Account Director

Company description Catapult is a conversion marketing agency, where branding and buying are part of a total solution. We can do this because like any good agency, we understand consumers. But we also know what drives purchase behaviors, and the hard realities of retail and transactional channels, where brands must win. Our data-driven approach identifies the core, actionable insights that inspire brilliant creative with the power to convert consumers into shoppers, shoppers into buyers, and buyers into loyal advocates. Headquartered in Westport, CT, Catapult leverages the expertise of more than 350 employees across 12 offices located near the HQ offices of major retailers across the U.S., and globally. Overview Catapult is seeking a dynamic Account Director with specific experience supporting Walmart and Walmart Connect channels to lead and support integrated omnicommerce and shopper marketing campaigns for our high-profile CPG client! In this role, you will combine your deep understanding of traditional brand marketing, shopper marketing, and retail media, your experience supporting marketing and advertising initiatives within the Walmart and Walmart Connect ecosystems, and your exceptional client management skills to define marketing and media objectives, develop account strategy, and drive the execution of the overall vision for account success. Working in direct partnership with the client and alongside executive account leadership and cross-functional retail media, brand, marketing, sales, and insights teams, you will manage and drive the implementation of strategic plans for client omnicommerce campaigns with a specific focus on Walmart and Walmart Connect channels, ensuring that the brand is properly represented across retail partners, all goals and expectations are clearly defined, timelines and budgets are hit, and client business goals are both met and exceeded. PLEASE NOTE: This is a hybrid role based out of our office in Rogers, Arkansas and will require onsite engagement an average of 3-4 days/week. All candidates should be commutable to northwest Arkansas and available to work in a hybrid capacity. ALSO NOTE: Extensive prior experience supporting the development and execution of marketing campaigns for Walmart and Walmart Connect channels is REQUIRED. Please ensure that all relevant experience is represented in your resume and/or cover letter at the time of application in order to be considered for the role. Responsibilities Directly manage all aspects of high-level projects with the client and serve as the primary point of contact and strategic advisor for the client while collaborating with senior leadership to establish and expand a broader client partnership. Independently plan and drive projects from brief to execution with the internal team and client, properly translating and communicating key information while managing team workflow/deadlines and demonstrating category and brand expertise. Provide strategic support to executive account leadership in the development and implementation of bold, innovative strategic omnichannel marketing and media plans (including brand, shopper, and retail media) that meet or exceed client objectives and drive tangible business results with an emphasis of engagement within Walmart and Walmart Connect channels. Provide guidance and feedback to internal team during development of creative briefs, advise on strategic impact of proposed and in-process creative, oversee the execution of brand ideas from initial concept through final measurement, and QC final deliverables to ensure alignment with brand and business objectives. Manage client expectations to ensure alignment and clarity in all work processes, details, and deliverables, proactively anticipating and resolving potential issues. Support and assist in the development and implementation of strategic omnichannel marketing plans, including brand, shopper, and retail media, that meet or exceed client objectives and drive tangible business results. Manage project scopes, define project resource requirements, review and manage project timelines and budgets, proactively identify and resolve potential issues and blockers for delivery, gain executive and client support for proposed strategies and deliverables, and continuously work to improve, optimize, and identify efficiencies within the delivery process. Consistently and regularly meet and follow-up with client executives, capability leads, and delivery partners, owning and driving the tone and direction of those conversations while presenting, defending, and iterating on ideas as needed. Work with executive account leadership to identify and pursue new business and internal cross-agency collaboration opportunities as well as additional revenue streams within existing clients. Partner closely with cross-functional counterparts (including creative, strategy, and media) both internally and across the broader IAT to demonstrate ownership of the work and investment in the success of the team. Manage and mentor more junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture. Ensure work is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Ensure the company product includes future-forward thinking anchored in business strategy and insights. Create and manage project budgets and support senior leadership in revenue management and goals, working with external vendors as needed to develop RFPs and source/manage budgets and timelines. Stay abreast of industry trends, consumer behavior, brand threats, and the competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions. Strategically evaluate briefs and actively participate in strategic planning and creative ideation sessions. Qualifications 10+ years of progressively-responsible professional experience managing large, complex accounts and client relationships in an advertising agency, consultancy, or holding company environment. Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent experience may be substituted. Prior experience developing and executing CPG shopper and retail marketing campaigns with specific expertise in the Walmart and Walmart Connect ecosystems. Deep understanding of key components of CPG and retailer relationships, including Joint Business Planning, Top to Tops, and Channel and Category Strategies. Extensive knowledge of retail media and integrated commerce including key retail media networks and third-party commerce media partners. Highly collaborative approach to teamwork and problem-solving. Strong executive presence with a dynamic personality and the ability to effectively engage and influence a variety of audiences, including senior client leaders. A confident presenter and an outstanding listener with clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence. Deep experience building trust, collaboration, and partnership with large, complex clients and cross-functional teams. Sound decision-making ability rooted in agency, client, and industry knowledge. Ability to translate client business challenges into strategic integrated marketing and commerce solutions. A creative problem-solver who is adept at analyzing results, synthesizing data, drawing out insights & implications, and developing insightful and actionable recommendations. Strong business acumen with a constant eye toward growth and maximizing revenue. Ability to proactively identify and assess potential issues and challenges and work proactively to address them to ensure they never come to fruition. Natural dissatisfaction with the status quo and a constant desire to think of ways to improve and grow the business. Outstanding leadership skills with prior experience managing direct reports. A natural sense of urgency with an ability to work quickly, efficiently, and accurately within tight deadlines and constantly-evolving project parameters, scope, and goals. Flexible and adaptable with an ability to manage and drive success across multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities. Comfort operating with a high level of ownership, autonomy, and accountability. Highly strategic with exceptional conceptual thinking skills. Additional information The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources. Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include: Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or more Monetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and Fertility Monetary assistance and support for pet adoption Employee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balance Tuition Assistance Paid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and more Matching Gifts programs Flexible working arrangements ‘Work Your World’ Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility) Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances The benefits offerings listed are available to eligible U.S. Based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents. Catapult is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact . All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Compensation Range: USD $121,315.00 - USD $157,700.00/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. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 1/4/2027.
