Associate Director, Programmatic (Retail Media)

The Programmatic Associate Director (AD) is responsible for leading successful programmatic media campaigns across a portfolio of clients, with a strong emphasis on retail media networks and performance-driven strategies. This role requires a blend of technical expertise in programmatic platforms and hands-on experience with retail media, working across platforms like Target, Walmart, Amazon, Instacart, and more. The AD will provide thought leadership on audience strategies, campaign optimizations, and measurement frameworks, ensuring alignment with client goals while fostering cross-team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Campaign Strategy & Execution

• Develop and oversee the strategy, planning, and execution of digital retail media campaigns that align with client objectives.
• Manage end-to-end campaign execution, including media planning, tagging, trafficking, optimization, and reporting.
• Analyze campaign performance, identify key insights, and implement optimizations for continuous improvement.

Client & Partner Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for key client stakeholders and retail media network partners.
• Collaborate with analytics teams to develop performance reports with actionable insights.
• Lead client performance and status meetings, delivering clear, data-driven presentations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and lead a team of programmatic specialists, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Provide guidance on best practices to ensure campaigns are executed flawlessly, on time, and within budget.

Innovation & Thought Leadership

• Stay ahead of retail media trends, emerging platforms, and innovations in eCommerce.
• Identify and evaluate new programmatic opportunities, technologies, and creative approaches to enhance client campaigns.
• Support new business pitches by developing retail media collateral and presenting strategic recommendations.
• Expertly vet new technology, measurement partners, and provide informed recommendations.

Requirements

• Retail Media Expertise: Proven experience managing retail media campaigns across platforms such as Target, Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, Instacart, and Criteo (self-service or managed service).
• Programmatic & Performance Marketing: Minimum 5 years of experience in programmatic advertising, performance marketing, or eCommerce media.
• Platform Proficiency: Hands-on expertise in The Trade Desk (TTD) DSP and retail media network capabilities.
• Analytical & Strategic Skills: Strong proficiency in budget management, KPI forecasting, performance reporting, and campaign optimization.
• Client Leadership: Proven ability to build strong client relationships, provide strategic insights, and drive incremental value.
• Communication & Presentation: Ability to distill complex data into actionable recommendations and present to clients with confidence.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the fast-evolving retail media and CPG landscape.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Gaining Client Confidence: Delivering strategic recommendations and strong campaign performance that drive organic account growth.
• Retail Media & CPG Leadership: Becoming the go-to expert in retail media and CPG strategies within the agency.
• Platform Agility: While Amazon DSP and The Trade Desk DSP expertise are highly valued, candidates with strong Amazon experience and some exposure to The Trade Desk are acceptable.
• Flexibility in Leveling: While the role is scoped for an Associate Director, there is flexibility to hire at a Supervisor level, provided key non-negotiables are met.