Director, Retail Media Operations Job at Wunderman Thompson in Kansas City

Overview At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

What We\'re Looking For VML is seeking a Director, Retail Media Operations to lead and orchestrate retail media operations for a major CPG client. This role ensures operational excellence across tagging, trafficking, billing, performance reporting, and tool / process optimization. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in media operations with direct retail media expertise, enabling them to proactively define standards, drive efficiency, and ensure flawless execution at scale.

You are proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of creating clarity across complex workstreams. You understand the nuances of retailer media networks, agency billing / finance processes, and performance expectations. Most importantly, you can connect internal teams, external partners, and clients into a single, coordinated operating model.

What You'll Do Retail Media Operations Leadership

Own the full retail media operations framework across tagging, trafficking, billing, approvals, and performance governance.

Define and enforce consistent processes, documentation, and standards across all retail media activations.

Proactively identify operational risks, performance gaps, and inefficiencies, and drive structured solutions.

Coordinate internal teams (media, finance, ops) and external partners to ensure seamless campaign delivery and compliance with client expectations.

Process & Governance

Establish documentation, training, and governance models that drive consistency and accountability across teams.

Maintain ownership of approval / performance definitions and ensure integration into day-to-day workflows.

Partner with finance on payment terms, exceptions, and negotiations with retailer media networks and third parties.

Tools & Innovation

Evaluate and adapt proprietary tools / workflows for retail media application.

Partner with third-party vendors to integrate customizations that improve accuracy and efficiency.

Stay current on industry tools and best practices to continuously evolve operations.

Client Partnership & Communication

Serve as the operational point-of-contact for the client, ensuring clarity, alignment, and proactive updates.

Anticipate client questions, set expectations, and guide discussions around process improvements.

Translate client requirements into actionable workflows and ensure alignment across all internal stakeholders.

Who You Are 7+ years of experience in media operations, with at least 3+ in retail media.

Deep understanding of campaign trafficking, tagging, billing, and reporting systems.

Experience managing complex client operations, with a proven ability to create order from ambiguity.

Strong knowledge of retail media networks and their operational nuances (e.g., unique billing or approval processes).

Skilled at cross-functional coordination and driving accountability without formal authority.

Proactive problem solver who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

You're hands-on when needed, but always thinking a step ahead. You’re energized by solving for growth, finding gaps, and building systems that scale.

What we offer Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.

Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.

Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.

Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military / veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.

The 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. See WPP Benefits for more details.

$75,000 — $180,000 USD

We 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.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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