Director, Commerce Programmatic

WPP Media•New York, NY

8d•$100,000 - $230,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Programmatic Commerce uses retail expertise to lead tactical activation of programmatic campaigns. The role oversees audience and creative strategy, competitive research, campaign setup and management, and reporting, while integrating performance-led retail media into a broader commerce strategy. It focuses on programmatic activations across retailer media networks and DSPs—including Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, and Walmart—and requires familiarity with their self-serve and managed-service offerings. The Director connects with retail media networks on behalf of and in partnership with clients, and supports efforts to maximize retail media investment across client accounts. An entrepreneurial spirit, bias for action, and problem-solving ability are important to success. The role also manages direct reports and their development; oversees campaign activations, setup, bidding, and budgeting; partners with agency and client teams; improves cross-team processes; leads cross-channel testing and optimization; develops frameworks and training; manages priority partner relationships; and presents recommendations and thought leadership to clients. It leads the adoption of GroupM Commerce for new and existing accounts and uses data and marketplace knowledge to improve business results and customer experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, or Advertising, or equivalent professional work experience.
At least 7 years of experience in biddable performance media execution or paid ecommerce; retail media programmatic execution is strongly preferred.
Experience managing a team of direct reports.
Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Deep understanding of retail commercial factors such as profit margin, inventory levels, forecasting, and demand planning, and how they inform media decisions.
Deep understanding of how media channels work together and how retail media fits into the wider ecosystem.
Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
Self-starter attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent project-management skills and ability to coordinate projects across multiple teams and functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with retail bid management platforms such as Pacvue or Skai.
Experience managing and optimizing campaigns across multiple retail platforms, such as Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Criteo, Google, and Meta.

Responsibilities

Manage a team of direct reports and support their career development.
Oversee programmatic media activations across retailer media networks and DSPs, including Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, and Walmart.
Execute campaign setup, bid recommendations, and budgeting to support client goals, using retail bid management technologies where applicable.
Partner with agency and client teams to help navigate the commerce activation landscape.
Use GroupM Commerce capabilities to deliver solutions that meet client business objectives.
Identify opportunities to improve processes and collaboration with teams and clients.
Lead cross-channel testing and optimization strategies.
Develop frameworks, case studies, training, and other content to improve biddable commerce media buying.
Manage relationships with priority commerce partners and support the development and delivery of biddable campaigns.
Create and deliver client presentations and thought leadership.
Stay current on marketplace changes involving advertising products, technology, and measurement across programmatic partners.
Lead adoption of GroupM Commerce for new business and existing accounts.
Synthesize data, identify trends, and recommend actions to maximize business results and improve customer experience.