📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sr. Associate, Programmatic
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing client brand(s) performance and pacing
- Customizing departmental standards to fit client needs
- Acting as a point of escalation for complex setup, optimization, and platform nuances
- Collaborating with various teams and stakeholders
- Leveraging expertise in client KPIs and buying platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a deep understanding of programmatic advertising and a strong ability to manage client relationships.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assists with the execution and day-to-day management of a portion of client assignment, based on specialized or technical knowledge
✅ Understands the variety of vendors and their full value proposition
✅ Manages vendor relationships and conversations single-handedly
✅ Brings recommendations to customers
✅ Supports client relationship, host kick off calls, own campaign planning
✅ Conducts ad hoc/custom reporting for “deep dive” analytics or per agency request
✅ Designs and delivers performance updates, business reviews, new audience-based addressable solutions and growth opportunity presentations to key agency and client contacts
✅ Under moderate direction, works within significant limits and authority on assignments of higher complexity and coordination
✅ Possesses demonstrated knowledge and skills, including product and industry
✅ Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information
✅ May interact directly with clients/agency contacts and provide informal guidance, training and assistance to lower level associates and other functional areas
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not required (KINESSO does not require candidates to have a college degree)
Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in programmatic advertising, with a strong focus on client management and platform expertise
Required Skills:
- Basic knowledge of technology or measurement ad tech solutions, including platforms
- Basic knowledge and skills in data analysis
- Confident collaborating with others
- Experience with Project / Account Management
- Strong communication skills; clear and succinct communication
Preferred Skills:
- Deep expertise across a variety of client KPIs and buying platforms (e.g., DV360, The Trade Desk)
- Experience building team, providing mentorship, and navigating how to manage up/down/ laterally
- Strong ability to anticipate, recognize and clearly define problems using various techniques to systematically analyze, weigh alternatives and propose solutions
- Experience with managing existing business relationships, partnerships, and alliances internally and externally
- Ability to assess and rank issues and tasks in order of importance
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in programmatic advertising and a proven track record of managing client relationships will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- 401(k) Plans
- Flex Spending
- Life Insurance
- Disability
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Paid Family Benefits
- Discretionary Time Off Days
- Company-wide Appreciation Weeks
- Wellness Days
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The total compensation package includes a competitive salary and eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award or a relevant incentive award.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1961 (as Interpublic Group)
Company Description:
- IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG)
- Manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients
- Offers a wide range of services, including media planning and buying, automation and programmatic, digital media, branded content, and more
- Clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands across various industry sectors
- Employs over 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries
Company Specialties:
- Media Planning & Buying
- Automation & Programmatic
- Digital Media
- Branded Content
- Media Barter
- Online, Mobile, and Social Media Marketing
- Sponsorship and Sports Marketing
- ROI and Consumer Research
- Hyper-Local and Multicultural Marketing
- Out-Of-Home Advertising
Company Website: www.ipgmediabrands.com
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands offers a comprehensive range of advertising services, catering to a diverse portfolio of clients and industries.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Manager, Addressable Activation
Work Arrangement: On-site (Chicago, IL)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Manager or Senior Manager role within the department
- Opportunities to work on high-profile client accounts and projects
- Possibility to explore other departments or specialties within IPG Mediabrands
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to take on more responsibility and advance within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site (Chicago, IL)
Office Location(s): 100 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, US (headquarters); Calle de Enrique Jardiel Poncela, 6, Madrid, Community of Madrid 28016, ES (European headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, IL: Known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and rich history
- Midwest region: Offers a lower cost of living compared to coastal cities
- Access to major transportation hubs and international airports
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement in Chicago offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with key stakeholders
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Programmatic advertising expertise
- Client management skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with IPG Mediabrands values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant programmatic advertising experience and client management successes
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences relevant to this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, communication, and client management
- Research IPG Mediabrands and the role to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding
ATS Keywords: Programmatic, Advertising, Client Management, Platform Expertise, Data Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Team Management, Vendor Management, Campaign Planning, Performance Optimization, Analytics, Mentorship, Business Development, Complex Problem Solving
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should tailor their materials and prepare thoroughly to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- DV360
- The Trade Desk
- Other ad tech platforms (e.g., Google Ads Manager, AppNexus)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience with relevant ad tech platforms and data analysis tools, as well as strong proficiency in project management and communication software.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Expertise
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Respect
- Stewardship
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Focused on continuous learning and improvement
- Adaptable to change and open to new ideas
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach managing client relationships and expectations in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to navigate complex platform nuances to optimize performance for a client?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with IPG Mediabrands' values and work style, and be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these factors during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client brands and campaigns simultaneously
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest ad tech platforms and industry trends
- Working with tight deadlines and high client expectations
- Navigating a large and complex organization with multiple departments and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, work efficiently under pressure, and adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Programmatic Account Manager or Programmatic Trader, but with a stronger focus on customizing departmental standards to fit client needs and acting as a point of escalation for complex issues
- Compared to other roles within IPG Mediabrands, this position requires a deeper understanding of programmatic advertising and client management
- Career path comparison: This role can lead to advancement into management or senior management positions within the department or other specialties within IPG Mediabrands
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and career paths within the industry to better understand the potential growth opportunities and requirements for this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive programmatic advertising strategy for a major retail client, resulting in a 20% increase in online sales
- Optimizing campaign performance for a pharmaceutical client, leading to a 15% reduction in cost per acquisition
- Managing a team to deliver a successful programmatic advertising campaign for a direct-to-consumer brand, achieving a 30% increase in website traffic
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with programmatic advertising campaigns, client management, and team leadership in their interviews.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of managing client brands and campaigns in this role?
- How does the team collaborate and support each other in achieving client objectives?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the department and IPG Mediabrands as a whole?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most important qualities for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, and show their ability to contribute to the team's success.
📌 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 client management successes
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, communication, and client management
- Research IPG Mediabrands and the role to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, if you have not heard back
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
