Director, Digital Shelf Design & Strategy

Company Description

Arc is the lead shopper and retail agency within Publicis Groupe. In an era of unprecedented disruption, where the customers you seek actively resist brands like never before, everything we do is in service of making your brand irresistible. We call it Irresistible Commerce. And it starts by employing insights and data to uncover what’s standing in the way of growth.

Then we deploy irresistible creative solutions to build connected shopping experiences that are personal, valuable and delightful for your customers. The results simultaneously drive brand sales and love. Helping us become WARC’s #1 Specialty Retail Agency with groundbreaking work recognized by Adweek, ANA Reggie Awards and Effies.

Arc is looking for an innovative and highly strategic client-facing freelance Director of Ecommerce Strategy to develop and drive ecommerce strategy for multiple CPG clients!

In this role, you will lead client ecommerce strategy and content planning across retail media and marketplace ecosystems with a specific focus on the Amazon ecosystem. Sitting squarely at the intersection of strategy, brand, and creative, you will set direction for best-in‑class work in Brand Stores/Brand Shops and PDP experiences, guiding store wireframes and modules to maximize retailer capability. As a thought leader and subject matter expert, you will drive and advance Arc’s digital shelf approach for our clients while working in close collaboration and partnership across IATs and internal cross‑functional teams.

PLEASE NOTE:

• This is a 40hr/week freelance role expected to start in late May/early June and run for a period of 3-4 months. Extension beyond that window or conversion into a full-time role following the completion of the freelance period is possible but not guaranteed.
• This is a hybrid role based out of our Chicago office and will require occasional onsite engagement of 3-4 days/week on average. Candidates who are local to the Chicago area and willing to commit to a hybrid schedule will be prioritized but highly qualified candidates in other markets who are willing to work Central Time hours may also be considered.
• We are not able to support any form of current or future visa sponsorship needs for this role. No 3rd party-staffing agencies, please.

• 8+ years of progressively‑responsible experience driving ecommerce strategy and tactical planning within an agency, retailer’s media organization, or CPG’s trade or customer marketing department.
• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, or related field preferred; experience may be substituted.
• Deep expertise in ecommerce ecosystems and platform mechanics across multiple retail channels such as Target, Walmart, Chewy, etc. with a specific focus on Amazon to include content modules, discoverability levers, and conversion drivers.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate business objectives into actionable, prioritized roadmaps.
• Advanced understanding of search and discoverability, including keyword strategy, taxonomy, and on‑platform SEO best practices; working knowledge of AEO and GEO implications for commerce content.
• Strong strategic and analytical mindset with an ability to analyze results, synthesize data, draw out insights & implications, and develop insightful and actionable reporting and recommendations.
• Experience working within a cross‑functional, multi‑disciplinary team on ecommerce‑focused campaigns.
• Experience leading strategy as a part of a larger IAT.
• Experience partnering directly with clients to confidently present work, articulate rationale for approach in the context of both business and user needs, and workshop and brainstorm iterative changes to ongoing projects.
• Ability to identify, synthesize, respond to, and resolve issues and conflicts as they arise.
• Sound decision‑making ability rooted in agency, client, and industry knowledge.
• Comfort operating with a high level of ownership, autonomy, and accountability.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring strategists and guiding cross‑functional teams.
• An outstanding listener with clear and persuasive verbal and written communication and…