Director, Strategy and Activation (P4102)

The Director of Strategy & Activation – In-Store Media will lead the commercialization and strategic evolution of Kroger Precision Marketing’s (KPM) in-store media portfolio, encompassing digital display, audio, near store, and emerging experiential formats. This leader will drive monetization, scalability, and operational excellence while positioning in-store media as a core growth pillar within KPM’s connected Retail Media ecosystem.

This role requires a visionary operator who combines strategic clarity with strong commercial acumen, team leadership, and cross-functional influence. The ideal candidate will shape the go-to-market strategy, guide long-range planning, and ensure seamless alignment across media, product, merchandising, and operations to unlock both advertiser and enterprise value.

 RESPONSIBILITIES 

Go-to-Market Strategy

• Define and evolve the commercial and client go-to-market strategy for the In-Store Media portfolio (Digital Display, Audio, Print, Kiosk, Near Store, Experiential).
• Develop and operationalize pricing, packaging, and positioning frameworks that balance near-term revenue and long-term scalability.
• Champion in-store within broader Media, Insights, and Incentives narratives to create an integrated Retail Media story.

Product & Commercial Integration

• Partner with Product, Tech, and Measurement teams to align roadmap priorities with commercial needs and advertiser demand.
• Translate product features into scalable sales narratives and revenue forecasts.
• Identify and activate pilot opportunities that demonstrate proof of demand and readiness for broader rollout.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Build deep partnerships across Kroger Merchandising, Store Operations, Marketing, and external vendors to ensure in-store media aligns to business objectives and shopper experience standards.
• Establish repeatable workflows that reduce friction and accelerate speed to market.

Team Development & Leadership

• Build, coach, and inspire a high-performing Commercial Strategy & Media Activation in store team.
• Create clarity, accountability, and empowerment across roles, ensuring consistency in delivery and client experience.
• Drive an inclusive, growth-minded culture focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.

Market Intelligence & Innovation

• Track global Retail Media and in store innovation to inform future product design and differentiation.
• Introduce global best practices—especially from European markets—into KPM’s operating model.
• Lead horizon-scanning for new monetization levers including AI-driven optimization, contextual targeting, and connected experience measurement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8–12+ years of experience in Retail Media, OOH, or digital media commercialization, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity
• Proven success building or scaling media products—preferably across in-store or physical environments
• Deep understanding of programmatic and retail media ecosystems, including audience, measurement, and monetization models
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams through ambiguity and transformation
• Strong business acumen with ability to model P&L impact, margin structures, and commercial scale
• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and influence across senior stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree required

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