Programmatic & Ad Ops Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Programmatic & Ad Ops Specialist

🔹 Company: GroupM Nexus

🔹 Location: South Africa

🔹 Job Type: Permanent (Full Time)

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing digital media campaigns across programmatic platforms and ad servers
• Optimizing campaign performance through data-driven insights
• Collaborating with internal teams and clients to ensure campaign success
• Staying current with industry trends and ad tech innovations

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of technical and analytical skills, with a focus on continuous learning and optimization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ End-to-end campaign trafficking and tag implementation using platforms like Google Campaign Manager (DCM), Sizmek, or Adform

✅ Creation and QA of Floodlight tags, post-site tracking pixels, and attribution tagging frameworks

✅ Monitor ad serving costs and ensure campaigns remain within budget

✅ Ensure brand safety and viewability compliance using tools like IAS, Moat, or DoubleVerify

✅ Troubleshoot trafficking and delivery issues, liaising with publishers, creative teams, and analytics leads

✅ Generate regular performance and attribution model reports, identifying anomalies and campaign inefficiencies

✅ Manage campaigns across DSPs and SSPs, ensuring optimal real-time bidding (RTB) practices

✅ Own private marketplace (PMP) and open exchange deal setups, inventory forecasting, and campaign pacing

✅ Optimize live campaigns to maximize client ROI, CPM efficiency, CTR, and CPA metrics

✅ Collaborate with sales, strategy, and analytics teams to ensure campaign KPIs align with client goals

✅ Develop media plans and trading strategies based on data insights and market trends

✅ Work directly with creative agencies, clients, and vendors to ensure flawless execution

✅ Advise internal teams and clients on technical specs, tracking requirements, and platform capabilities

✅ Contribute to new business pitches with programmatic trading insights and benchmarks

✅ Partner with internal strategy and analytics teams to deliver actionable post-campaign analysis and performance insights

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of multitasking and attention to detail, with a strong focus on data-driven decision making.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Media, Marketing, Analytics, or a related field (preferred)

Experience: 3-5+ years in ad operations, digital trafficking, or programmatic trading

Required Skills:

• Expertise in at least one ad server (DCM, Sizmek, Adform) and DSP platform (DV360, TTD, Xandr)
• Strong understanding of brand safety tools and 3rd-party verification (IAS, DoubleVerify, Moat)
• Experience with live dashboards (e.g., Datorama, Google Data Studio) and data visualization tools
• Solid knowledge of the digital media landscape, including local publishers and inventory quality
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret performance data and translate it into optimization strategies
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; strong attention to detail and project management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident in presenting technical recommendations to clients and internal teams

Preferred Skills:

• Google Campaign Manager & DV360 certifications (or willingness to certify within onboarding period)
• Experience with social platforms (Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in ad operations, digital trafficking, or programmatic trading, along with relevant certifications, will be well-suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZAR 350,000 and ZAR 500,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a mid-level ad operations or programmatic trading role in South Africa. This estimate takes into account the candidate's experience level and the company's size.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday to Friday

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's skills and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: GroupM Nexus operates within the advertising services industry, focusing on media investment, strategy, and execution for global clients.

Company Size: GroupM Nexus is part of WPP’s media investment group, GroupM, which employs over 10,000 people worldwide. This size offers extensive resources and opportunities for career growth.

Founded: GroupM was founded in 2003, with GroupM Nexus established as a cross-channel performance agency in 2016.

Company Description:

• GroupM Nexus is a data-driven, cross-channel performance agency that delivers integrated media solutions for clients
• The agency combines data, technology, and creativity to drive business outcomes and improve advertising effectiveness
• GroupM Nexus operates as part of GroupM, the world’s leading media investment company, responsible for more than $60 billion in annual media investment

Company Specialties:

• Media strategy and planning
• Media buying and optimization
• Data management and analytics
• New media and digital advertising
• Search engine optimization and marketing
• Social media advertising
• Advertising technology and programmatic trading
• Performance marketing
• Content production and branded entertainment
• Paid search and social advertising
• Digital out-of-home advertising

Company Website: http://www.groupm.com/?utm_source=linkedin

ASSUMPTION: GroupM Nexus offers a dynamic and innovative work environment, with a strong focus on data-driven decision making and continuous learning.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in ad operations, digital trafficking, or programmatic trading, seeking to advance their careers in the advertising industry.

