Manager, Commerce Search
Kinesso
Business Overview
KINESSO is the technology-driven performance marketing agency 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 at www.KINESSO.com.
Position Summary
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 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 as the day-to-day client lead. You thrive in a multi-functional role and enjoy training and coaching team members to ensure flawless tactical execution.
Responsibilities
Retail Media Knowledge
o Knowledge of multiple retail media networks & their platforms, may include Amazon, Walmart, Roundel, Kroger, etc.
o Seasoned experience with self-service search platforms for both retailer specific (e.g. WMC, Roundel Media Studio, etc.) as well as aggregators (e.g. Criteo, Citrus, Pacvue, Skai, etc.)
o Comfortable and knowledgeable with D2C platforms (e.g. Google, Bing, Shopping, etc.)
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 Participates in and guides Senior Associate during campaign buildout inclusive of keywords/targeting. Coaches Senior Associate campaign creation and search strategy to get best plan for client
o Takes learnings from previous campaigns and apply to next campaign
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 buying process and stewardship for media programs to ensure original objectives are being met
§ Oversees and participates when needed in daily campaign & budget management including optimizations
o Oversees and assists Senior Associate with building campaigns within relevant search platforms. Responsible for ensuring campaigns are built out correctly within platform
o Oversees coordination of creative assets between client, creative agencies and partners
§ Provides copy ideas for specific campaigns when appropriate
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
§ Supports Senior Associate with pulling data from self service platforms as needed
§ 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 assisting Senior Associate in clearing billing with finance team
· Relationships
o Oversees day-to-day relationship with media partners and leads negotiation of commerce media for specific programs, where applicable
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
Required Skills & Experience
· Strong working knowledge of commerce industry and platforms including major retailers and supporting technology (e.g. Amazon Ads, Walmart Connect, Roundel, Pacvue, Skai, Criteo, Citrus, etc.)
· 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
· Knowledge with industry tools such as MediaTools, Prisma, etc
Desired Skills & Experience
· 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
· Experience in web analytics, ad tracking and other biddable media (e.g. paid search)
· 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
· Project management; effectively managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Time management and project management skills are critical
· Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and excellent quantitative analysis skills
Wage and Benefits
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. 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.
Employment Transparency
It is the policy of our company 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, please email accommodation@mbww.com.