Digital Activation Manager (Search & Programmatic)

About Spark Foundry

Spark Foundry aims to generate HEAT for brands—higher engagement, affinity, and transactions that significantly influence client businesses. With a unique philosophy focused on delivering accountable results through continuous improvement, Spark cultivates diverse thinking to solve challenges across disciplines. Creative concepts must be impactful and data-driven, blending creativity with analytics to produce measurable business success. Candidates sharing these values are encouraged to apply.

Role Overview

The Digital Activation Manager will oversee the performance and strategic growth of digital media activities for two prominent Australian automotive brands. This position involves managing large-scale campaigns in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Programmatic advertising, including vehicle launches, audience strategies, continuous performance marketing, and exploring new digital channels.

This role requires partnering closely with clients and internal experts in media, analytics, and strategy to guide account direction. It ideally suits professionals who combine technical expertise with strategic insight, enjoy leveraging data and innovation to solve complex business issues, and seek autonomy in contributing to a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the planning, execution, optimization, and evaluation of SEM and Programmatic campaigns aligned with diverse business goals.
• Create media strategies that align with client objectives and yield measurable business benefits.
• Manage campaign forecasting, budgeting, KPI tracking, and ongoing adjustments to maximize performance.
• Interpret campaign data to provide insightful strategic advice to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Champion innovation by experimenting with automation, audience activation, and emerging technologies such as AI-driven search.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive, integrated digital solutions and deliver excellent client service.
• Lead key initiatives, challenge existing practices, and help evolve digital activation standards.
• Mentor junior team members, promoting a culture of learning, responsibility, and continuous enhancement.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum three years' experience in digital media, performance marketing, search, programmatic advertising, or digital activation.
• Proficient hands-on campaign management within Google Ads, including Search, Shopping, and Performance Max platforms; enthusiasm for generative search technologies is a plus.
• Working knowledge of programmatic media, including DV360 and audience targeting approaches.
• Proven capability in managing client relationships and confidently presenting performance reports with strategic recommendations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience with analytics and reporting tools such as Google Analytics 4, Looker Studio, and Power BI.
• Adept at handling multiple priorities in fast-paced environments while maintaining precision and attention to detail.
• Experience mentoring and supporting the development of junior colleagues.
• A proactive and curious mindset focused on innovation, experimentation, and ongoing improvement.
• Advanced skills in Excel and familiarity with planning, reporting, and media software tools.
• Excellent organizational abilities to bring clarity, structure, and accountability to tasks.
• Client-oriented attitude combined with strong, professional communication skills.

Work Environment and Culture

Spark Foundry promotes progressive flexible work arrangements driven by company values rather than formal policies. Mental health and wellbeing are prioritized with ongoing internal support. The workplace fosters fun and innovative employee interactions, maintaining vibrant connections even virtually.

Additional Benefits

• Access to extensive wellbeing programs addressing physical, mental, and financial health.
• A dynamic and inspiring office environment aligned with flexible work options.
• Connectivity to a global AI platform enabling career mobility and collaboration.
• Opportunities for continuous learning with over 15,000 online programs.
• Open feedback culture supporting career growth through structured conversations.
• Active diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies led by dedicated committees.
• Generous leave policies including birthdays, flexible public holidays, and extra leave after tenure milestones.
• Work Your World program allowing employees to work remotely internationally up to six weeks annually.
• Comprehensive parental leave policies and family support initiatives.
• Access to counseling and psychological support through digital wellbeing services.
• A supportive workplace culture promoting recovery and assistance for serious illnesses.
• Partnerships with notable organizations for diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion

The organization commits to equal opportunity, embracing and celebrating all forms of diversity in race, age, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and more. The recruitment process provides reasonable accommodations to support candidates with disabilities or special needs while ensuring confidentiality.

Encouragement to Apply

While meeting all criteria is not mandatory, candidates who resonate with the company’s values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity are encouraged to submit applications regardless of background.