Manager, Programmatic | Growth Marketing Team

WHY DEPT®?

We are pioneers at heart. What this means, is that we are always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 20+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients' problems, no matter where you are in the world. 

This is a hybrid role with the expectation that you will need to go into the office 3 days week. You must be located within 50 miles of our Chicago, IL office located at: One South Wacker, 1 S Wacker Dr #2250, Chicago, IL 60606

ABOUT YOU

Our Programmatic Managers are our resident experts in programmatic and direct buying; negotiating direct deals, building stellar full funnel media plans, and optimizing with complete precision. They are responsible for keeping on top of industry-wide trends, developments, and best practices and putting them to optimal use for each client’s programmatic and/or direct buy initiatives.

You’ll be part of a cross-functional team that includes activation (Paid Search and Paid Social), Ad Operations, Integrated Planning, Client Partners, and Data Strategy; all working to make sure client needs are anticipated and met. 

As a Manager, Programmatic, you will be responsible for the following key areas: 1) design and execution of programmatic and/or direct buy tactical strategy 2) act as a subject matter expert in programmatic and direct buys for your assigned clients by answering client communication and leading weekly calls 3) project management accounts you own.

PROFICIENCY EXPECTATIONS

We expect Managers to have a solid foundation of programmatic and direct buy account management skills, from tactical strategy to execution, and proven analytical and problem-solving skills. We expect the proficiencies listed below:

• Delivering tactical programmatic and/or direct buy strategy geared towards achieving or exceeding client efficiency and growth
• Account management and completion of campaign builds and optimization in DSPs within agreed upon timelines
• Accountability for monitoring campaigns and pacing daily to ensure delivery of budgets and KPI targets
• Collaborating on roadmaps, testing plans, reporting dashboards, and QBRs/FBRs to meet client needs and goals
• Ability to quantify and prioritize initiatives that will have greatest impact on account performance while balancing long term growth initiatives
• Implementing testing initiatives in key areas such as creative, audience segmentation, placement, format, publisher, and ad tech partner negotiation/selection
• Ensuring all account programmatic management efforts go through a QA process and are executed/delivered error free
• Supporting Client Partners with account communications, recommendations, slides, and tactical plans for programmatic and direct buys, ensuring a clear, consistent, and strategic vision is set for clients
• Following SME’s and consistently attending DEPT®’s training opportunities to stay up to date on agency POVs, thought leadership, industry trends, partnership capabilities. Continuously expanding knowledge of programmatic and direct buy best practices.
• Collaborating with internal teams across clients businesses (Paid Social, Paid Search, SEO/CRO, Planning/Strategy, Data Strategy, etc.) to deliver upon clients goals.

GROWTH EXPECTATIONS

Over time in the role, we expect Managers to be responsible for learning and understanding higher-level concepts as below:

• Active delegation, coaching, and mentorship to Associates & Sr Associates  
• Understand the business model and objectives of their client’s businesses and how programmatic and direct buys play a key role in each stage of the funnel
• Contribute to agency thought leadership and case studies 
• Effective management of a direct report through skill development, guiding growth opportunities, and consistent support around employee work-life balance and morale.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced understanding of programmatic and direct buys, keenly understanding how they fit within the a full funnel strategy
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in programmatic advertising and a minimum 1 year of experience in a client-facing digital marketing role
• 2 years’ experience trading in DV360 and/or The Trade Desk
• Comfort