Director, Commerce

Company description

Spark Foundry was built during the most transformative time in the history of advertising and marketing. We deliver everything a traditional media agency has to offer and have grown into one of the world's most successful agencies by helping brands evolve their marketing by leveraging identity, commerce, artificial intelligence, and more to connect with people. Transformation is part of our DNA.

Spark Foundry's start-up spirit delivers high-touch approaches and a never-ending desire to challenge the status quo. Combined with Publicis Media's powerhouse soul leveraging connected data assets, advanced AI applications, and investment clout, we "Bring HEAT to Brands." No other agency possesses the expertise that we do to address today's most pressing challenges to drive business transformation through media.

Overview

The Director will have the responsibility for the growth, management, retention, and satisfaction of a portfolio of key accounts. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to lead clients strategically and tactically in Commerce marketing. They will lead a team in the conception and delivery of innovative, business-building search and Commerce marketing solutions, including organic and paid optimization, heavy marketing on Amazon, Triad, and other Commerce channels while continuing to stay on top of evolving search platforms and advanced analytics.

The Director will also provide engagement leadership, develop senior level client relationships, and serve as an expert and trusted advisor.

Proven account management experience in an agency environment is essential. Experience managing campaigns across Commerce platforms such as Amazon (AMS), Criteo, or Triad is a must.

Responsibilities

Product

* Overall control of workflow and responsibilities within the assigned group. Will oversee the progress of all projects and provide assistance, where necessary, to assure timely completion of projects

* Ensure that projects are produced completely and efficiently.

* Set strategic principles for client search initiatives based on objectives

* Develop action plans for achieving and measuring campaign success, including determining key metrics and processes for measurement and optimization

* Evaluate and recommend full spectrum of Commerce alliances, including all appropriate engine partners, search platforms, bid and campaign management tools

* Work with strategic planning, digital planning and outside ad agencies to ensure search complements all client marketing activity

* Keep clients and agency counterparts informed on latest developments in the Commerce industry

* Grow agency Commerce business through new business and organic client growth

* Keep up with growing Commerce platforms and trends, understand how Commerce and other media channels work together, and look holistically to plan for client businesses/goals

* Take part in client and inter-agency education of Commerce, as well as developing intellectual capital, including best practices, case studies, and official agency points-of-view

People

* Establish and foster a corporate culture that inspires talent

* Allocate assignments to leverage each person's skills, as well as motivate their interests and challenge their minds

* Encourage thorough evaluation of Commerce marketing strategies while finding opportunity for competitive advantage

* Develop direct reports by providing ongoing feedback and conducting employee evaluations

* Recruit and retain top search marketing talent, growing the Commerce team to deliver on client and agency goals

Clients

* Master, identify, and communicate trends in Commerce and in client industries

* Stay up to date with all Spark/Publicis Commerce client initiatives and be able to introduce other client experiences with similar goals and targets to existing or potential partners

* Define and evaluate client competition online, as well as how it relates to Commerce initiatives

* Establish appropriate account staffing, scope of services, and fee proposals

Qualifications

* 8+ years of progressive levels of paid search experience with several years in the Commerce space

* In-depth activation and optimization experience with Amazon (AMS) and Criteo platforms required

* Experience with organic and paid search

* Experience applying search marketing to brand-building and direct response initiatives

* Experience with Amazon AAP/Display a plus

* Strong command of search engine research and reporting resources

* Knowledge of syndicated research tools such as Com Score, Hit Box, AdGooroo, etc.

* Deep experience with at least one major bid management tool

* Demonstrated leadership and management skills

* Demonstrated business acumen and a track record of success in the media/marketing services profession

* Solid interpersonal and teamwork abilities

* Ability to lead new business development process, with demonstrated ability to win new clients

* Ability to build and strengthen client relationships

* Maintain healthy senior relationships with key…