*Freelance* Manager, Commerce - Walmart & Target Focus

Business Overview

KINESSO is the technology-driven performance marketing agency that sits at the very heart of IPG Mediabrands, providing actionable growth for both our agency partners and clients. We turn 'action' into 'outcome' for our clients, leveraging our unique capabilities in optimization, analytics, AI, and experimentation. KINESSO has brought together the collective power of what was formerly Matterkind, Reprise, P3, and Kinesso under one collective entity that will serve as the most powerful delivery engine in the industry. We have extensive offerings spanning across performance marketing and data and technology. Fueled by a deep understanding of consumer behavior, we offer an end-to-end engine of planning and optimization while also delivering on data-driven strategy for social platforms, actionable growth in e-commerce, and creating curated marketplaces specific to each client's function and needs. The company has more than 6,000 employees operating in more than 60 countries. Learn more atwww.KINESSO.com.

We are looking for you - dynamic, best-in-class talent - to join the growing Commerce team as a Manager. In this role you will be responsible for managing Sr. Associates & Associates and supporting in the development, planning, buying, executing and measuring media plans for designated shopper/commerce media clients. You will support the Associate Director/Director in the strategic and tactical development of each retail plan. You'll work closely with national Planning and Buying teams to allow for holistic Commerce media function.

The Commerce team is a specialty group that focuses on the planning, buying, execution and measurement of Commerce media. Commerce media is any specific media elements that are retailer focused/tagged. This can be in-store signage such as a coupon machine or shelfblade, a billboard driving shoppers to a Walmart store, digital ads (search, display, OLV/STV, etc) on Amazon or Kroger.com site via managed or self service, tapping influencers that support certain retailers or working with shoppable technology companies to ensure ease of conversion. The team supports client's commerce/shopper/customer marketing teams-our end goal measuring product sales both online and in-store.

Who You Are

A passionate and driven professional, you excel at translating client business objectives at the senior level into Commerce daily tactical execution, to drive sales online and in-store. You're ready to challenge the status quo to produce world-class search campaigns for high profile brands and take pride in your ability to clearly articulate the outcomes of the tactics and the strategy to the client. You thrive in a multi-functional role and enjoy training and coaching team members to ensure flawless tactical execution.

* Retail Media Knowledge

o Knowledge of multiple retail media networks & their platforms, may include Amazon, Walmart, Roundel, Kroger, etc.

o Familiar with both DSP interface functionality and levers (campaign hierarchy, audience builder, PMP/PG set up, reporting suite) as well as managed service dashboards

o Understands individual RMN capabilities across tactic, targeting, reporting methodology, etc.

* Account Management & Strategy

o Active participant in development, presentation, management and measurement of omnichannel commerce media programs and defines program objectives and strategies consistent with brand marketing objectives

o Ensures strategic consistency across all elements of plan development and implementation

o Takes learnings from previous campaigns and apply to next campaign

o Participates in and guides Senior Associate during RFP process with partners. Coaches Senior Associate in evaluation of RFPs and assists in negotiations striving to get best plan and added value for client

o Builds audience targeting details and budget allocation at the tactic/placement level based on client goals for either self service or with partner during RFP process

o Recommends targeted, innovative media vehicles consistent with media strategies ranging from RMNs to 3rd party partners

o Proactively identifies growth opportunities and shares ideas for potential test and learns

o Delivers an effective detailed media plan, inclusive of tactics, audiences, flighting, KPIs, etc. that drives client performance

o Contributes to the creation of client ready materials (e.g. presentations, reporting, etc) and delivers client communications

o Serves as first check for client documents ensuring accuracy and ease of understanding information

o Ability to tailor client presentations to the audience (i.e. Senior Level vs. Junior Level)

o Supports in establishing and implementing best practices within client accounts

o Ability to assess and rank issues and tasks in order of importance for taking action and escalating as needed

o Anticipates, recognizes, and clearly defines problems using various techniques to systematically analyze, weigh alternatives and propose solutions

o Work with Senior Associate to update any status documents and timelines whether internal or client facing. Responsible for ensuring all tasks are captured and tracking toward completion

o Implements team and client centric processes to ensure accuracy of all deliverables (e.g. client documents, budget stewardship/management/client billing), improve overall team performance and minimize risk of human error through consistent implementation of QA guardrails

