Programmatic Manager

Programmatic Manager | dentsu | Manchester | Permanent | Hybrid

Lead AI-driven, high-impact digital campaigns for top brands. Work with cutting-edge AdTech in a collaborative, career-focused environment. Apply today!

Job Description:

At dentsu, we offer a dynamic, innovation-driven environment where innovative AdTech, AI-driven campaign optimisation, and high-impact media strategies come together. We provide clear career pathways, a collaborative culture, and the opportunity to work on large-scale programmatic campaigns with high-profile clients.

Our ideal candidate is a strategic, data-driven expert with a passion for innovation, audience targeting, and automation. If you want to grow your career while shaping the future of digital advertising, dentsu is the place for you.

As a Programmatic Manager, you will be responsible for developing, executing, and optimising high-performance programmatic campaigns across DV360, The Trade Desk, and Amazon DSP. You will play a key role in shaping dentsu's AI-driven media strategies while managing junior team members and working closely with clients and internal stakeholders.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to take ownership of campaigns, push the boundaries of AdTech innovation, and progress toward a senior leadership role.

Why Join Us?

• Career Progression - Defined pathways to senior leadership.
• Innovation & AdTech - Work with AI-powered solutions & innovative tools.
• High-Impact Work - Large-scale campaigns with top-tier clients.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working - Work-life balance matters.
• Diversity & Inclusion - A collaborative, supportive culture where everyone thrives.

Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world's leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and optimise multi-channel programmatic campaigns across Display, CTV, Digital Audio, DOOH, and Retail Media.
• Leverage first-party data strategies and emerging ad technologies to improve targeting and campaign efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA) 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 closely with internal stakeholders, client teams, and platform partners to align strategies.
• Utilise Looker Studio, Excel, and SQL for data analysis and reporting.
• 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.

Minimum Requirements

• Campaign Expertise & Strategy - Significant experience in programmatic advertising, digital marketing, or AdTech with strong proficiency in at least two DSPs (e.g., DV360, The Trade Desk, Amazon DSP). Proven ability to execute and optimise multi-channel campaigns (Display, CTV, Digital Audio, DOOH, Retail Media) with a solid understanding of audience targeting and campaign optimisation.
• Data & Analytical Acumen - Strong data analysis and reporting skills using tools such as Excel, Looker Studio, and SQL, with the ability to transform complex programmatic data into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Compliance & Communication - In-depth knowledge of privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA) and their impact on ad buying. Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with clients, internal teams, and media partners in dynamic environments.
• Attention to Detail & Process Orientation - Demonstrated critical thinking skills and a process-driven mindset to ensure high-quality campaign execution.
• Leadership & Industry Engagement - Experience in mentoring junior team members, strong stakeholder management skills, and active participation in industry events or thought leadership initiatives.

Preferred Requirements

• Advanced AdTech & Automation - Experience with AI-driven AdTech solutions and automation in programmatic media buying, combined with familiarity in first-party data strategies and privacy-first marketing approaches.
• Technical Proficiency - Additional skills in SQL, Python, or other advanced analytics tools to derive deeper data insights.
• Strategic & Omnichannel Marketing - Exposure to omnichannel marketing strategies (cross-device and cross-channel planning) with a proven ability to pitch innovative ideas and contribute to business development.

What we Offer

Dentsu UKI offers a range of benefits to support you through all stages of your career with us. These include:

• 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)

Inclusion and Diversity

Dentsu does not discriminate against job applicants on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Experience stipulated in this job description serves as a guide only and all applications will be considered on their merits, irrespective of experience.

As part of our Diversity and Inclusion agenda, and as an Equal Opportunities employer, if you require reasonable adjustments during the selection process please engage directly with your Recruiter.

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#LI-DENTSU

Location:
Manchester - Bonded Warehouse

Brand:
Dentsu Media

Time Type:
Full time

Contract Type:
Permanent