Group Director, Connections - Walmart Retail Management Services Lead (RMS)

Company: VML
Location: Schiller Park
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Who We Are VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendys. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55 markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. About WPP WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. Group Director, Connections - Walmart Retail Management Services Lead (RMS) Our Commerce practice helps brands win across marketplaces, retail media networks, and digital shelf environments. As retailers increasingly operate as both merchants and media platforms, our teams help clients connect retail fundamentals with media activation and commercial performance. VML is expanding its Retail Management Services (RMS) capability to support enterprise clients across Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other leading retailers. RMS connects digital shelf health, retail operations, and retail media enablement into a unified commerce operating model. Who we are looking for VML is seeking a Managing Director, Connections – Walmart Retail Management Services Lead to lead RMS for Walmart for a major global client. This role serves as the primary strategic and operational lead for Walmart retail performance, connecting retail fundamentals, platform operations, and retail media enablement. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in the Walmart supplier ecosystem, including SupplierOne workflows and Scintilla analytics, and understands how retail fundamentals drive commercial performance. This leader will partner closely with client Walmart sales leadership, VML commerce teams, and WPP Media to ensure retail fundamentals are optimized to unlock both commercial growth and retail media effectiveness. Walmart is a priority RMS retailer. This role combines client relationship ownership, platform fluency, and commercial accountability. Responsibilities Client Leadership Serve as the primary client lead for Walmart Retail Management Services for a major enterprise brand. Own the client relationship across RMS strategy, operational execution, and commercial performance. Partner directly with client Walmart sales leadership to align retail operations with commercial priorities. Translate performance signals into actionable insights that drive growth. Walmart Retail Strategy Lead the Walmart RMS roadmap, prioritization, and strategic planning. Diagnose and improve retail fundamentals that influence revenue, availability, and retail media performance. Identify growth opportunities across assortment, pricing, availability, and content quality. Platform & Operational Expertise Maintain deep working fluency in the Walmart supplier ecosystem, including: SupplierOne workflows and item governance Scintilla analytics and insight translation Item health management, taxonomy compliance, and content optimization Assortment, pricing, and promotional mechanics In-stock diagnostics, availability management, and transactability Cross-Functional Leadership Oversee day-to-day execution by Walmart platform specialists and RMS analysts. Partner with retail media teams to align Walmart Connect media investments with retail readiness. Leverage Scintilla insights and retail signals to inform retail and media strategy. Performance & Risk Management Monitor key Walmart retail health indicators and performance signals. Escalate and resolve operational and system-level risks impacting revenue or product visibility. Ensure retail fundamentals are optimized to support both media performance and commercial growth. Qualifications Experience 5-10 years of experience in Walmart commerce, retail operations, or marketplace strategy Deep expertise in the Walmart native tool ecosystem, including SupplierOne and Scintilla Experience managing enterprise clients or retailer partnerships Proven ability to translate retail platform data into commercial strategy Skills Strong understanding of digital shelf health, retail operations, and retail media interplay Ability to lead cross-functional teams across commerce, media, and analytics Strategic thinker with strong operational execution Excellent client leadership and communication skills Preferred Experience working within agency, commerce consultancy, or retail media environments Familiarity with Walmart Connect retail media ecosystem Experience supporting enterprise CPG brands at Walmart Experience working directly with Walmart merchants, replenishment teams, or supplier analytics platforms such as Scintilla strongly preferred. Bentonville supplier or Walmart ecosystem experience is a plus. The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package $100,000—$230,000 USD We believe the best work happens when were together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. Thats why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Keywords: VML, South Bend , Group Director, Connections - Walmart Retail Management Services Lead (RMS), Sales , Schiller Park, Indiana