Commerce Director & Growth Lead (UK)

at  VML

WHO WE ARE:

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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or Business.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in commerce, marketing, or capability growth roles, ideally within an agency or consulting environment.
• Proven track record in achieving YoY growth through client engagement and capability building.
• Deep understanding of digital commerce, marketplace dynamics, and marketing trends.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and execution skills with a client-centric approach.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams and initiatives.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with a knack for crafting compelling growth narratives.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, market research tools, and data-driven decision-making.

• Strategic Growth Planning and Execution – Existing clients- Enhance and unlock:
• Own the strategy and execution for organic growth opportunities across the UK, driving 10% year-on-year (YoY) growth with our top 12 clients through enhanced capabilities and market enablement.
• Lead the deployment of our marketplace offer in the UK
• Support the acceleration of EMEA, and build into the community of practice.
• Achieve an additional 10% YoY growth across EMEA by supporting clients on pitches and expanding capabilities.
• Strategic Growth Planning and Execution – Net New – Land & expand:
• Develop & own the strategy and execution for net new growth opportunities across the UK – coordinate with the EMEA growth lead to maximize potential.
• Identify who, how, when, and where to target new client opportunities
• Secure +20% revenue growth for the EMEA marketplace engine through net new opportunities.
• Maximize the marketplace engine:
• Streamline the marketplace offering, supporting the Head of commerce in identifying new capability opportunities and refining the sellable service wheel to deploy and scale across markets.
• Generate $2m in additional marketplace revenue in 2025 across content, retail media, retail readiness, consulting, and dashboarding.
• Support on pitches and growth – both inside and outside WPP / VML.
• Hire, support & drive a new Marketplace consultancy team:
• Support the build and integration of a new marketplace consultancy team in the UK.
• Provide a pathway of integration into the ACE central team.
• Drive the consultancy sellable offering for Marketplaces.
• Community of Practice Development:
• Support in the rollout and material for best-in-class, consistent practice across EMEA by the end of 2025.
• Support in building a thriving community of practice across the region, hosting monthly and quarterly forums for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Client and Market Leadership:
• Act as a growth leader for Commerce in the UK, working cross-functionally across BUs to drive strategic engagements with organic clients while leading expansion into new client opportunities.
• Focus on creating connected commerce solutions that align with client needs, competitive trends, and emerging market opportunities.
• Provide thought leadership on commerce through POVs and panel/speaking events.