Senior Manager, Programmatic

About WPP Media

WPP serves as a trusted partner to leading global brands, offering expert talent, reliable data, and world-class partnerships through the innovative WPP Open marketing platform. This enables clients to navigate market changes, seize opportunities, and achieve transformational growth.

WPP Media, the AI-focused media unit within WPP, integrates media, data, and partnerships to deliver scalable creative personalization. Powered by Open Intelligence and connected via WPP Open, it provides clients with transparent insights on their media investment's impact.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager in Programmatic reports to the APMEA Head of Programmatic and is accountable for the health and success of assigned accounts while contributing to the growth of the broader Programmatic Practice. Responsibilities include managing client and agency relationships, ensuring superior delivery of programmatic campaigns, leading the programmatic team, and serving as the key escalation point for campaign execution challenges. Although daily campaign trading is typically not required, the role demands the ability to step in as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and nurture client business relationships to expand programmatic usage and investment.
• Collaborate with clients and account leaders to define programmatic roles within digital strategies and develop frameworks for effective implementation.
• Oversee client statements of work (SOWs) and staffing plans, ensuring adequate resourcing aligned with revenue, complexity, and workload.
• Prepare and present key reports and strategic plans, including Quarterly Business Reviews and campaign summaries, to clients and agency stakeholders.
• Educate clients and agency teams on evolving media opportunities in programmatic advertising.
• Recommend strategic partners such as DSPs and verification platforms in cooperation with account leads.
• Maximize the value of platform, inventory, and data provider relationships tailored to account needs.
• Coordinate with digital account teams across planning, investment, operations, and analytics divisions.
• Ensure campaigns meet or surpass client KPIs and provide expertise for resolving operational challenges.
• Enforce accountability for flawless campaign implementation and develop quality assurance processes.
• Support the ongoing training and career advancement of direct programmatic team members.
• Develop best practices to enhance work quality and efficiency within accounts and the broader programmatic practice.
• Contribute programmatic expertise to new business briefs, presentations, projects, and pitches.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Media & Advertising, Mass Communication, Digital Marketing, or Computer Science preferred.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, including 5 or more years managing programmatic campaign trading within agencies, brands, DSPs, or ad networks preferred.
• Candidates with backgrounds in paid search, paid social, ad operations, digital analytics, digital planning, or client-side roles supporting direct response or e-commerce brands may also be considered if highly qualified.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams; experience with offshore teams is advantageous.
• Strong familiarity with core programmatic and digital advertising platforms.
• Solid understanding of industry concepts, trends, and the evolution of programmatic media channels.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and presentation skills suited to engaging senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and quantitative capabilities with effective task prioritization.
• Demonstrated curiosity and commitment to continual learning.
• Passion for mastering WPP Media’s proprietary AI tools to create innovative client growth solutions.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

WPP Media fosters a culture of extraordinary creativity and optimistic leadership, investing in employee growth through extensive global networks and learning opportunities. The supportive, inclusive environment features employee resource groups, frequent events, and a comprehensive benefits package including competitive medical, retirement plans, vision and dental insurance, generous paid leave, partner discounts, and mental health awareness days. The company promotes hybrid work arrangements with about four days in-office weekly but supports flexible accommodations as needed. WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering creativity and collaboration within an open and supportive workplace.

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to discuss any accommodation or flexibility requirements during the interview process. Please note benefits and policies might vary across different offices and countries within WPP.