Manager, Programmatic Activation

About the role

The role executes media decisions and provides strategic direction to ensure campaign portfolio success. This position operates at a mid-level within the media function, balancing execution and advisory work. Collaboration with Client Success and Analytics teams is central to the scope.

Every role in this field shares a few habits: clear communication, structured thinking, and steady follow through. Teams hold regular meetings, review progress, and adjust plans. Success usually depends on how well you work with others, not just how hard you try. Successful professionals in any field share a few habits: they take notes, keep commitments, and communicate in writing. Teams value people who make their work easy to review and build on.

Key facts

What you'll do

DSP budgets are deployed and optimized across programmatic channels to achieve market-leading performance for campaigns. Client needs are aligned with the media approach through partnership with Client Success and Analytics teams. Tagging, targeting, and pacing errors are minimized to maintain execution quality. Campaign objectives are consistently exceeded while margin expansion opportunities are identified. Order management and team communication systems are mastered to support daily workflows.

Requirements

Hands-on experience with a major DSP such as Xandr, DV360, The Trade Desk, Viant, Yahoo DSP, Nexxen, or Amazon DSP is required for this role. CM360, rich media vendors, site pixels, and web debugging tools are applied within media workflows. Media metrics and KPIs such as CPM, dCPM, CPA, CPCV, CPL, PV, and attention are used in planning and evaluation. A track record of effectively optimizing toward campaign goals is demonstrated. Auction mechanics, supply, and the broader programmatic ecosystem are explained to stakeholders. Analytical ability and extreme attention to detail are shown in day-to-day tasks. MS Excel proficiency is used for data organization and reporting.

Nice to have

Experience operating across multiple programmatic channels and trading platforms is valued. Familiarity with campaign reporting dashboards and visualization tools supports performance reviews.

Skills & tools

Media plans are executed using DSP platforms and internal tools. Optimization strategies are communicated to cross-functional teams. Performance data is analyzed to guide ongoing media decisions.

Practical notes

Typical interview steps

Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds. Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions. Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.

Good to know

Programmatic trading focuses on automated media buying across digital channels. DSP platforms manage bids, audiences, and campaign performance in real time. Strong Excel skills support accurate reporting and analysis. Clear communication helps align media strategy with business goals.

Questions to ask

Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.

Career growth

Careers in this field grow through a mix of experience, responsibility, and demonstrated results. Early years build skills; later years build ownership. Many professionals switch focus areas or companies to keep growing. Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and reputation. Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure others can see the outcomes.