# Director StrategyWhen 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 . California residents should read our . 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.# Director Strategy#### **Brand:** VML Commerce#### **Department:** Strategy#### **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States#### **Last Updated:** 2/3/2026#### **Requisition ID:** 13585### **About VML**VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information,please visit , andfollowalong on ,, and.**Where you shine** This is a full-time opportunity to join the world’s largest and most effective Living Commerce agency, working on a very high-profile piece of CPG business. While we are leaders in commerce, the expectations of the right person include helping us to transcend retail by creating engaging connected experiences which turn intent into action.
We are looking for the right person who has a penchant for understanding human behavior, a keen understanding of the emerging retail dynamics and a sharp ability to unearth unique consumer and shopper insights; one who has a passion for being a collaborator, culture vulture, trend spotter, creative muse, problem solver, storyteller, and good human being. **What your success will look like*** Collaborate closely with business leadership and creative peers to lead a customer “pod” team, where your role will focus on defining business problems and developing strategy to overcome these problems.* Work closely with brand, sales, customer and insights teams in manifesting commercial ideas that deliver breakthrough results* Work to align retailer segments with brand segments – providing rich dimension into humans’ hearts, minds, and behaviors* Ensure creative delivers against requirements of brand and customer communications* Represent the voice of the shopper to all stake holders to articulate commerce communication priorities* Create inspirational creative briefs and present strategic narratives to both internal audiences as well as to clients.**Who you are and what you bring*** BA in Marketing / Advertising or equivalent* 7+ years of experience in at least one aspect of strategic planning or related field* Working knowledge of data tools and systems such as Simmons, MRI, Kantar, or equivalent* Understanding of human behavior and how it impacts purchase decision making* Some commerce/retail/shopper marketing experience is required* Ability to communicate clearly, thoroughly and succinctly both verbally and in written form to build relationships internally and with the client teams* Ability to analyze results, interpret data, draw sound conclusions, and develop insightful and actionable recommendations – with a comfort level using data as a tool for creative inspiration* Skilled in developing and delivering presentations tailored to specific audiences – preference will be given to those who prefer Keynote to PowerPoint* Interpersonal skills to selflessly inspire and elevate the work of those around them, and to work with different disciplines, resources, and personalities seamlessly* Curious, active, unconventional thinking with deft ability to apply cultural context to the work we deliver* Experience, command, and interest in how brands connect with people in today’s world* A respectful but provocative attitude, always questioning and pushing thinking, but knows when and how to land the planeThe 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 for more details.\_$75,000—$180,000 USDWe believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.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. 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 . California residents should read our . 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr
We are looking for the right person who has a penchant for understanding human behavior, a keen understanding of the emerging retail dynamics and a sharp ability to unearth unique consumer and shopper insights; one who has a passion for being a collaborator, culture vulture, trend spotter, creative muse, problem solver, storyteller, and good human being. **What your success will look like*** Collaborate closely with business leadership and creative peers to lead a customer “pod” team, where your role will focus on defining business problems and developing strategy to overcome these problems.* Work closely with brand, sales, customer and insights teams in manifesting commercial ideas that deliver breakthrough results* Work to align retailer segments with brand segments – providing rich dimension into humans’ hearts, minds, and behaviors* Ensure creative delivers against requirements of brand and customer communications* Represent the voice of the shopper to all stake holders to articulate commerce communication priorities* Create inspirational creative briefs and present strategic narratives to both internal audiences as well as to clients.**Who you are and what you bring*** BA in Marketing / Advertising or equivalent* 7+ years of experience in at least one aspect of strategic planning or related field* Working knowledge of data tools and systems such as Simmons, MRI, Kantar, or equivalent* Understanding of human behavior and how it impacts purchase decision making* Some commerce/retail/shopper marketing experience is required* Ability to communicate clearly, thoroughly and succinctly both verbally and in written form to build relationships internally and with the client teams* Ability to analyze results, interpret data, draw sound conclusions, and develop insightful and actionable recommendations – with a comfort level using data as a tool for creative inspiration* Skilled in developing and delivering presentations tailored to specific audiences – preference will be given to those who prefer Keynote to PowerPoint* Interpersonal skills to selflessly inspire and elevate the work of those around them, and to work with different disciplines, resources, and personalities seamlessly* Curious, active, unconventional thinking with deft ability to apply cultural context to the work we deliver* Experience, command, and interest in how brands connect with people in today’s world* A respectful but provocative attitude, always questioning and pushing thinking, but knows when and how to land the planeThe 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 for more details.\_$75,000—$180,000 USDWe believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.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. 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 . California residents should read our . 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr