • Experience leading a team of Strategists and setting vision for Commerce Strategy work, including training team members and growing skills
  • Experience and high performance in submitting to Commerce Effectiveness Awards (Effie, WARC, Cannes).
  • Applied experience with database tools and systems such as MRI Simmons, Mintel, Infegy, YPulse
  • Experience working with AI-enabled, technology solutions to bring strategic work to life and interest in bringing vision to enhancing tools and technology.
  • Experience with sales (i.e. IRI/Nielsen/Retail Link), and shopper panel (IRI/Nielsen Panel, Numerator) data a plus
  • Able to communicate clearly, thoroughly, succinctly and in a timely manner both verbally and in writing; follows up on outstanding issues; asks relevant questions
  • Critical thinking; drawing conclusions, find creative solutions, structured problem-solving approach
  • Ability to effectively manage timelines and deliverables of multiple projects and clients simultaneously

Responsibilities

  • Lead brand, creative, retail strategy in partnership with account teams (agency and client) on annual brand and campaign planning
  • Lead team of Commerce Strategists across key clients, responsible for training on core skills, setting standard expectations, and mentoring team for growth
  • Bring vision to audience building, AI-enabled strategic processes, and focus on creative effectiveness
  • Take ownership of building data-driven strategies to improve the effectiveness of communications programs
  • Uncover key consumer and shopper insights to deliver powerful marketing strategies to deliver inspiring creative that drives shopper behavior change
  • Partner closely with research team in developing quantitative shopper studies and integrating learnings into marketing strategy
  • Lead the development or relevant and inspirational creative briefs to solve client challenges
  • Define the client’s challenge, business opportunity and shopper target
  • Use research and strategy tools to gather information about the shopper/consumer and culture including: MRI Simmons, Mintel, YPulse, Infegy, Kantar Retail IQ, IRI Panel
  • Identify consumer/shopper mindset and behavior to uncover pivotal insight and develop marketing strategy
  • Take agile, collaborative approach to briefing creative teams on their commerce assignments
  • Evaluate creative concepts, ensuring they are on strategy and meet client objectives
  • Present strategy section of program ideas and creative concepts presentation to client
  • Evaluate national program tactics and media plans against agreed upon strategies to ensure alignment; suggest alternatives where necessary
  • Support client’s annual planning activities and ad hoc requests by leveraging client research and all other available data sources/tools
  • Proactively monitor consumer and retailer news and trends and share with broader strategy team and assigned client team(s)

FAQs

What is the primary focus of the Managing Director, Commerce Strategy role at VML?

The primary focus of this role is to lead data-based strategic insights and direction for key senior commerce clients, primarily in the US, but also extending to global clients, to develop creative briefs, communication plans, and overall commerce strategy.

What level of experience is required for the Managing Director, Commerce Strategy position?

The position requires 15+ years of experience in Commerce Strategy, preferably in an agency, CPG company, research company, or consulting firm.

Will the Managing Director be responsible for managing a team?

Yes, the Managing Director will lead a team of Commerce Strategists, responsible for training, setting standard expectations, and mentoring team members for growth.

What type of clients will the Managing Director, Commerce Strategy be working with?

The Managing Director will work with key senior commerce clients, including senior-level clients such as CMOs and Brand VPs.

What tools and systems should candidates be familiar with for this position?

Candidates should have applied experience with database tools and systems such as MRI Simmons, Mintel, Infegy, and YPulse. Experience with sales and shopper panel data (like IRI/Nielsen) is also a plus.

What qualifications are important for the creative strategy and insights aspect of the role?

Candidates should have experience in evaluating creative concepts to ensure they align with client objectives and possess the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly with both internal teams and clients.

Is there an emphasis on using technology in the role?

Yes, the role emphasizes using AI-enabled technology solutions to enhance strategic work and improve creative effectiveness.

What kind of work culture does VML promote?

VML promotes a culture of connection, belonging, and inclusivity, aiming to empower creative bravery and nurture growth-oriented opportunities for all employees.

What benefits do employees receive at VML?

VML offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a generous 401k match, and various paid time off offerings to support overall life balance and wellness.

What is the salary range for the Managing Director, Commerce Strategy position?

The base salary range for this position is between $125,000 and $295,000 USD, depending on various factors including experience and qualifications.

We create connected brands to drive growth.

Marketing & Advertising
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

VML is a global powerhouse born from the unification of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R — two of the world's most powerful and accomplished creative agencies with complementary capabilities and geographic strengths. We have an industry-unique opportunity to provide our client partners with a fully integrated offering across brand experience, customer experience and commerce practices — powered by deep data and technology experience.