Manager, Media Activation Retail Search

As a Manager, Retail Media Activation - Search, you will lead the activation, optimization, and growth of retail search campaigns across major retail media networks. You will be responsible for translating client business objectives into performance-driven search strategies, managing campaign execution, and delivering measurable business outcomes across commerce and retail media environments.

You will serve as a key partner to clients, agency teams, and retail media platforms, helping shape integrated commerce strategies while driving excellence in retail search activation. This role requires a deep understanding of marketplace dynamics, bidding strategies, optimization methodologies, and retail media technologies. You will also help develop junior talent, champion best practices, and identify innovative opportunities to drive client growth.

• Lead retail search activation and strategy across major retail media platforms, including sponsored products, paid search, and other biddable retail media opportunities.

• Manage campaign strategy and execution across retailers and platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, Instacart, Target, Kroger, Criteo/CitrusAd, and emerging retail media networks.

• Develop and optimize keyword, bidding, budget allocation, targeting, and product-level strategies that maximize performance against client KPIs.

• Translate client business objectives into activation plans, testing roadmaps, and optimization strategies.

• Identify opportunities to improve ROAS, sales, efficiency, reach, and incremental growth through ongoing performance analysis.

• Partner with planning, investment, commerce, analytics, and client teams to ensure retail search is integrated into broader media and commerce strategies.

• Build testing and optimization frameworks across keywords, audiences, placements, products, bids, and budgets.

• Leverage retail media management platforms including Pacvue, Skai, Epsilon, and similar technologies.

• Develop performance forecasts, projections, and recommendations informed by historical trends, promotional calendars, and business goals.

• Identify opportunities to capitalize on retailer promotions, seasonal events, new ad products, and emerging marketplace capabilities.

• Stay current on retail media trends, search algorithms, measurement solutions, and commerce technology innovations.

• Translate complex performance data into clear, actionable recommendations for clients and internal stakeholders.

• Ensure campaign quality, governance, trafficking, billing accuracy, and adherence to established best practices.

• Troubleshoot platform and campaign delivery issues while collaborating with partners to drive timely resolution.

• Lead, coach, and develop junior team members while supporting career growth and capability development.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or equivalent professional work experience.

• 3+ years of experience in performance media with significant hands-on experience in retail search and/or paid search.

• Experience activating and optimizing campaigns across major retail media networks including Amazon, Walmart, Instacart, Target, Kroger, Criteo/CitrusAd, or comparable platforms.

• Experience using retail media management and bid optimization platforms such as Pacvue, Skai, Epsilon, or similar technologies.

• Strong understanding of retail search fundamentals, including keyword strategy, bidding, budget management, targeting, optimization, and performance measurement.

• Understanding of how retail search integrates with programmatic, paid social, traditional media, and broader commerce strategies.

• Ability to connect media performance to business outcomes including sales, margin, inventory, forecasting, and promotional planning.

• Experience managing and developing direct reports while providing coaching and mentorship.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to present recommendations to internal and client stakeholders.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience working across multiple teams and functions within agency, media, retailer, technology, or client environments.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Passion for retail media, search, commerce, and emerging marketplace technologies.

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We Create an Open Environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in an open and supportive environment. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.