Job Description
Merkle is a leading data-driven, technology-enabled, global performance marketing agency that specialises in the delivery of unique, personalised customer experiences across platforms and devices. We call it ‘people-based’ marketing, and with over 25 years’ experience, we are proud to be recognised as a global leader.
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Merkle’s heritage in data, technology and analytics is the foundation for our understanding of consumer insights that drives our people-based marketing strategies. Combined with our expertise in performance creative and media, we can then offer our clients content-driven, contextual and compelling customer experiences that drive business growth.
In 2016, the agency joined the Dentsu, one of the world’s biggest media companies to form the Customer Experience Management (CXM) Line of Business.
Job Description:
We’re looking for someone passionate about marketing strategy to join our growing team and continue to push the boundaries on what’s possible within the digital landscape. You will be leading the strategic development of integrated marketing initiatives and driving direction of overarching communication strategy on one or more of our key client accounts. You will be required to lead conversations across multiple digital services - Search, Programmatic, Paid Social and play a significant role in conversations relating to DX, CXM, CRM and data and analytics strategy. We’re looking for people who are digital natives but have a good understanding of full-funnel media strategies, as well as an understanding of the total customer experience and connected customer initiatives across the entire customer lifecycle. You will be working closely with our core digital and strategy teams, collaborating with our business transformation teams and other Dentsu agencies.
You will manage two direct reports, each also manage small (but growing) teams. You will be responsible for overseeing their career progression, their resource assignments, and in some cases directly managing their client deliverables.
Working with Directors in the team, you will also support the Head of Department in shaping the growth of the department, actively engaged in on-boarding new recruits and establishing the methodology and best practice along with educating the wider company in department initiatives.
This role is best suited to someone with 8+ years experience within a media agency function or client-side with demonstrable experience of applying strategic thinking to complex integrated campaigns and a proven track record in achieving KPIs and growing client relationships at top tier levels. An excellent understanding of integrated customer strategy principles beyond media is absolutely integral.
Life as a Strategy Director at Merkle
Management of Media Planners, responsible for development and learning progression of any direct reports.
Lead the development of integrated cross-channel media strategies.
Maintain a good working relationship with the key stakeholders throughout the planning cycle, in particular, the client’s Creative and ATL agencies to align communication strategies
Adopts department best practices and implements end-to-end process with regards to brief responses and new client on-boarding.
Liaises with internal research teams to collate market and customer insight to support and justify media laydown.
Liaises with the internal research team to analyse data trends and client performance to develop solid strategic media plans.
Works with media team to periodically review media laydown using campaign performance data.
Works with the relevant teams to define custom measurement frameworks and PCA templates.
Initiates stakeholder planning ensuring relevant participation and contribution.
Works directly with Merkle's new business team to assist in RFP and media plan recommendations as part of the sales/on-boarding process.
Cultivate and demonstrate thought leadership, putting forward new topics of interest, not afraid to challenge the client with innovative and digital-first marketing solutions.
A few of the benefits
Whether it’s the joy of working with people at the top of their game or the Merkle social calendar, people love working here – and we hope you will too
· Career development through Merkle University and other tools; with access to courses, textbooks, and mentorship
· Private Medical Insurance, Company Pension, life insurance, and other corporate benefits
· A selection of other benefits including the ability to buy additional holiday, season ticket loan and 2 volunteer days
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Merkle, a dentsu company, we believe that creating diverse and balanced teams is not just a moral imperative, it is a business imperative. To help our clients reach millions of different people every day, we need our people to reflect the society that we represent.
We aim to create an inclusive culture where all talent thrives, and we champion meaningful progress in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for our people, clients and partners.
DEI is firmly embedded into our shared values - the 8 Ways to Never Before - and our Leadership Framework, which applies to all of our people. And our Global DEI Principles reflect our pledge to be an organisation that promotes wellbeing and inclusivity for everyone - regardless of ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender (incl. gender identity and gender expression), age, neurodiversity or physical ability.
We are proud of what makes us different and encourage applicants from all different backgrounds to apply to join us. We are always happy to discuss all flexible and agile approached to working and should you have any reasonable adjustment needs arising from a disability or medical condition to fully participate in the recruitment process, please discuss this with our recruitment teams.
Qualifications:
What we are looking for in you
8+ years experience in full funnel Media Strategy and/or Planning with exposure to broader marketing strategy.
An aptitude for story telling, the ability to identify and articulate the macro challenge and how media supports a business solution.
Proven experience applying strategic thinking to complex integrated campaigns, with a demonstrable track record in achieving and exceeding KPIs
A comprehensive understanding of different marketing capabilities and what they offer the client and customer, including; Search Marketing, Analytics, Display, Social, CRM etc.
Good understanding of ATL and OOH marketing initiatives and measurement techniques and a strong articulation of roles within full funnel marketing strategy.
Experience of insight generation with third party tools.
Professional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, whether interacting with day to day contacts or C level executives. Ability to articulate a compelling digital activation and customer story.
Leadership abilities to be able to supervise the planning process across multi-disciplinary teams on multiple sides (internal, client, other agency partners)
Strong understanding of project management, demonstrable experience in leading preferable.
Additional Information:
At the point of application, the candidate must have the legal right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor visas as this time.
Merkle does not discriminate against job applicants on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Experience stipulated in this job description serves as a guide only and all applications will be considered on their merits, irrespective of experience.
As part of our Diversity and Inclusion agenda, and as an Equal Opportunities employer, if you require reasonable adjustments during the selection process please engage directly with your Recruiter.
Our Culture: Merkle’s energy and personality lives through everything we say and do. Learn all about what defines our people and our vibe.
Experienced Hires: Leverage your expertise, challenge the status quo and grow your career at Merkle.