Vice President, Digital Engagement
Lotame
Tokyo, Japan
Posted on Apr 10, 2026
Company description Publicis Groupe is not just a company you work for; it’s a platform for you to take your talent to the world. If you want to help change the world, ideas alone are not enough. Real impact can only come from having meaningful access to a world of knowledge, people, and resources. At Publicis Groupe, you are connected to our global network, intelligence, tools, clients, brands and 108,000+ brilliant minds with expertise in data, technology, media, strategy, creativity, and business transformation, all at your fingertips. Publicis Groupe is the third largest communications group in the world. Founded in Paris in 1926, we are present in more than 100 countries as leaders in marketing, communication, and digital business transformation. Overview As VP, Digital Engagement your main role is the SPOC (single point of contact) that clients can streamline workflows across Data Orchestration and Technology (including Sapient US as needed), Data Science and Data Analytics, CRM Strategy, Loyalty strategy and gamification, and Digital Content Production. McDonald’s is the agency’s largest account and showcases the Publicis Power of One capability adding value to our client’s business through E2E data-driven marketing (including CDP with real-time data modelling to provide personalized CRM, Mobile and Web User Orchestration, Digital Content Creation, CMS, and Behavioral Insights). In addition, we are the lead creative agency of record for McDonald’s and share creative responsibilities between Publicis and Dentsu creative teams. Last year, our focus was on bringing new energy to Creative, and this year we want to bring deeper expertise to support Paid/Earned and Owned channels. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector and strong leadership in digital, technology, data, CRM, and loyalty initiatives. The ideal candidate understands how to support and enable McD to play "BIG" with the power of the brand, while also playing "SMALL" by making one-on-one connections. The candidate’s team (Owned Media) works to combine complementary functions into one seamless team: Digital Content Creation, Merchandizing, Design,and Personalization signal teams (Tech, Data, CRM, Loyalty, MOP). This team tracks the Customer Journey to deliver behavioral insights to stimulate innovative, creative solutions. The candidate will work closely with the McDonald’s Group Business Director to help deliver innovative, results-driven marketing solutions and excellence in client relationship management. Responsibilities • Account Leadership & Client Partnership – Serve as the SPOC (single point of contact) that clients can streamline workflows across Data Orchestration and Technology (including Sapient US as needed), Data Science and Data Analytics, CRM Strategy, Loyalty strategy and gamification, and Digital Content Production. – Build and nurture senior-level relationships within McDonald’s Japan, anticipating business needs and proactively delivering value-added solutions. · Business Development - Drives growth leveraging Owned Media • Digital, Tech & Data Innovation – Champion the digital transformation of the McDonald’s Japan account by identifying and implementing innovative technology, data, CRM and Loyalty opportunities. – Collaborate with data teams to establish best practices for Data-Driven Marketing including KPIs, campaign performance, and optimize strategies based on real-time data. - Actively develop, promote and sell-in new PO1 products developed in partnership with Sapient, Digitas and Epsilon. • Team Leadership & Development – Guides career development: Mentors and guides directors in their career development, providing them with opportunities to grow and expand their leadership skills. Manage, mentor, and inspire cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. • Financial & Operational Management – Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and resource plans to meet financial objectives. – Responsible for account profitability. • Stakeholder Management – Communicate in a clear and compelling manner to C-level and senior stakeholders. – Maintain ongoing alignment with internal executives to share progress, resolve issues, and contribute to broader organizational goals. - This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the world’s most recognized QSR brands in a key market, owning digital excellence and customer growth through best-in-class marketing strategies. You will collaborate with industry experts and a global network of professionals, fostering innovative solutions that redefine what’s possible in CRM, loyalty, and omnichannel engagement. Qualifications • 15+ years of integrated marketing and account leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a client-facing leadership role. • Proven success in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry or familiarity with high-volume, consumer-facing retail brands. • Demonstrated experience driving digital and technology initiatives, incorporating data, CRM, and loyalty solutions. • Strong capability in strategic planning, with a track record of delivering measurable business growth for large enterprise clients. • Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. • Demonstrated financial acumen to manage budgets, forecasting, and profitability. • Leadership pedigree, guiding large cross-functional teams in a matrix organization with multiple stakeholders. Skills & Competencies • Strategic Vision – Ability to see the big picture and align marketing strategies to client business goals. • Client-Centric Mindset – Dedicated to understanding and delivering on client needs with a consultative approach. • Digital Transformation – Expert knowledge of digital marketing, technology, and CRM best practices. • Analytical Thinking – Adept at interpreting data and translating insights into actionable strategies. • Team Leadership – Motivational style, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and creativity within the team. • Relationship Building – Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships internally and externally at the senior leadership level. • Agility & Adaptability – Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment, managing multiple stakeholders and complex engagements. Additional information Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family - one of the world’s most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses enjoying all the perks that come with our network offering: · A hybrid, full flex work style, with 3 days a week spent meeting your clients and/or colleagues face to face. · Extensive Learning & Development opportunities, including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform Marcel Classes · Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year · A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program · Access to our Global AI Platform, Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for advancement and collaboration with our global network · And many more benefits, including a range of leaves, health related support, and so forth. Publicis Groupe believes that our people are our greatest asset. Our people are chosen for their skill sets, their ethics and professional qualities without any exclusion, preferential treatment, or discrimination. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate by reason of age, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, nationality, religion or disability or any other difference. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide appropriate assistance for candidates who may need other considerations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process upon request.