Client Strategy Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Company description
Welcome to Our World
We've been leading the charge in the affiliate industry from day one-establishing performance marketing and paving the way for future innovations. We're known for maintaining one of the largest, most reliable partnership platforms with impeccable, personalized service.
Founded in Santa Barbara, California in 1998, CJ (formerly Commission Junction) stands as the most trusted name in performance marketing. We specialize in building partnerships between top brands and reputable publishers to drive revenue and business growth. CJ's industry-leading solutions make us the platform of choice for over 3,800 global brands across sectors like retail, travel, finance, technology, and home services. As part of Publicis Groupe, our savvy data capabilities, cutting-edge tech, and strategic expertise facilitate genuine connections, allowing brands to reach consumers wherever they are.
A Quick Peek at Affiliate Marketing
Think back to your last online purchase. Did an influencer tip you off about a great product and offer a discount? Or perhaps you relied on a trusted review site to make your decision? Whatever path you took, affiliate publishers likely played a role by influencing, informing, or helping you find the best deal. CJ connects brands with these publishers, creating valuable resources for shoppers like you.
Overview
The Client Strategy Manager is responsible for leading Connected Commerce strategy for a portfolio of clients, helping them unlock incremental growth across affiliate, commerce media, and emerging performance channels.
This role serves as the primary strategic advisor to clients-owning growth narratives, investment strategy, and long-term planning-while partnering with Media, Investment, and Operations to bring integrated Connected Commerce solutions to life. Client Strategy Managers elevate the conversation beyond "affiliate as a tactic" toward commerce growth as a business driver.
Responsibilities
Connected Commerce Strategy & Growth

• Own the Connected Commerce strategy for assigned clients, spanning affiliate, commerce media, retail media networks, display, leads, and emerging performance channels.
• Translate client business goals into integrated growth strategies that drive incremental revenue and efficiency-not just channel performance.
• Develop clear strategic roadmaps that align investment, activation, and measurement to client objectives.

Client Leadership & Advisory

• Elevate conversations within the client organization, gaining buy-in from senior stakeholders and positioning CJ as a long-term growth partner.
• Lead strategic moments including quarterly planning, business reviews, and growth planning sessions with clarity and confidence.

Strategic Planning & Investment Leadership

• Own growth planning, budget strategy, and channel investment recommendations across the Connected Commerce ecosystem.
• Balance ambition with practicality-bringing bold ideas while grounding recommendations in clear business rationale.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Partner closely with Media, Investment, Operations and other essential Lines of Business to ensure strategic intent translates into effective, integrated execution.
• Provide clear strategic context and direction so partner teams can execute efficiently and confidently.

What Success Looks Like

• Elevate CJ's role from affiliate partner to Connected Commerce advisor
• Expand client adoption of new performance and commerce solutions
• Enable strong cross-team execution through clarity and leadership
• Are trusted by clients to guide both near-term performance and long-term strategy

Qualifications
Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to connect data, trends, and client goals
• Deep curiosity about commerce, media, and evolving performance ecosystems
• Collaborative leader who brings teams together around shared outcomes
• Bachelor's Degree or commensurate work experience
• 5 plus years of experience working in a marketing role-ideally digital performance marketing
• Strong written and verbal communication and relationship skills
• Proficient knowledge of the Microsoft suite of products, including Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Additional information
This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days a week in office.
CJ is the leader in Performance Marketing. We take pride in our innovative technology, comprehensive data solutions and our people. We equip our teams with advanced tools, training and career development opportunities all to provide modern solutions, strategies and support to deliver high quality results for our clients. We work in an enthusiastic, collaborative team setting that values outstanding performance.
We're a community of creative and passionate problem solvers who go the distance to tackle the tough questions, think creatively, and drive resourceful growth, for our clients-and ourselves. We foster and embody an inclusive and collaborative culture where diverse perspectives are sought, relationships are valued, and people feel accepted with a sense of belonging in expressing themselves authentically. We pride ourselves in having a workplace environment that values both work and play.
Why Our Workplace Stands Out
Apart from offering competitive salaries, 401K matching, wellness programs, and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, we provide:
• Flexible time off without the hassle of accrual
• A generous number of paid holidays
• Company-sponsored team-building events
• An Employee Referral Program
• Annual recognition awards
• Hybrid work arrangements for optimal work-life balance
• Parental bonding leave
• Backup care options for children and elders
• An employee discount program
• International SOS program for global support
• Business Resource Groups, where employees connect over shared interests to cultivate an engaging, inclusive environment
...and those are just a few of our great perks! Come join us and see what makes our company a great place to work.
If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
#LI-DT1
Compensation Range: USD $75,050.00 - USD $107,835.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 7/31/2026.