Job Description:
At iProspect (Dentsu), we engineer performance through connected systems - not channel silos. The Group Director, Connected Investment turns strategy into live operating reality: translating plans into pacing, signals into decisions, and budgets into measurable outcomes. This role spans brand through performance, manages in-flight optimization and fluid reallocation, and runs the performance feedback loop - activating test-and-learn while safeguarding efficiency and brand standards. If you’re ready to orchestrate growth in the algorithmic era, this is your seat.
What You’ll Do1) Architect the Unified Investment System- Build and manage connected investment plans across Search, Social, Programmatic, Video/CTV, Retail Media, and emerging platforms so channels operate as one system - never in isolation.
- Convert strategy into executable playbooks with agile budget movement, creative rotation governance, bid strategy configuration, and real-time scenario planning.
- Apply signal intelligence (intent, commerce, creative, retail, and platform data) to drive cross-channel decisions and reduce duplication or waste.
- Stand up experimentation and AI/automation pilots using Dentsu tools and platform betas; document learnings and scale what works.
- Serve as day-to-day accountable lead for media performance, tying investment to business outcomes that matter to client operators and finance partners.
- Own in-flight stewardship and the “why/what now” narrative in weekly reporting sessions, QBRs, and optimization deep dives; escalate risks
- Proactively address critical questions (“What’s driving the variance?” “Where should we reallocate now?”), unifying inputs from strategy, analytics, creative, and activation.
- Contribute compelling market POVs that support JBPs, renewals, and pitches; package wins and case studies with clear causal logic.
- Coach channel specialists to think outcome-first and cross-channel; model ownership, calm under pressure, and decisive action.
- Orchestrate channel leads; align weekly priorities, pacing shifts, testing agendas, QA, and trafficking workflow.
- Partner closely with Strategy, Planning, Analytics/Measurement, Audience, Creative, and Amplifi to maintain one integrated operating rhythm.
- Champion iProspect’s modern investment standards internally and with partners; help shape ways-of-working and contribute to playbooks.
- 8+ years in media investment/planning with cross-channel ownership and hands-on optimization experience.
- Proven financial stewardship at campaign/pod level (pacing, profitability, inventory quality) and fluency governing automation/AI in-platform.
- Strong client storytelling - translating dashboards into business narratives and next-best actions with clear trade-offs.
- Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration with Strategy, Planning, Analytics/Measurement, Audience/Identity, Creative, and Operations.
- Systems thinker with strategic curiosity; pragmatic problem-solver with an owner’s mindset.
- Presence and clarity in high-stakes conversations; calm under pressure with a bias to action.
- People developer who elevates hybrid thinkers and fosters a test-and-learn culture.
- Comfort with emerging tools (AI co-pilots, retail/commerce, clean rooms) and modern measurement approaches.
The annual base salary range for this position is $136,000-$219,650. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Additionally, this position is eligible for discretionary incentive compensation.
Benefits available with this position include:
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance,
• Life insurance,
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance,
• 401k,
• Flexible paid time off,
• At least 15 paid holidays per year,
• Paid sick and safe leave, and
• Paid parental leave.
Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For more information regarding dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com.
To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.
Location:
San Francisco - California StBrand:
IprospectTime Type:
Full timeContract Type:
PermanentDentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to [email protected] by clicking on the link to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.
Merkle Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Merkle and has not been reviewed or approved by Merkle.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off offerings are positioned as generous, including flexible or unlimited PTO, paid holidays, and, in some cases, sabbaticals tied to tenure. Flexibility around schedules and remote options further increases the practical value of time off policies.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, and vision plans alongside options like HSAs and access to wellness resources. Additional supports such as EAP services and occasional on-site wellness facilities are also highlighted.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Lifestyle-oriented perks extend beyond core insurance, including items like pet insurance, legal services, discount programs, and wellness sessions. Professional development access (e.g., training and learning platforms) is also treated as part of the broader rewards experience.
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