Programmatic Operations Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Programmatic Operations Manager (12-month FTC)

🔹 Company: Guardian Careers

🔹 Location: United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-23

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing the full lifecycle of programmatic advertising campaigns
• Collaborating with internal teams to advise on campaign design and troubleshoot technical issues
• Ensuring optimal performance and revenue growth of campaigns
• Contributing to a healthy advertising ecosystem through ad quality management
• Developing a strong working knowledge of the Guardian's ad stack and best practices

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical proficiency, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a matrixed environment and have a strong understanding of the Guardian's values.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage the full lifecycle of programmatic advertising campaigns, from trafficking and setup to delivery, testing, and optimization

✅ Work closely with internal teams to advise on campaign design, best use of Guardian platforms, and campaign success factors

✅ Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to trafficking and creatives

✅ Lead on the weekly programmatic optimisation check-in, ensuring continuous improvement and learning

✅ Collaborate across commercial and technical teams to support wider Digital Optimisation workstreams and share success stories

✅ Own ad quality management across theguardian.com, including issue response, monitoring, and maintaining partner relationships with third-party ad security vendors

✅ Keep records and provide reporting on ad quality issues

✅ Develop a strong working knowledge of the Guardian’s ad stack, advertising and header bidding technologies, and the Guardian’s programmatic supply chain

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, and technical troubleshooting. Strong project management skills and attention to detail are essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience

Experience: 2-5 years of experience working with ad servers and related advertising software

Required Skills:

• Proven experience working with ad servers and related advertising software
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset
• Curiosity and enthusiasm to explore the digital advertising ecosystem in depth
• Strong understanding of the Guardian’s values and a desire to uphold them through work
• Confidence managing multiple campaigns and stakeholders across a matrixed environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific ad servers or advertising software used by the Guardian
• Knowledge of the Guardian's ad stack and programmatic supply chain

ASSUMPTION: While specific experience with the Guardian's ad stack is not required, a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies is essential.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (pro-rata for the 12-month FTC)

Benefits:

• 30 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days
• Generous pension scheme (5% contribution from employee, 8-12% from employer depending on age)
• 2 volunteering days per year
• Private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests
• Option to opt-in to dental insurance
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies
• IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policies

Working Hours: Full-time position with core hours of 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Programmatic Operations Manager role in the United Kingdom. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Guardian is a leading global news and media organization, known for its independent journalism and commitment to open journalism. It operates in a competitive media landscape, with a focus on digital innovation and branded content.

Company Size: The Guardian has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: The Guardian was founded in 1821 and has a rich history of investigative journalism and holding power to account.

Company Description:

• The Guardian is committed to delivering fearless, investigative journalism and holding power to account
• The organization values diversity, inclusion, and fostering an inclusive culture
• The Guardian offers a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth, and fostering an inclusive culture

Company Specialties:

• Open Journalism
• Digital Innovation
• Branded Content
• Media Advertising and Publishing

Company Website: https://www.theguardian.com/uk

ASSUMPTION: The Guardian's commitment to open journalism and independent reporting sets it apart in the media industry. Applicants should be passionate about the organization's mission and values.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced professional looking to take on a management role in programmatic operations. The successful candidate will have 2-5 years of experience in a relevant field and be eager to take on new challenges.

Reporting Structure: The Programmatic Operations Manager reports directly to the Head of Programmatic Operations and works closely with various internal teams, including commercial and technical teams.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in the United Kingdom, with core hours of 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday. The role may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a permanent role or a more senior position within the Programmatic Operations team
• Broadening of skills and knowledge through collaboration with various internal teams
• Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and contribute to the Guardian's award-winning work

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with the potential for significant growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Guardian's headquarters is located in a modern, open-plan office in Kings Place, London. The office has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Office Location(s): Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU, GB

Geographic Context:

• The United Kingdom is a major global hub for media, advertising, and technology
• London is a vibrant and multicultural city with a thriving media industry
• The Guardian's office is located in a well-connected area with excellent transport links

Work Schedule: Full-time position with core hours of 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday. The role may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The Guardian's office provides a modern and collaborative work environment, with easy access to amenities and transport links.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and a member of the team
• Final interview with the Head of Programmatic Operations

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical proficiency with ad servers and related advertising software
• Communication skills and ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Alignment with the Guardian's values and commitment to open journalism

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Guardian's values and commitment to open journalism
• Showcase your problem-solving skills and attention to detail through specific examples

ATS Keywords: Ad Servers, Advertising Software, Campaign Management, Stakeholder Management, Technical Troubleshooting, Collaboration, Reporting, Ad Quality Management, Programmatic Advertising, Creatives Management, Optimization, Guardian Values

ASSUMPTION: The Guardian's recruitment process is designed to assess the candidate's technical proficiency, communication skills, and cultural fit. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills through specific examples.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Ad servers (e.g., Google Ad Manager, AppNexus)
• Advertising software (e.g., DSPs, SSPs, ad exchanges)
• Guardian's ad stack and programmatic supply chain

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be expected to learn and adapt to the Guardian's specific ad stack and programmatic supply chain. Previous experience with these tools is not required but would be an advantage.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Independence
• Inclusivity
• Open journalism

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Proactive and problem-solving
• Adaptable and open to learning

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody the Guardian's values of independence and inclusivity in your work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a technical issue and collaborate with a team to resolve it?
• How do you approach learning new tools and technologies in a fast-paced environment?

ASSUMPTION: The Guardian places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and values-driven behavior. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the organization's values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines
• The Guardian's matrixed environment can present unique challenges in terms of communication and collaboration
• The role involves managing multiple campaigns and stakeholders, which can be demanding at times
• The Guardian's commitment to open journalism and independent reporting can sometimes lead to controversial or high-profile campaigns

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, work well in a matrixed environment, and remain calm under pressure.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other programmatic operations roles, this position places a greater emphasis on collaboration and communication with internal teams
• The Guardian's commitment to open journalism and independent reporting sets it apart in the media industry
• This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile campaigns and contribute to the Guardian's award-winning work

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and values.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing a high-profile programmatic campaign for a major brand, ensuring optimal performance and revenue growth
• Collaborating with the commercial team to develop a bespoke advertising solution for a client
• Troubleshooting a technical issue related to trafficking or creatives and leading a team to resolve it

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role. The successful candidate will be expected to take on a range of projects and tasks as needed.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits into the wider organization?
• How does the Guardian 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 the Guardian approach ad quality management and maintaining a healthy advertising ecosystem?
• What are the key challenges facing the Programmatic Operations team in the coming months, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the organization. They should also be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills through specific examples.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare for your phone or video screening by researching the Guardian's values and commitment to open journalism
• Prepare for your in-person or video interview by practicing your responses to common interview questions and thinking about how your experience and skills align with the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

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