📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Programmatic Manager
🔹 Company: dentsu
🔹 Location: London, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Permanent, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 22, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leadership of a team of programmatic specialists
- Strategic planning and execution of high-impact campaigns
- AI-powered programmatic advertising and AdTech innovation
- Cross-channel campaign management (Display, CTV, Digital Audio, DOOH, Retail Media)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic vision and hands-on expertise, with a focus on driving business results through data-driven insights.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan, manage, and optimise multi-channel programmatic campaigns across various channels
✅ Leverage first-party data strategies and emerging ad technologies for improved targeting and efficiency
✅ Ensure compliance with privacy laws while implementing AI-driven audience segmentation
✅ Monitor performance KPIs, optimise bids and budgets, and drive measurable business results
✅ Support and mentor junior traders to ensure best-in-class campaign execution
✅ Function as a go-to expert for programmatic best practices within the team
✅ Collaborate with internal stakeholders, client teams, and platform partners to align strategies
✅ Utilise data analysis tools (Looker Studio, Excel, SQL) for reporting and insights
✅ Translate complex programmatic insights into clear, actionable business recommendations
✅ Stay ahead of industry trends, AI advancements, and new media buying innovations
✅ Build strong relationships with key clients, media owners, and tech partners
✅ Present campaign strategies and performance updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
✅ Contribute to the evolution of dentsu’s programmatic product offering and workflow improvements
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, and team leadership, with a strong focus on data-driven decision making.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Extensive experience (5-10 years) in programmatic advertising, media buying, or AdTech
Required Skills:
- Proven proficiency in key DSPs (DV360, The Trade Desk, Amazon DSP) and omnichannel campaign activation
- Strong team management and leadership skills, with a track record in strategic planning and delivering high-impact, performance-driven campaigns
- Advanced data analysis capabilities using SQL, Looker Studio, and data visualisation tools, with the ability to translate complex insights for both technical and non-technical audiences
- In-depth knowledge of privacy-first solutions, audience segmentation, and AI-driven optimisation, alongside experience managing multiple large-scale campaigns
Preferred Skills:
- Experience integrating first-party data strategies with a strong understanding of omnichannel marketing and cross-device attribution
- Proficiency in Python or other advanced analytics tools, coupled with hands-on experience in custom bidding algorithms and DSP automation
- Proven ability to pitch new business and drive commercial growth initiatives
- Demonstrated thought leadership through public speaking, authoring whitepapers, or active participation in industry discussions
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a solid foundation in programmatic advertising, with a proven track record in campaign management, team leadership, and data analysis.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum (AI-estimated based on market rates for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Private Medical Insurance and Dental Cover
- 25 days Annual Leave + Birthday Off
- Wellness and Volunteer Days
- Life Assurance and Critical Illness Cover
- Pension scheme and financial education support
- Cycle to Work, EV Car Scheme, Season Ticket Loans
- Hybrid working options (role-dependent)
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM with flexibility for hybrid working
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market data for similar roles in the London area. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global, with a significant presence in London)
Founded: 1901 (Tokyo, Japan)
Company Description:
- dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world’s leading organizations
- Founded in Tokyo in 1901, it now operates in over 145 countries and regions
- Offers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating services across Media, CXM, and Creative
Company Specialties:
- Marketing communications
- Advertising
- Media planning
- Media buying
- People-Based Marketing
- Creative
- Innovation
- Data and Technology
Company Website: https://www.dentsu.com/uk/en
ASSUMPTION: As a large, global organisation, dentsu offers extensive resources and opportunities for professional growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Managerial role with potential for progression to Programmatic Director-level positions
Reporting Structure: This role involves leading a team of programmatic specialists, with potential for cross-functional collaboration with other departments
Work Arrangement: Hybrid working, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to Programmatic Director-level roles
- Expansion of skills and expertise in AI-driven programmatic advertising and AdTech
- Broadening of industry knowledge through collaboration with diverse teams and clients
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong potential for career growth and development within the organisation.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace in central London
Office Location(s): 10 Triton Street, Regents Place, London, NW1 3BF
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global hub for advertising, media, and technology
- The office is located in a vibrant, well-connected area with excellent amenities
- Hybrid working allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM with flexibility for hybrid working
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, with easy access to the office and nearby amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- On-site or virtual interview with the team
- Final interview with the department head or director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Programmatic advertising expertise and strategic thinking
- Data analysis and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management capabilities
- Communication and presentation skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant programmatic advertising experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your campaign strategies, optimisation techniques, and data-driven insights
- Research dentsu's approach to programmatic advertising and AI-driven innovation to demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with the company's vision
ATS Keywords: Programmatic advertising, media buying, AdTech, AI-driven optimisation, campaign management, team leadership, data analysis, cross-channel, omnichannel, first-party data, privacy compliance
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cultural fit within the dentsu team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- DV360
- The Trade Desk
- Amazon DSP
- Looker Studio
- Excel
- SQL
- Python (preferred)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in key DSPs and data analysis tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Diversity
- Sustainability
Work Style:
- Data-driven and results-focused
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you leveraged AI-driven targeting and optimisation in previous roles?
- Can you describe a time when you had to adapt your campaign strategy due to changes in privacy laws or market trends?
- How do you approach mentoring and supporting junior team members to ensure best-in-class campaign execution?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should align with dentsu's values and work style, with a strong focus on data-driven decision making, collaboration, and adaptability.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple large-scale campaigns simultaneously, requiring strong organisational skills and time management
- Keeping up with the rapidly evolving landscape of programmatic advertising and AI-driven optimisation, necessitating continuous learning and development
- Balancing the need for strategic vision with hands-on campaign management, requiring a versatile and adaptable approach
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the need to prioritise and reprioritise tasks based on changing priorities and deadlines
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require a proactive, adaptable, and results-driven approach.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on AI-powered programmatic advertising and AdTech innovation
- Industry-specific context: The advertising industry is rapidly evolving, with a strong emphasis on data-driven insights, AI-driven optimisation, and privacy compliance
- Career path comparison: This role offers a clear progression path to Programmatic Director-level positions within the organisation
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on AI-driven programmatic advertising and offers strong potential for career growth and development within the organisation.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a custom bidding algorithm to improve campaign performance for a major retail client
- Conducting a comprehensive audit of a client's programmatic strategy and making data-driven recommendations for optimisation
- Leading a team to deliver a high-impact, omnichannel campaign for a global brand launch, utilising first-party data and AI-driven targeting
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced in this role, with a strong focus on data-driven insights, AI-driven optimisation, and strategic planning.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how this role fits within the broader programmatic advertising function?
- How does dentsu support the professional development and growth of its programmatic advertising team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does dentsu approach collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other departments and teams within the organisation?
- What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the programmatic advertising team in the coming year, and how can this role contribute to driving success?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the candidate's fit with the team, understanding of the role's priorities, and alignment with dentsu's approach to programmatic advertising and team collaboration.
📌 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 programmatic advertising experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your campaign strategies, optimisation techniques, and data-driven insights
- Research dentsu's approach to programmatic advertising and AI-driven innovation to demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with the company's vision
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
