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.
Who we are looking for:
VML is seeking an Associate Connections Director, Retail Media to be responsible for the strategy and planning of digital media for large consumer packaged goods clients. You will lead media plan development in a high-performance, multi-discipline environment. The Associate Director must possess the ability to provide client and agency recommendations, be fully versed in digital media touchpoints, and serve as a strategic media leader. This individual will be client-facing, guide the strategic role of paid media, and implement media tactics which result in client growth.
What you’ll do:
- Develop and maintains a comprehensive media strategy which defines how paid media will be applied to increase engagement, visibility and traffic across client initiatives
- Oversee translation of client program objectives into strategic and tactical retail media recommendations
- Develop media campaign ideas, content and promotions in coordination with account, strategy and creative teams
- Defines key performance indicators and implements measurement, analytics, and reporting in coordination with analytics team
- Key point of contact for media vendor relationships
- Educates client and internal stakeholders on program performance
- Oversees the centralization and analysis of all campaign results
Who you are:
- Able to communicate clearly, thoroughly, succinctly and in a timely manner both verbally and in writing
- Strong analytical skills with strong attention to detail; translates data into a compelling story
- Able to present ideas in an easy to understand and creative style
- Able to build relationships and collaborate effectively with clients, agency partners, other departments and teams to successfully deliver quality work
What you’ll need:
- 7+ years of media experience working in an agency setting
- Must have a strong level of understanding of digital media channels; preferably with CPG clients and retailers
- Experience with retailer ecosystems, i.e. Walmart, Target Roundel, KPM required
- Familiarity with Prisma and MediaOcean or equivalent software preferred
- Understanding of new/emerging media developments
- Experience managing junior team members
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.
VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.
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.
_
$75,000—$180,000 USD
At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.
VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it’s a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.