📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Programmatic Manager
🔹 Company: NBCUniversal
🔹 Location: New York, New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days in office)
🔹 Category: Entertainment Providers
🔹 Date Posted: May 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing day-to-day operations of the Programmatic Ad Operations team
- Communicating technical issues to non-technical stakeholders
- Providing training and support to Sales and Sales Operations teams
- Developing strategic relationships with business partners and vendors
- Improving workflows, processes, and measuring product output
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical understanding, strong communication skills, and project management abilities.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage day-to-day operations of the Programmatic Ad Operations team, including onboarding and development of direct reports
✅ Communicate technical issues, particularly deal escalations, in a manner understandable to non-technical stakeholders
✅ Provide training to Sales and Sales Operations teams on troubleshooting programmatic deal delivery issues, creative specs, and nuances across ad servers, DSPs, tag vendors, etc.
✅ Develop and maintain strategic relationships with business partners and vendors
✅ Establish and improve workflows, processes, and establish goals for measuring and improving product output (quality, conformity, scalability, and sustainability)
✅ Contribute to leadership meetings and strategic planning for the Sales Operations organization
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of team management, problem-solving, and strategic planning, requiring adaptability and strong organizational skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
Experience: 3+ years of Digital Ad Operations experience, with 1+ years in the Programmatic field and understanding of the Indirect Demand ecosystem
Required Skills:
- Familiarity with work management and documentation tools, preferably Jira and Confluence
- Proven ability to understand and communicate using technical language
- Fluency in English
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of FreeWheel and Magnite SSP
- Prior experience working directly with DSP and/or SSP partners
- Fluency in Microsoft Excel
- Documentation enthusiast
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
- Experience working for a large-scale media company, specifically within/ supporting Advertising Sales
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in Digital Ad Operations and a solid understanding of the Programmatic landscape will be best suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $95,000 - $130,000 (bonus eligible)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Discounts and Perks
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for weekend work during live events
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is competitive for the Mid-level experience required and the location in New York. Benefits are comprehensive and standard for a large corporation like NBCUniversal.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment Providers. NBCUniversal is a leading media and entertainment company, creating and distributing world-class content across various platforms and bringing experiences to life through theme parks and consumer experiences.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large corporation, NBCUniversal offers extensive resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: NBCUniversal was founded in 2004, following the acquisition of Universal Studios by General Electric, which later merged with Comcast in 2011.
Company Description:
- Owns and operates leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock
- Produces and distributes premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group
- Has world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences
Company Specialties:
- Film and television production and distribution
- Streaming services
- Theme parks and consumer experiences
- News and sports broadcasting
Company Website: NBCUniversal.com
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal's extensive portfolio of brands and content makes it an attractive employer for those interested in the entertainment industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role requires a balance of technical expertise, team management, and strategic planning.
Reporting Structure: The Programmatic Manager reports to the Senior Manager, Programmatic Sales Operations.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in office). This arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining in-person collaboration.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within the Advertising Platforms & Operations team or explore other divisions within NBCUniversal
- Chance to gain experience in managing a team and driving strategic initiatives
- Opportunity to work on high-impact projects that support NBCUniversal's $8B annual advertising business
ASSUMPTION: This role provides opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, established organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid. The office is located in New York City, with a requirement to be present 3 days per week.
Office Location(s): 1221 Avenue of The Americas, New York, NY 10020, USA
Geographic Context:
- New York City offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with numerous entertainment, dining, and recreational opportunities
- The office is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, close to public transportation and various amenities
- New York City has a competitive job market, with many opportunities in the entertainment industry
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for weekend work during live events
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and central office location provide a good balance between work-life integration and access to resources and collaboration opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the director or vice president
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical knowledge of Digital Ad Operations and the Programmatic landscape
- Communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Project management and team leadership abilities
- Problem-solving skills and strategic mindset
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in Digital Ad Operations and the Programmatic field
- Demonstrate strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
- Showcase problem-solving skills and strategic thinking through examples from previous roles
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences relevant to this role
ATS Keywords: Digital Ad Operations, Programmatic, Indirect Demand, Communication, Training, Workflow Improvement, Technical Understanding, Excel, Documentation, Sales Support
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal's application process is thorough and designed to assess candidates' technical skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Jira and Confluence for project management and documentation
- FreeWheel and Magnite SSP for ad serving and programmatic platforms
- Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is beneficial but not always required, as training will be provided.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: NBCUniversal encourages creativity and continuous learning
- Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
- Integrity: NBCUniversal values honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior
Work Style:
- Fast-paced: The role requires adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Collaborative: Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential
- Problem-solving: The role involves identifying and resolving technical issues and improving processes
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong technical background in Digital Ad Operations and the Programmatic field?
- Can you effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and managing multiple priorities?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with NBCUniversal's values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team and driving strategic initiatives may require additional time and effort
- Working in a large corporation may involve navigating complex organizational structures and processes
- The fast-paced nature of the role may require adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Working in New York City may involve a higher cost of living and increased competition in the job market
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a strategic mindset.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on managing the Indirect Demand business and overseeing the Indirect Demand Campaign Manager
- Compared to other Programmatic Manager roles, this position offers a more specialized focus and the opportunity to work with a broader range of stakeholders
- Career progression may involve moving into a senior management role within the Advertising Platforms & Operations team or exploring other divisions within NBCUniversal
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a specialized area of Programmatic Ad Operations and work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
📝 Sample Projects
- Improving the onboarding process for new team members to enhance efficiency and reduce time-to-productivity
- Developing and implementing a training program to upskill Sales and Sales Operations teams on programmatic deal delivery issues and creative specs
- Streamlining workflows and processes to improve product output (quality, conformity, scalability, and sustainability) and reduce manual effort
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and operational aspects of the Programmatic Manager role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Advertising Platforms & Operations team?
- How does this role fit into the broader organization and contribute to NBCUniversal's advertising business?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does NBCUniversal support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and flexibility for employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for interviews by researching NBCUniversal, the role, and the team
- Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