Reporting Structure: The Programmatic & Ad Ops Specialist will report directly to the Ad Operations Manager or similar role within the agency.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with standard office hours from Monday to Friday. The position may require occasional flexibility to accommodate campaign deadlines or client needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to senior or management roles within the ad operations or programmatic trading teams
• Expansion into related roles, such as media strategy, analytics, or account management
• Opportunities to work on diverse client campaigns and gain exposure to various industries

ASSUMPTION: GroupM Nexus offers a clear career path for motivated individuals looking to grow within the advertising industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in GroupM Nexus’ South African office, with a modern and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): The specific office location is not provided in the job listing.

Geographic Context:

• South Africa has a well-established advertising industry, with a diverse range of clients and agencies
• The country offers a vibrant and multicultural work environment, with a strong focus on innovation and creativity
• South Africa is home to several major advertising events and conferences, providing opportunities for professional development and networking

Work Schedule: The role follows a standard Monday to Friday workweek, with core hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The position may require flexibility to accommodate campaign deadlines or client needs.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at GroupM Nexus is dynamic and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
• Technical assessment or case study to evaluate problem-solving skills and industry knowledge
• Final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of stakeholders to discuss career aspirations and fit within the team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical proficiency in ad operations, digital trafficking, and programmatic trading
• Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making abilities
• Communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly
• Cultural fit and alignment with GroupM Nexus’ values and work environment

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and achievements in ad operations, digital trafficking, or programmatic trading
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences that match the job requirements
• Prepare for the technical assessment or case study by reviewing industry trends and best practices
• Research GroupM Nexus and the broader advertising industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge

ATS Keywords: Ad Operations, Digital Trafficking, Programmatic Trading, Campaign Optimization, Data Analysis, Brand Safety, Tag Management, Reporting, Communication, Project Management, Excel, PowerPoint, Collaboration, Technical Specifications, Performance Insights, Media Planning, Market Trends

ASSUMPTION: GroupM Nexus’ application process is designed to assess candidates’ technical skills, analytical abilities, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for the role and the team.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Ad servers: Google Campaign Manager (DCM), Sizmek, Adform
• DSP platforms: DV360, The Trade Desk, Xandr
• Brand safety tools: Integral Ad Science (IAS), DoubleVerify, Moat
• Data visualization tools: Datorama, Google Data Studio
• Office suite: Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience with at least one ad server and DSP platform, as well as proficiency in data visualization tools and Microsoft Office.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Data-driven decision making
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Continuous learning and innovation
• Client-centric approach
• Integrity and accountability

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Strong focus on data analysis and optimization
• Collaborative and open communication
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong analytical mindset and the ability to interpret performance data?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple campaigns and priorities?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment, with a focus on teamwork and open communication?

ASSUMPTION: GroupM Nexus values candidates who are data-driven, collaborative, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple campaigns and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Keeping up with industry trends and ad tech innovations
• Ensuring brand safety and viewability compliance across various platforms and publishers
• Collaborating effectively with internal teams, clients, and vendors to ensure flawless campaign execution

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome through strong organizational skills, continuous learning, and effective communication.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other ad operations or programmatic trading roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on data analysis and optimization
• GroupM Nexus offers a dynamic and innovative work environment, with a focus on data-driven decision making and continuous learning
• This role provides opportunities for career growth and progression within the advertising industry

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their preferences for data-driven decision making, work environment, and career growth opportunities when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Optimizing campaign performance through data-driven insights and real-time bidding strategies
• Ensuring brand safety and viewability compliance across multiple platforms and publishers
• Collaborating with internal teams and clients to develop media plans and trading strategies based on data insights and market trends

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the data-driven and collaborative nature of the role, with a focus on continuous optimization and improvement.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the organization?
• How does GroupM Nexus 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 Nexus approach brand safety and viewability compliance across various platforms and publishers?
• What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other teams and departments within the agency?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the work environment, career growth opportunities, and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://jobs.jobvite.com/groupm-emea/job/oVn8vfwF
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for the technical assessment or case study by reviewing industry trends and best practices
• Research GroupM Nexus and the broader advertising industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process

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