📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Director - Small Format
🔹 Company: Mars United Commerce
🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 21, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading client-specific business strategy and performance
- Ensuring strategic alignment with clients and retailers
- Driving thought leadership and innovative solutions
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams
- Identifying growth opportunities within assigned retailer or class of trade
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build strong relationships with both clients and retailers.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide thought leadership, impacting/contributing to client’s way of doing business with their key retailer on an ongoing basis
✅ Collaborate with clients and retailer to ensure full strategic alignment of all plans and programming, inclusive of omni/shopper strategy and plans, media strategy and media plans
✅ Act as a change agent/impact player from both an internal and external perspective – contributing to both client and agency performance
✅ Expand assigned business through identification of growth opportunities within your retailer or class of trade
✅ Owner of the retail media relationship specific to the retailer
✅ Manage client relationship at the retail level to include shopper marketers, sales teams and Marilyn insights teams.
✅ Leads discussions on mid-campaign optimizations and final recap recommendations
✅ Supports implementation of all programmatic/DSP and DDM activation and testing
✅ Demonstrate financial responsibility related to client scope of work, hours management and staffing needs.
✅ Develop annual business plans, setting short- and long-term strategic course for growth of assigned business
✅ Build strong relationships with both client and retailer while working closely with cross-functional teams including media, consumer marketing, trade development, operations, merchandising, and category managers, directors and buyers
✅ Identify opportunities within your assigned retailer and share this learning on an ongoing basis with your Retail and Client Leadership teams
✅ Understand how an agency works and embracing the tools and continually learning about our ways of working
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, business, or related field - MBA preferred
Experience: Minimum of 8 years of marketing, ecommerce, media or advertising experience with grocery retailers
Required Skills:
- Broad industry knowledge including current trends, consumer packaged goods and retailer information, and business philosophies
- Motivational leadership, inspiring team to deliver top performance every day against assigned business
- Strategic thinking in the development of Shopper Marketing programs and management of day to day business
- Sound decision making skills
- Passion about business and dissatisfaction with status quo – always thinking of ways to improve/grow assigned client/business
- Strong listening skills and attention to detail
- Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills
- Desire to dig in and do what’s needed to get the job done right.
- Some travel is required
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in account management, preferably within the retail or consumer packaged goods industry, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $119,510 - $171,675 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.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Group Health Plans
- Parental Leave Program
- Flexible Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Ongoing Wellness Support
- Financial Health Advice
- Tuition Support
- Flexible Work Environment
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on the candidate's location and employment status.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services, focusing on commerce marketing with a global presence and a strong focus on data-driven insights and technology.
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Mars United Commerce was founded in 2018, building on the legacy of its predecessor, The Mars Agency.
Company Description:
- Mars United Commerce is a global commerce marketing practice that aligns people, technology, and intelligence to make the business of its clients better today than it was yesterday.
- Its capabilities coalesce into four key disciplines — Strategy & Analytics, Content & Experiences, Digital Commerce, and Retail Consultancy — that individually deliver unmatched results for clients and collectively give them an unparalleled network of seamlessly integrated functions across the entire commerce marketing ecosystem.
- The company is powered by its industry-leading technology platform, Marilyn®, which helps marketers understand the total business impact of their commerce marketing activation, enabling them to make better decisions, create connected experiences, and drive stronger, measurable results.
Company Specialties:
- Creating Impact
- Multicultural Marketing
- Measurement
- Marketing Analytics
- Shopper Marketing
- Digital Commerce
- and Commerce Marketing
Company Website: Mars United Commerce
ASSUMPTION: Mars United Commerce is committed to driving growth for its people, clients, and communities through innovative commerce marketing solutions.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring extensive experience and strong leadership skills.
Reporting Structure: The Account Director reports directly to the Retail Leadership team and works closely with cross-functional teams including media, consumer marketing, trade development, operations, merchandising, and category managers, directors, and buyers.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with some travel required to client and retailer offices.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a leadership role within the Retail or Client Leadership teams
- Opportunities to work on high-profile, strategic projects with global impact
- Chance to develop expertise in emerging areas of commerce marketing, such as digital commerce and data-driven insights
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role can lead to increased responsibilities and career growth within Mars United Commerce.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Mars United Commerce's Chicago office is a collaborative, modern workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.
Office Location(s): 209 S La Salle St, Chicago, Illinois 60604, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major hub for the advertising and marketing industries, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and culinary experiences.
- Chicago's central location in the United States makes it an ideal base for travel to other major cities and regions.
Work Schedule: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees expected to work on-site two to three days per week and remotely for the remainder of the time.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while maintaining the benefits of an in-person work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- First-round interview with the Retail Leadership team
- Second-round interview with the Client Leadership team and cross-functional stakeholders
- Final-round interview with the Chief Retail Officer and other senior leaders
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Industry knowledge and retail expertise
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Mars United Commerce's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this specific role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Research Mars United Commerce and the retail industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Practice presenting your ideas and solutions to retail-related case studies or business challenges
ATS Keywords: Account Management, Retail Marketing, Shopper Marketing, Strategic Planning, Client Relationship Management, Team Leadership, Retail Industry Knowledge, Data Analysis, Marilyn, Commerce Marketing
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit with Mars United Commerce.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marilyn®, Mars United Commerce's proprietary data and insights platform
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Marilyn® and other relevant tools is preferred, but not required, as training will be provided.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Create Impact
- Embrace Change
- Collaborate with Purpose
- Be Curious
- Act with Integrity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Agile and adaptable to change
- Data-driven and insights-focused
- Innovative and creative problem solvers
- Strong communicators and active listeners
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Mars United Commerce's value of 'Create Impact' in your approach to work?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment, and how did you approach it?
- How do you ensure that your team members feel valued and supported in their roles?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with Mars United Commerce's values and work style, with a focus on collaboration, adaptability, and data-driven decision making.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Adapting to changes in client or retailer priorities
- Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day business management
- Navigating a large, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the retail media relationship and strategic alignment with both clients and retailers
- It requires a strong understanding of the retail industry and consumer packaged goods, as well as the ability to drive thought leadership and innovative solutions
- Compared to other account management roles, this position places a greater emphasis on strategic planning, retail media management, and cross-functional collaboration
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of client and retailer relationships, driving strategic alignment and business growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing an annual business plan for a key retailer, including strategic briefs, ongoing plan development, and flawless execution
- Leading a team to optimize mid-campaign performance and deliver final recap recommendations for a major client
- Expanding an assigned business by identifying and pursuing growth opportunities within a retailer or class of trade
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, leadership, and collaborative aspects of the Account Director - Small Format role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Mars United Commerce support the professional development and growth of its Account Directors?
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics of the Retail and Client Leadership teams?
- How does Mars United Commerce approach cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing within the organization?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Mars United Commerce measure the success of its Account Directors, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company's expectations for success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this specific role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Research Mars United Commerce and the retail industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Practice presenting your ideas and solutions to retail-related case studies or business challenges
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
