Retail Media Strategist London, England

Role Objective

This role is designed to lead the strategic direction of all Retail Media planning and activation across the Unilever account, ensuring rigorous test and learn to develop both onsite and offsite business growth, driving forward best practice in activation channels, and leading a team of Retail Media practitioners working across a range of retailer partners and platforms, including grocery, health and beauty, quick commerce, and bid management platforms such as Criteo and Citrus.

About the role

The Retail Media Strategist will have a deep interest and understanding of the retail and marketplaces landscape, leveraging their expertise to deliver excellence in biddable retail media platforms, on-retailer and off-retailer data-led offerings. They will ensure seamless integration of performance-led retail media efforts into a holistic commerce and brand strategy, delivering top results for clients.

This role will lead a cross-functional team, overseeing, informing, shaping, and implementing advanced performance-led strategies to unlock new growth opportunities across the retail media ecosystem for Unilever and other CPG clients within the agency.

The strategist will partner with clients to translate business objectives into campaign strategies, test and learn opportunities, and drive integration across commerce media channels to maximize outcomes. They will leverage data and tools for effective campaign optimization, requiring an entrepreneurial spirit, action bias, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities:

1. Define and agree ways of working with Strategy and Planning teams for brand campaign directions, including briefs for Exchange and retail media info for responses.
2. Embed retailer data within Unilever brand campaigns by collaborating with strategists, media planners, and activation teams on targeting and audiences using retailer data.
3. Work with Group M on testing new retailer data and targeting capabilities.
4. Work with clients to develop annual strategies for each Business Unit and brand, translating objectives into media deliverables.
5. Collaborate with Live Planner to ensure proper measurement of data-driven brand campaigns.
6. Track and evaluate retailer maturity.
7. Work with activation teams to synthesize key data points, identify trends, and recommend activities to maximize results and customer experience.
8. Document and bank key learnings for future campaigns and other retailers.
9. Drive tool utilization to support planning, reporting, optimization, and automation.
10. Enhance the profile of Mindshare's retail media team through events and speaking opportunities.
11. Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to maximize promotional opportunities and navigate the commerce activation landscape.
12. Stay updated on marketplace dynamics, ad products, technology, and measurement across the retail media ecosystem.
13. Manage line management responsibilities for the activation team.

About you

• Experience in media activation, ideally including Citrus and Criteo platforms.
• Understanding of retail commercial elements such as profit margins, inventory, forecasting, and demand planning.
• Knowledge of how different media channels work together within retail advertising ecosystems.
• Strong drive to understand retail trends and Commerce Media developments.
• Experience with retail bid management platforms like Pacvue.
• Experience with digital shelf tools such as Data Impact, Profitero, Gradient, or similar.
• Experience with retailer planning tools.
• Experience working with retailers to derive insights, possibly with Dunnhumby and Nectar 360, to inform planning and test strategies.
• Proven team management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective collaboration skills with internal teams and external partners.
• Self-starter attitude suited to a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent project management skills across multiple teams and functions.

What we offer

• Competitive salary aligned with experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off.
• Ongoing training opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities to attend industry conferences and awards.
• Career and personal development.
• Private healthcare.
• Excellent pension scheme.

About Mindshare

Mindshare is a leading global marketing and media services network with over £23 billion in billings worldwide. We work with major brands including Unilever, Ford, KFC, Marks & Spencer, and TK Maxx. Our network comprises 116 offices across 86 countries, dedicated to creating competitive marketing advantages for our clients.

Our approach

Our goal is to drive Good Growth-growth that is enduring, considerate of people and the planet. We recognize the power and responsibility of media and aim to use it in a trusted, inclusive, and sustainable way. We place people at the core of our strategies, understanding them beyond demographics, to embed media meaningfully into their lives.

Our values of Energy, Empathy, and Impact guide us in achieving this ambition.

Working for Mindshare

Our talented people are key to our success. We invest in their development and create inspiring environments through initiatives like our flagship event, Huddle, which fosters learning and connection across borders.

Committed to Diversity & Inclusion

We aspire to be the most inclusive workplace in the country. We have Employee Resource Groups such as Roots, PrideM, Women in Business, Enable, Declassify, 0Borders, ADAM, and Working Parents, which promote progress and inclusivity. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.