Manager, Programmatic

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Programmatic

🔹 Company: GroupM

🔹 Location: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (4 days in office)

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing programmatic media plans using industry-leading platforms
• Managing campaigns and optimizing performance towards relevant objectives and KPIs
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to source and evaluate high-quality inventory opportunities
• Training and managing junior team members
• Conducting regular analyses to identify performance improvement opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of programmatic media strategies and experience with relevant platforms. Candidates should be comfortable managing campaigns and mentoring junior team members.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Translate client campaign objectives into programmatic activation strategies

✅ Manage campaigns within DSPs, ensuring budgets are pacing effectively and tactics are optimized

✅ Develop strong working relationships with members of the broader digital account teams

✅ Collaborate with agency teams and publishers to source, evaluate, and implement deals

✅ Create and enforce workflow processes to ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on time

✅ Train, support, and manage the day-to-day responsibilities and work quality of junior team members

✅ Conduct regular and ad hoc analyses to identify performance improvement opportunities

✅ Keep key stakeholders updated on campaign and account-level performance

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, and team leadership. Candidates should be comfortable balancing these responsibilities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or equivalent professional work experience

Experience: 3+ years working within Programmatic, Paid Search, Paid Social, Ad Operations, Digital Analytics, or Digital Planning

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with key programmatic and digital platforms
• Advanced Microsoft Excel user
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented mindset
• Analytical abilities and quantitative skills
• Desire to manage and mentor junior members of a team

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other databases, visualization tools, or coding languages
• Strong presentation skills and comfort presenting to senior stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in programmatic media strategies and relevant platform experience. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $140,000 per year (Based on experience and location)

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Partner Discounts
• Mental Health Awareness Days

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role and experience level. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on location and employment status.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: GroupM is a part of WPP, founded in 1986

Company Description:

• GroupM is the world’s leading media investment company, responsible for more than $50 billion in annual media investment through agencies including Mindshare, MediaCom, Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom, and m/SIX.
• GroupM combines market-leading media agencies with data and technology expertise to drive results for clients.
• GroupM is committed to responsible media investment, providing clients with trusted and transparent media solutions.

Company Specialties:

• Media Planning & Buying
• Data & Analytics
• Creative Technology
• Content & Production

Company Website: groupm.com

ASSUMPTION: GroupM’s large size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse clients and industries. However, candidates should be prepared for a fast-paced and competitive work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level management

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Director of Programmatic and may oversee junior team members

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 4 days in the office

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director or Vice President level within the programmatic team
• Expansion into other areas of media investment or related fields, such as data and analytics
• Potential to work on high-profile clients and gain exposure to diverse industries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth within GroupM and the broader media investment industry. Candidates should be proactive in seeking out growth opportunities and demonstrating their potential for advancement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces with access to amenities and resources

Office Location(s): New York, Los Angeles, Chicago

Geographic Context:

• New York: A major hub for advertising and media, offering a diverse range of clients and cultural experiences
• Los Angeles: A vibrant market with a strong focus on entertainment and digital media
• Chicago: A dynamic city with a robust economy and a growing tech scene

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The office environment at GroupM is designed to foster collaboration and creativity. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
• First-round interview with the hiring manager or a member of the programmatic team
• Second-round interview with additional team members or stakeholders
• Final-round interview with the Director of Programmatic or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Programmatic media strategy and platform expertise
• Campaign management and optimization skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Team management and mentoring abilities
• Problem-solving and analytical skills

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant programmatic experience and platform proficiency in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and GroupM’s mission
• Prepare examples of successful programmatic campaigns or optimizations to discuss during interviews
• Research GroupM’s clients and industry trends to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm

ATS Keywords: Programmatic, Media Planning, Campaign Management, Optimization, Team Management, Mentoring, Data Analysis, Microsoft Excel, DSPs, DV360, The Trade Desk

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at GroupM is designed to assess candidates’ technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and demonstrate their passion for programmatic media strategies.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• DV360
• The Trade Desk
• Microsoft Excel
• Other relevant programmatic and digital platforms

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using industry-standard programmatic platforms and tools. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel is essential for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Courage
• Curiosity
• Cultural Intelligence

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Am I comfortable managing and mentoring junior team members?
• Do I have a strong foundation in programmatic media strategies and relevant platform experience?
• Am I eager to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies?

ASSUMPTION: GroupM values candidates who are collaborative, creative, and adaptable. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential for success in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple campaigns and clients simultaneously
• Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-evolving programmatic landscape
• Balancing strategic planning with hands-on campaign management
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining productivity

ASSUMPTION: This role presents challenges related to time management, adaptability, and balancing multiple responsibilities. Candidates should be prepared to manage their workload effectively and prioritize tasks accordingly.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on programmatic media strategies and management of junior team members
• Industry-specific context: The advertising and media industry is dynamic and competitive, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and continuous learning
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for advancement within GroupM and the broader media investment industry, with potential paths to Director or Vice President level

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on programmatic media strategies and team management. Candidates should be prepared to leverage their relevant experience and adapt to the specific demands of this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a programmatic media plan for a Fortune 500 client, optimizing performance towards relevant objectives and KPIs
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to source and evaluate high-quality inventory opportunities, resulting in a 15% increase in campaign performance
• Conducting a comprehensive analysis of campaign performance data, identifying trends and insights to inform strategic planning and optimization

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, hands-on, and analytical aspects of the Manager, Programmatic role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and demonstrate their ability to manage campaigns and optimize performance.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader programmatic team and agency structure?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the programmatic team currently, and how can this role address them?
• How does GroupM support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does GroupM foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its teams?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, team dynamics, and company culture. Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest and engagement.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant programmatic experience and platform proficiency
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and GroupM’s mission
• Prepare examples of successful programmatic campaigns or optimizations to discuss during interviews
• Follow up with the hiring team one week after submission to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.