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About the Role

VML is seeking a Director, Commerce Strategy to serve as the primary strategic lead and consultant for client partners. This role requires a master practitioner and people leader who defines strategic excellence, bridges business transformation and execution, and mentors emerging talent.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic agenda for client portfolios, identifying long-term levers for brand growth and business transformation.
• Act as a senior strategic advisor to clients, providing a consultative perspective that challenges business models and identifies commerce opportunities.
• Translate complex insights into compelling strategic narratives and actionable 'jobs to be done' for brands, retailers, and key channels.
• Set and uphold the standard for strategic rigor, ensuring high-quality briefs, roadmaps, and narratives.
• Direct the synthesis of complex business challenges into elegant strategic frameworks.
• Conduct market research and competitive audits using tools like MRI Simmons, Mintel, Infegy, and YPulse.
• Leverage sales and shopper panel data to uncover business problems and market opportunities.
• Develop retail and engagement strategies translating brand objectives into actionable plans across platforms.
• Identify and draft case studies for industry awards to showcase commerce work and client impact.
• Partner with Media and Growth Strategy teams to translate performance reports into actionable recommendations.
• Integrate proprietary AI tools and emerging technologies into the strategic workflow.
• Identify and communicate opportunities to grow client business and support new business pitches.
• Own the briefing process for major workstreams, bridging strategy and creative.
• Contribute to the agency’s collective 'Retail IQ' by developing and sharing points of view on commerce trends.
• Oversee and manage timelines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Serve as a key strategic point of contact for clients, managing expectations and ensuring strategic alignment.
• Lead the presentation of strategic work to senior stakeholders.
• Navigate complex client feedback with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Act as a strategic voice within the agency, collaborating with Client Engagement, Creative, Strategy, and Media teams.
• Provide strategic 'proof points' and retailer insights to bridge creative ideas and commerce results.
• Accountable for the health and career development of the team, fostering a culture of curiosity and accountability.
• Review and refine the work of the broader strategy team to provide competitive advantage.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• 2-3+ years of formal experience managing direct reports.
• Proven track record of coaching team members through performance management and career pathing.
• 7-10 years of experience in omnichannel retail strategy, engagement marketing, or a related field.
• Proven experience with channel and communications planning, including integrated marketing campaigns across physical and digital/ecommerce channels.
• Demonstrated ability to apply structured strategic frameworks to solve business challenges.
• Track record of identifying data-driven growth opportunities.
• Experience within an agency, CPG company, research company, or consulting firm is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working on top U.S. retailers with a strong understanding of their business models and marketing strategies.
• Applied experience with database tools (MRI Simmons, Mintel) and sales/panel data platforms.
• Exceptional storytelling skills.
• Ability to command a room, handle difficult client questions, and translate complex strategy into clear business logic for senior audiences.

Skills

• Omnichannel retail strategy
• Engagement marketing
• Channel planning
• Communications planning
• Integrated marketing campaigns
• Strategic frameworks
• Data-driven growth
• Retailer business models
• Retailer marketing strategies
• Database tools (MRI Simmons, Mintel)
• Sales/panel data platforms
• Storytelling
• Client consultation
• AI Engineering & Prompting

Location

• Remote
• Hybrid

Work Type

• Hybrid

Experience Level

• Director
• 7-10 years of experience
• 2-3+ years of management experience

Education Level

• Bachelor's degree

Salary/Compensations

• $75,000—$180,000 USD

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package

About the Company

• VML is a leading creative company combining brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth.
• VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning human-first work for major clients.
• VML was named Campaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions in 2026.
• VML's global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.
• VML is part of WPP, a trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands.
• WPP leverages exceptional talent and its agentic marketing platform WPP Open, combining media intelligence, data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions, and strategic counsel.

Equal Opportunity

• 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.