Lead Programmatic Trader - Americas

Locala is the world's leading commerce media platform, leveraging consumer insights and location data to increase brand awareness, drive consumers to store, and deliver smarter business outcomes. Our proprietary technology enables local advertising and insights at scale, all while meeting the highest user privacy standards in the industry.The Trading Lead is responsible for driving campaign execution excellence, performance optimization, and margin efficiency across all channels.This role acts as the central authority on trading strategy, deal structuring, and campaign performance, partnering closely with Pre-Sales, Customer Success, and Operations to ensure campaigns are executed effectively and deliver against client expectations.While the role maintains visibility into inventory and supply, its primary focus is on how we buy, optimize, and scale media efficiently and profitably.Your role:1. Trading Strategy & Execution Leadership (Primary Focus)Objective: Ensure all campaigns are executed with consistency, efficiency, and strong performance outcomes.ResponsibilitiesDefine and standardize trading best practices across all channels:Display / MobileCTVDOOHAudio / OLVGuide:Campaign setup strategyBudget allocationOptimization frameworksEnsure consistency in:Naming conventionsCampaign structuresTargeting logicLead execution quality control:Reduce setup errorsImprove campaign readiness and launch timelinesPartner with teams to ensure alignment between strategy and executionExpected ImpactImproved campaign quality and consistencyReduced operational errorsFaster and smoother campaign launches2. Performance Optimization & Trading ExcellenceObjective: Maximize campaign performance through continuous optimization and data-driven decision making.ResponsibilitiesMonitor and analyze:Delivery & pacingCPMs / CPCsWin ratesConversion / visitation metricsDefine and implement:Optimization frameworksTesting strategies (A/B, formats, audiences)Identify:Underperforming campaignsOptimization opportunitiesProvide clear recommendations to trading teamsLead post-campaign analysis to inform future strategyExpected ImpactImproved campaign performanceStronger optimization cultureBetter use of data in decision-making3. Margin Management & Buying EfficiencyThis is critical based on your org shift.Objective: Ensure campaigns are executed in a way that protects and improves margin.ResponsibilitiesPartner with Pre-Sales on:Deal structuringMedia mix optimizationMonitor:Cost vs. sell priceMargin performance by campaign / channelIdentify:Inefficiencies in buying strategyOpportunities to improve margin through optimizationSupport teams in:Adjusting inventory mixImproving cost efficiencyFlag risks early:Underperforming or low-margin campaignsExpected ImpactStronger margin performanceBetter alignment between trading and commercial strategy4. Deal Strategy & DSP / SSP Execution (Deal ID Ownership)Objective: Ensure all deal-based and standalone campaigns are structured and executed effectively.ResponsibilitiesOwn Deal ID strategy and implementation:Define deal structuresSelect appropriate inventoryAlign with campaign objectivesOversee:PMP / PG / Open Exchange strategiesTroubleshoot:No-bid issuesUnderpacingAccess / targeting conflictsWork directly with SSPs / DSP partners to:Resolve delivery issuesOptimize deal performanceMonitor:Deal-level performanceWin rates and deliveryExpected ImpactMore efficient deal executionImproved delivery and performanceReduced campaign risk5. Trading Analytics & InsightsObjective: Turn campaign data into actionable insights to improve performance and strategy.ResponsibilitiesBuild and maintain trading performance dashboards (DV360, Fusio, etc.)Analyze:Publisher performanceChannel performanceSpend allocation trendsProvide:Weekly / monthly trading insightsIdentify:Performance trendsOptimization opportunitiesSupport:PCA / Tier 1 client insightsExpected ImpactData-driven trading decisionsImproved visibility into performance6. Cross-Functional PartnershipObjective: Ensure strong alignment across teams to improve campaign outcomes.ResponsibilitiesPartner with:Pre-Sales → Feasibility, media strategy alignmentCustomer Success → Performance insights, client needsOperations → Process and execution improvementsAct as:Go-to resource for trading-related questionsSupport:Complex / Tier 1 campaigns7. Inventory Strategy & Supply Collaboration (≈20%)Objective: Support trading performance through smart inventory selection and supply collaboration.ResponsibilitiesMaintain visibility into:Key supply partners (SSPs, publishers)Inventory performance trendsCollaborate with supply partners to:Unlock better rates or access when neededSupport:Inventory selection for campaignsProvide input on:Premium vs. scalable inventoryShare inventory insights with internal teamsExpected ImpactBetter-informed inventory decisionsImproved cost efficiencyStronger collaboration with supply partnersYour profile:6-10 years in programmatic advertising with 2+ years in a senior or architect-style role managing large, Tier 1 accountsStrong experience with DSPs such as DV360, The Trade Desk, Amazon DSP, or XandrSolid understanding of campaign trafficking, ad operations, optimization, and troubleshootingStrong knowledge of publisher landscape is a plusSolid understanding of third party measuring tools (IAS, Doubleverify) is a plusNice to Have / DifferentiatorsExperience managing Tier 1 or complex, multi-market campaignsStrong understanding of inventory, supply dynamics, and buying strategiesAbility to collaborate with external partners (DSPs, SSPs, publishers) to resolve issues and improve performanceExperience balancing performance with cost efficiency or margin considerationsIn addition to an engaging company culture, a remote-first work environment and training & development, future Localers can expect a competitive benefits package that includes:Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - 100% paid for the employee-only, 80% for dependents401k with Company MatchPaid Parental LeavePaid Vacation, Sick Time & HolidaysBase Compensation for this role is $110,000-$120,000 with up to $10,000 in bonuses