SVP, Industry and Business Transformation and Operations

dentsu

5d•$206,000 - $325,000•Remote

About The Position

Merkle is a leading data-driven, technology-enabled, global performance marketing agency that specializes in the delivery of unique, personalized customer experiences across platforms and devices. For more than 30 years, Fortune 1000 companies and leading nonprofit organizations have partnered with Merkle to maximize the value of their customer portfolios. The agency's heritage in data, technology, and analytics forms the foundation for its unmatched skills in understanding consumer insights that drive people-based marketing strategies. Its combined strengths in performance media, customer experience, customer relationship management, loyalty, and enterprise marketing technology drive improved marketing results and competitive advantage. The SVP, Industry and Business Transformation Leader, is a senior industry leader and client-facing executive responsible for shaping how major enterprises transform their businesses in the age of AI and digital acceleration. As a trusted C-suite advisor, you'll guide Fortune 500 clients through complex transformations while managing strategists within Merkle's consulting and operating model practice. This role demands deep industry expertise, executive presence, and operational savvy to manage team performance, resource allocation, and practice growth. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, you'll serve as the public face of Merkle's transformation capabilities and building relationships with senior executives across key accounts. You'll balance high-visibility client advisory work with the internal leadership needed to develop talent, coordinate cross-Merkle delivery, and drive practice performance.

Requirements

Deep industry expertise
Executive presence
Operational savvy to manage team performance, resource allocation, and practice growth

Responsibilities

Industry Leadership Establish Merkle as a leading voice in business transformation by developing provocative points of view overseeing industry SMEs across Health, Financial Services, Retail, Emerging industries Build executive relationships with C-suite leaders across target industries, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor on transformation strategy Represent Merkle in external conversations with industry analysts, media, and partner ecosystems to elevate our market position Create a system for consistent thought leaders from SMEs across key industries, understanding competitive dynamics, regulatory trends, and strategic imperatives facing leading companies
Client Advisory & Strategic Relationships Serve as senior advisor to C-suite executives on business model innovation, operating model transformation, and AI-driven change Lead major client engagements that reshape how enterprises operate, compete, and create value in their markets Build long-term strategic relationships with key clients, expanding from project work to ongoing trusted advisor relationships Partner with Client Relationship Group and Growth Officers to identify transformation opportunities and shape integrated solutions Drive business development through relationship building, strategic proposals, and compelling presentations that win major engagements
Team Leadership & Development Build and lead a high-performing team of 30+ including Industry Leaders, Technology Strategists, Operating Model experts, creating clear paths for professional growth Provide coaching and mentorship to senior consultants, developing their ability to lead complex engagements and build client relationships Establish performance expectations and career frameworks that drive both individual development and collective practice excellence Create a culture of intellectual curiosity, client focus, and collaborative problem-solving within the transformation practice Manage talent decisions including hiring, promotion, compensation, and performance management with clarity and fairness
Cross-Merkle Collaboration & Integration Build and maintain relationships with capability owners across Merkle to create integrated client solutions that leverage our full platform Lead coordination across practice areas to deliver complex, multi-discipline engagements with seamless client experiences Partner with other practice leaders to identify cross-sell opportunities and develop joint go-to-market approaches Create operational frameworks that clarify how teams work together, including roles, responsibilities, and engagement economics Represent transformation practice in broader Merkle strategy discussions, market planning, and capability development initiatives
Industry and Business Transformation Operations & Performance Manage group financial performance including revenue growth, pipeline development, and profitability metrics Optimize resource allocation across client engagements to balance utilization, quality, and team satisfaction Partner in pipeline reviews, business planning, and performance tracking that drive accountability and results Partner to develop practice infrastructure including methodologies, tools, knowledge systems, and training programs that enable scalable delivery
Innovation & Market Insight Stay ahead of market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging client needs to guide practice strategy and service evolution Identify opportunities to extend Merkle's transformation capabilities into new industries, service lines, or engagement models Build point of view on how AI, automation, and digital technologies are reshaping business operations across industries Create frameworks and approaches that codify how we help clients navigate transformation, making our methods replicable and scalable Partner with technology providers and research institutions to stay connected to emerging capabilities and their business applications