Directly manage all aspects of high-level projects with the client and serve as the primary point of contact and strategic advisor for the client while collaborating with senior leadership to establish and expand a broader client partnership. Independently plan and drive projects from brief to execution with the internal team and client, properly translating and communicating key information while managing team workflow/deadlines and demonstrating category and brand expertise. Provide strategic support to executive account leadership in the development and implementation of bold, innovative strategic omnichannel marketing and media plans (including brand, shopper, and retail media) that meet or exceed client objectives and drive tangible business results with an emphasis of engagement within Walmart and Walmart Connect channels. Provide guidance and feedback to internal team during development of creative briefs, advise on strategic impact of proposed and in-process creative, oversee the execution of brand ideas from initial concept through final measurement, and QC final deliverables to ensure alignment with brand and business objectives. Manage client expectations to ensure alignment and clarity in all work processes, details, and deliverables, proactively anticipating and resolving potential issues. Support and assist in the development and implementation of strategic omnichannel marketing plans, including brand, shopper, and retail media, that meet or exceed client objectives and drive tangible business results. Manage project scopes, define project resource requirements, review and manage project timelines and budgets, proactively identify and resolve potential issues and blockers for delivery, gain executive and client support for proposed strategies and deliverables, and continuously work to improve, optimize, and identify efficiencies within the delivery process. Consistently and regularly meet and follow-up with client executives, capability leads, and delivery partners, owning and driving the tone and direction of those conversations while presenting, defending, and iterating on ideas as needed. Work with executive account leadership to identify and pursue new business and internal cross-agency collaboration opportunities as well as additional revenue streams within existing clients. Partner closely with cross-functional counterparts (including creative, strategy, and media) both internally and across the broader IAT to demonstrate ownership of the work and investment in the success of the team. Manage and mentor more junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture. Ensure work is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Ensure the company product includes future-forward thinking anchored in business strategy and insights. Create and manage project budgets and support senior leadership in revenue management and goals, working with external vendors as needed to develop RFPs and source/manage budgets and timelines. Stay abreast of industry trends, consumer behavior, brand threats, and the competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions. Strategically evaluate briefs and actively participate in strategic planning and creative ideation sessions.
10+ years of progressively-responsible professional experience managing large, complex accounts and client relationships in an advertising agency, consultancy, or holding company environment. Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent experience may be substituted. Prior experience developing and executing CPG shopper and retail marketing campaigns with specific expertise in the Walmart and Walmart Connect ecosystems. Deep understanding of key components of CPG and retailer relationships, including Joint Business Planning, Top to Tops, and Channel and Category Strategies. Extensive knowledge of retail media and integrated commerce including key retail media networks and third-party commerce media partners. Highly collaborative approach to teamwork and problem-solving. Strong executive presence with a dynamic personality and the ability to effectively engage and influence a variety of audiences, including senior client leaders. A confident presenter and an outstanding listener with clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence. Deep experience building trust, collaboration, and partnership with large, complex clients and cross-functional teams. Sound decision-making ability rooted in agency, client, and industry knowledge. Ability to translate client business challenges into strategic integrated marketing and commerce solutions. A creative problem-solver who is adept at analyzing results, synthesizing data, drawing out insights & implications, and developing insightful and actionable recommendations. Strong business acumen with a constant eye toward growth and maximizing revenue. Ability to proactively identify and assess potential issues and challenges and work proactively to address them to ensure they never come to fruition. Natural dissatisfaction with the status quo and a constant desire to think of ways to improve and grow the business. Outstanding leadership skills with prior experience managing direct reports. A natural sense of urgency with an ability to work quickly, efficiently, and accurately within tight deadlines and constantly-evolving project parameters, scope, and goals. Flexible and adaptable with an ability to manage and drive success across multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities. Comfort operating with a high level of ownership, autonomy, and accountability. Highly strategic with exceptional conceptual thinking skills.