📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Programmatic Lead (m/f/div)
🔹 Company: DEPT®
🔹 Location: Berlin, Cologne (Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Digital Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Berlin, Cologne)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading and growing the programmatic team, driving commercial success
- Developing and delivering programmatic buying services to clients
- Collaborating with international offices to align services and strategies
- Constantly seeking new opportunities to add value for clients
- Guiding and supporting team members in their professional growth
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and strong leadership skills to drive team success and client satisfaction.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and deliver programmatic buying services to clients, ensuring client objectives are met
✅ Set ambitious targets for the team and devise plans to achieve them efficiently
✅ Actively lead and develop ways of working within the programmatic team
✅ Collaborate with international offices to align services and ensure best practices are shared
✅ Constantly look for new opportunities to add value for clients and be critical of the work delivered
✅ Translate results into insights, advice, and new plans that can be presented clearly at every level
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, and team leadership, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of relevant programmatic experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
Required Skills:
- Extensive experience with Google Ads (Display/Video), DSPs (e.g., Adform, The Trade Desk, DV360), GMP, and Analytics
- Proven experience in guiding and developing team members
- Experience with the Dutch and/or Nordic publisher landscape
- Analytical mindset, flexibility, and ability to work independently
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with creating strategic proposals and campaign plans for programmatic channels
- Willingness to engage in commercial and pitch activity
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in programmatic advertising and proven leadership skills to excel in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (based on experience and market standards for a Programmatic Lead in Germany)
Benefits:
- Company pension scheme
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Lease bike options
- Personal development allowance
- Health & wellbeing support, including anonymous and unlimited access to online coaching and mindfulness consultations with psychologists
- €30 per month for digital food stamps, fitness providers, internet costs, or public transport
- Access to sustainable products through FutureBens
- Training and development opportunities
- Global annual DEPT® Cares Month
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible scheduling and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market standards for a Programmatic Lead role in Germany, with experience level and location taken into account.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: DEPT® operates in the digital marketing and advertising services industry, working with global brands to create end-to-end digital experiences.
Company Size: DEPT® has 4,000+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents, offering a boutique culture with global scale.
Founded: DEPT® was founded in 2015 and has since grown into a leading technology and marketing services company.
Company Description:
- Pioneering tech and marketing to help brands stay ahead
- Committed to making a positive impact on the planet, with Climate Neutral and B Corporation certifications since 2021
- Invests in innovation, leveraging proprietary tech, data, and knowledge platforms for clients worldwide
Company Specialties:
- Digital craftsmanship
- Campaigns
- Social
- Data-driven marketing
- B2B marketing
- Digital marketing
- Creativity
- Technology
- Strategy
- Digital
- Brand
- Advertising
- Design
- Data intelligence
- Organization
- UX
- Agency
- Content
- Digital products
- AI
Company Website: www.deptagency.com
ASSUMPTION: DEPT®'s size, industry, and commitment to sustainability provide a unique work environment for applicants.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, with significant responsibility for team growth and client success.
Reporting Structure: The Programmatic Lead reports directly to the Head of Paid Media and works closely with other international office counterparts.
Work Arrangement: This role is based in Berlin or Cologne, with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week).
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow the programmatic team and take on more responsibilities
- Opportunities to work with global clients and collaborate with international offices
- Access to training and development opportunities to advance skills and career growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand the programmatic team and take on more responsibilities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: DEPT®'s offices are modern, collaborative spaces designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany and Cologne, Germany
Geographic Context:
- Berlin: Vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving tech and startup scene
- Cologne: Major cultural hub with a rich history and strong economic ties to the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible scheduling and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: DEPT®'s offices in Berlin and Cologne offer dynamic work environments with easy access to public transportation, cultural attractions, and recreational activities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screening
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the Head of Paid Media
- Decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Programmatic expertise and strategic thinking
- Leadership skills and team management
- Commercial acumen and client focus
- Cultural fit and alignment with DEPT®'s values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant programmatic experience and achievements in your resume
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of DEPT®'s unique value proposition and company culture
- Showcase your ability to drive results and grow a team
ATS Keywords: Programmatic, Google Ads, DSPs, GMP, Analytics, Leadership, Team Management, Commercial, Client Focus, DEPT®
ASSUMPTION: DEPT®'s hiring process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit for the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads (Display/Video)
- DSPs (e.g., Adform, The Trade Desk, DV360)
- GMP
- Analytics
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in programmatic advertising tools and platforms, as well as general office software and project management tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Pioneering: Always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today
- Caring: Investing in our people, our clients, and our communities
- Together: Collaborating and learning from each other to create the best work
Work Style:
- Agile and adaptable, embracing change and continuous learning
- Data-driven and analytical, making informed decisions based on insights
- Creative and innovative, thinking outside the box to solve problems
- Commercial and client-focused, delivering results that drive business growth
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated pioneering spirit in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you cared for and supported your team members' growth?
- How do you approach working collaboratively with team members and stakeholders to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: DEPT®'s company values and work style emphasize a pioneering, caring, and collaborative culture, with a strong focus on continuous learning and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team with varying levels of experience and expertise
- Balancing strategic planning and hands-on campaign management
- Adapting to the dynamic nature of the digital marketing landscape
- Working in a hybrid environment, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, adaptability, and effective communication skills to succeed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other programmatic roles, this position emphasizes team leadership and growth, with a broader scope of responsibilities
- In the digital marketing industry, DEPT® is known for its pioneering approach and commitment to sustainability
- Career progression may involve expanding the programmatic team or taking on additional responsibilities within the paid media department
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on campaign management, with opportunities for growth and development within DEPT®'s paid media department.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic programmatic campaign for a global e-commerce client, driving brand awareness and conversions
- Leading a team to optimize programmatic buying for a B2B client, improving cost-efficiency and lead generation
- Collaborating with international offices to standardize programmatic buying processes and ensure best practices are shared
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Programmatic Lead, requiring strong leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on campaign management skills.
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does DEPT® support the growth and development of its programmatic team members?
- Can you describe the team structure and reporting lines within the paid media department?
- How does DEPT® foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning?
- What are the key priorities for the programmatic team in the first 90 days, and how can I contribute to their success?
- How does DEPT® measure the success of its programmatic campaigns, and how can I ensure we are delivering results that drive business growth?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role, team, and company culture, and helps you better understand the expectations and priorities for the Programmatic Lead position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Customize your resume to highlight relevant programmatic experience and achievements
- Prepare a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the role
- If applicable, prepare examples or a portfolio showcasing your programmatic campaign work
- Follow up with the hiring manager after one week if you haven't heard back, expressing your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
