Media & Activation Sales Manager
London (Hybrid) | Permanent
Our client is a globally recognised retailer and travel specialist with a network spanning airports, train stations, and high-footfall locations across 30+ countries. Following significant investment in its commercial transformation, the business is launching a new in-house retail media proposition — designed to turn its physical and digital footprint into one of the UK’s most exciting omnichannel media networks.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to join at ground level as a Media & Activation Sales Manager, helping to shape the commercial success of a brand-new retail media network.
You’ll lead and develop a team of sales professionals, set category-level media strategies, and play a pivotal role in growing both endemic and non-endemic partnerships with leading global brands.
The role combines people leadership, commercial strategy, and hands-on partnership development — perfect for a retail media or FMCG sales leader who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments.
Responsibilities
Team & Commercial Leadership
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Lead, coach, and develop a team of four sales professionals across retail media partnerships.
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Own sales targets and drive performance through clear strategy, accountability, and reporting.
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Define category-level sales plans, setting vision and priorities for in-store and digital activations.
Retail Media Strategy & Growth
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Develop short, medium, and long-term sales strategies to scale the retail media network.
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Collaborate with marketing, buying, and transformation teams to align media opportunities with category objectives.
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Identify and unlock new non-endemic revenue streams (e.g., travel, lifestyle, and tech brands).
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Partner with major FMCGs and suppliers to deliver data-driven, high-performing campaigns.
Stakeholder & Supplier Engagement
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Build trusted relationships with internal senior stakeholders and external brand partners.
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Act as the senior point of escalation and commercial authority for retail media deals.
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Represent the retail media proposition in high-profile supplier meetings and presentations.
Performance & Innovation
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Track team and campaign performance to optimise yield and efficiency.
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Collaborate with transformation teams to evolve product offering, media formats, and reporting standards.
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Bring market insight, creativity, and structure to accelerate retail media maturity.
Your Profile
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7+ years’ experience in retail media, FMCG, or media sales, ideally from a leading retailer or media owner.
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Proven track record of managing high-performing sales teams and delivering revenue growth.
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Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of category marketing and retail partnerships.
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Strategic thinker with the ability to balance vision, execution, and people management.
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Confident communicator with gravitas in front of senior internal and external stakeholders.
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Familiarity with the retail media ecosystem, media products, and non-endemic sales opportunities.
What’s On Offer
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Opportunity to lead a newly formed team within a market-leading retail media proposition.
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Hybrid working from a central London HQ.
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Competitive base salary plus bonus and benefits.
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A high-impact role driving transformation in one of the UK’s most recognised retail brands.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Noel at Pivotal on 07442 527285 or email noel@pivotallondon.co.uk.
Pivotal is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected status.