Our Industry Profile takes a look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week we speak to eBay Australia brand partnerships manager Roxy Ridout.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
One year.
How would you describe what the company does?
eBay is Australia’s number one shopping site that connects buyers and sellers.
What do you do day-to-day?
I work with sellers and brands on the platform to drive awareness of their products and offers, helping increase their share of voice through advertising campaigns on the eBay platform.
Define your job in one word:
Interesting.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I studied computing at university, and believe it or not but Python and Java-script were just not my thing. However, the modules I loved and excelled in were e-commerce based. E-commerce was very much in its infancy when I was studying it and the fact that it was such a new industry was really exciting!
When I left university I knew I wanted some form of e-commerce or online marketing role and I came across Affiliate Window, an affiliate marketing network, which was my first job in the real world. It was like university for your career - the average age was 23 and they were fully geared up to train, teach and grow each individual. During my time at Affiliate Window, I got a real taste working with sellers and it inspired me to follow that path. And eight years on I’m at eBay – the best place I’ve ever worked!
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
Making time to connect with people across the business. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day grind and before you know it, it’s been three months since you caught up with that person you want more face time with.
What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
Smarter re-targeting. We have come a long way, but I’m still being re-targeted for that dress I bought two weeks ago. No, I do not want to buy that dress again, show me a dress from your new collection that is in-line with my style, then I might click-through and buy it.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at?
Affiliate Window, Allure Media, APD.
Who is/has been a great mentor to you and why?
I’ve never had an official mentor, but Mark Mansour, commercial director at eBay, has taught me so much in the short time I’ve been here. He provides open and honest feedback to support my growth and development, which is invaluable.
Yoan Rizelia, vertical lead at eBay, has also been brilliant to work with, she always has time for me, offers generous advice and is a great sounding board to bounce ideas off.
Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours?
If you have a passion for developing and nurturing relationships, love networking and working with leading brands and sellers then this job has your name all over it.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Probably doing some form of marketing or advertising in the music industry. I’m a big time music lover and I probably would have gone down this path had e-commerce not led me down a side ally.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Be nice and work hard.
My favourite advert is and why?
Global Girls Alliance (The Obama Foundation). This is such powerful ad. Michelle Obama has used advertising and her status, to communicate to society the importance that all women have the right to get the education they deserve to help make the world a better place.
Music and TV streaming habits. What do you subscribe to?
I use Spotify daily, I have a fun upbeat disco album which I listen to on my way into work that gets me pumped for my day, and then I have a chilled house album which I listen to on the way home to unwind and detach. I only ever watch Netflix with my hubby, and it’s usually evening couch time for us to relax and have a cuddle.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I have a webbed toe.
In five years' time I'll be:
Managing and leading a team of mini brand partnership managers.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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