* Execution

o Supervises the buying process and stewardship for media programs to ensure original objectives are being met

* Managed service: works with partners to maintain campaign and optimize based on performance, monitors within partner dashboards where applicable

* Self service: works with DSP activation team to ensure relevant strategies are implemented and campaigns are optimize based on performance, monitors within platform

* Works with retailers and DSP partners to ensure proper data onboarding and any necessary paperwork is completed prior to campaign launch

o Oversees and assists Senior Associate with the locating, defining and building relevant audience segments in DSP platforms

o Oversees coordination of creative assets between client, creative agencies and partners

o Monitors pacing to ensure delivery is appropriate and aligned to campaign flighting for both managed and self-service campaigns

o Measures media performance at all stages to ensure original objectives and strategies are being met to client satisfaction

o Development, execution and testing across campaign variables that create client specific insight and drive future testing opportunities

o Oversees analysis and reporting of data on daily/weekly/bi-weekly/monthly & ad-hoc basis

* Data may be provided from partners or DSP activation team, with self service data being reviewed more frequently

* Turns insights into long-term action by highlighting clear flow of cause, effect and next steps

o Maintains client and industry benchmarks for point of comparison when evaluating campaign performance

o Responsible for ensuring IOs are issued accurately within Prisma and clearing billing with finance team

* Relationships

o Oversees day-to-day relationship with media partners and leads negotiation of commerce media for specific programs

o Works cross-functionally with national planning & investment, ad operations, product, reporting, analytics, finance and other groups across the account

o Maintains client relationships and ensures timely creation & delivery of work

o Assists in managing team performance to achieve desired results based on defined roles and responsibilities for the Associates & Senior Associates

* Training/Development

o Ensures knowledge sharing across internal teams, open communication & provides thought leadership

o Identifies & builds functional expertise or knowledge in a relevant, unique & specific media area, including commerce media expertise

o Aware of knowledge level and experience of Senior Associates and Associates. Ability to spend extra time where needed to develop direct reports

* Industry Knowledge

o Seeks out information to remain current on media trends and shares with team members with relevant implications/potential opportunities

o Understands client business objectives and connections to day-to-day work

o Support team in development of thought leadership and innovation deliverables

* Strong working knowledge of commerce industry and platforms including major retailers and supporting technology (e.g. Target, Walmart, Amazon Ads, Walmart Connect, Roundel, Pacvue, Skai, Criteo, TTD, etc.)

* Project management; effectively managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines under a fast-paced environment. Time management and project management skills are critical

* Proven knowledge of media planning & planning with use of research tools and resources

* Proven ability to understand high level client goals and how they translate into commerce strategies

* Proven experience in writing and presenting relevant information to client audience

o Can carry conversations with clients easily

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

* 3+ years of working experience required, with 1+ years experience in a people manager role; strong ability to delegate, train, and support direct reports

* 2+ years of commerce experience working across multiple retailers preferred

* Capable of effectively communicating the technicalities of programmatic for strategic purposes and differences in the biddable/addressable space compared to direct buys

* Ability to manage team, both upwards and downwards, to ensure cross-team communication

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven problem-solving ability

* Self- sufficient and proactive

* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and excellent quantitative analysis skills

* Knowledge with industry tools such as MediaTools, Prisma, etc.

At IPG Mediabrands, we are unified behind a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. Together, we shine through a set of shared values and behaviors. We take pride in our responsibility to our clients, communities, and to each other. We embrace differences and recognize the unique value that each of us brings to our community.

We encourage you to apply, as unique backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are welcomed.

We See You at IPG Mediabrands.

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family. To give you the ability to better meet your personal needs, and in support of your physical and emotional well-being, you will receive discretionary time off days and company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days.

We also offer a competitive Total Compensation package, including a competitive salary and eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award or a relevant incentive award.

The salary range for this position is posted below. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the Company (applicable to current employees), as well as the employee's/applicant's skill set, level of experience, and qualifications.

It is the policy of Mediabrands, division of the Interpublic group, to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For applicants to jobs in the United States: In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mediabrands, please email accommodation@mbww.com.

About IPG Mediabrands

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). IPG Mediabrands manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub and through its award-winning specialty business units Healix, Kinesso, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world's most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors including automotive, personal finance, consumer product goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty. The company employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at www.ipgmediabrands.com.