Ad Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

As a Retail Media Manager, you will lead and mentor junior staff to become experts in retail media solutions while fostering a culture of open communication and feedback. Responsibilities include developing and executing retail media strategies aligned with business goals, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and managing client relationships. The role also encompasses overseeing the management and optimization of sponsored search, Amazon DSP, and programmatic ad campaigns, conducting performance analyses, and identifying opportunities for process improvement and upselling. Additionally, the candidate must stay current with industry trends and possess expertise in multiple retail media solutions, Amazon Marketing Cloud, and associated ad technologies.

• 5-8 years of experience managing retail media sponsored search, Amazon DSP, and programmatic ad solutions (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Instacart) with a track record of achieving client objectives for large, complex accounts.
• 2+ years of experience leading and coaching a team, ideally with 3-5 direct reports.
• Understanding of SEM to pair with Programmatic  
• A strong player / coach team member, with the ability to roll up their sleeves to help specialists.
• Proficiency in performance marketing, conversion optimization, and online customer acquisition. 
• Expertise in ad technology that supports retail media solutions, such as Amazon DSP, Amazon Marketing Cloud, Skai, Helium 10, Pacvue, Analytic Index, and Intentwise, with the ability to translate AMC insights into actions and recommendations that connect DSP performance, Search, and the total commerce flywheel.
• An exceptional eye for detail, analytical and ability to solve problems given the fast-paced nature of our division, the aptitude to multitask. 
• Strong communication and team collaboration skills, with the ability to operate in a client-facing role across diverse client groups. 
• Command of essential Microsoft Office applications, Excel with the ability to use formulas, functions, and pivot tables at advanced level.  
• Adept in project and campaign management across concurrent clients and campaigns.  
• Strong verbal and written communication  
• Comfortable leading and presenting recommendation to clients. 
• Ability to nurture collaborative relationships, collaborative and curious spirit.
• Ability to work and resolve issues cross-functionally. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and concurrent deadlines.
   

Leadership: 

• Be able to coach and mentor junior talent to become retail media solution experts.
• Train Retail Media Sponsored Ad and Programmatic Specialists in best practices and operational processes.
• Inspire your direct reports to reach their quarterly, annual, and long-term goals. 
• Foster a culture of open communication and 360-degree feedback.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal and external partners to evangelize team's value and expertise.
• Support Senior Director of Retail Media Operations with team development, team routines, and team vision.

Retail Media Strategy: 

• Develop and execute retail media strategies aligned with overall business goals, focusing on driving sales and increasing visibility. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including media agencies, client teams, retailer partners, and ad technology partners. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including brand management, product, and integrated marketing to align advertising strategies with overall business objectives.    
• Create proposals and presentations to represent solutions designed around client goals. 
• Lead client meetings to understand client needs. 
• Prepare and present quarterly and annual business reviews for top-tier clients.
   

Campaign Management: 

• Support the management of sponsored search, Amazon DSP, and programmatic ad campaigns for top tier clients, including keyword research, campaign setup, DSP order builds, audience strategy, targeting, bidding, budget management, pacing, and performance analysis.
• Review campaign billing for accuracy.  
• Aid in keyword research and competitive analysis to uncover new marketing opportunities. 
• Identifies opportunities to streamline processes and create supporting documentation.
   

Optimization & Performance Monitoring:  

• Support campaign monitoring and performance, leveraging data insights to optimize targeting, audiences, keywords, bids, ad placements, and DSP bid strategies.
• Support post-campaign analysis, providing recommendations to promote repeat business.   
• Provide reporting and insights updates on client performance to stakeholders, leadership, and clients; confidently speak to, defend, and rationalize DSP strategy, investment decisions, and optimization recommendations.
• Conduct A/B testing and experiment with different advertising approaches to identify successful strategies.  
• Identify opportunities for upselling, inclusive of improvement and innovation, proactively implementing changes to drive performance and efficiency.  
• Monitor competitors' advertising strategies and industry trends, recommending adjustments to maintain a competitive advantage 

Industry Knowledge & Proficiency:  

• An expert across 3 or more retail media solutions (Amazon, Walmart, Target/Roundel, Instacart) and associated ad technology (Amazon DSP, AMC, Criteo, Citrus Ads, Skai), adapting recommendations based on advertiser needs.
• Understand programmatic buying, real-time bidding, audience segmentation, Amazon DSP order setup, bidding logic, and audience strategy.
• Stay current with industry trends, algorithm updates, and competitive landscape to proactively adapt strategies; helps develop competitive analysis as needed. 
• Undertake additional responsibilities as needed to support team and client requirements.