Manager, Programmatic

The Manager, Programmatic will be a key driver of our automated media buying and optimization strategy. This leader will help execute a sophisticated program rooted in incrementality, omnichannel lift, and algorithmic efficiency across CTV/OLV, Audio, and Display. They will manage the day-to-day operations of our programmatic campaigns, translating high-level strategy into tactical excellence and leading data-driven optimizations to drive business growth.This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Chicago, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.A day in the life as a Manager, Programmatic...Execute Programmatic strategy across CTV, Video, Audio, and Display, including hands-on campaign setup, audience segmentation, and frequency managementManage day-to-day operations within Demand Side Platforms (DSPs) like The Trade Desk and DV360, ensuring spend aligns with fluid business goals and performance targetsOversee PMP (Private Marketplace) execution and maintain relationships with key publishers and SSPs to ensure high-quality inventory accessMonitor ad verification and brand safety protocols using tools like DoubleVerify, IAS, or MOAT to aggressively eliminate waste and ensure high-viewability standardsAction off of MMM (Marketing Mix Modeling) and customer insights in partnership with Analytics, driving the program toward measurable incremental resultsBridge the gap with in-house Creative, providing performance data to help develop high-impact assets specifically tailored for CTV and dynamic display environmentsCollaborate across the organization with Brand, Performance, eCommerce, and CRM teams to ensure programmatic media supports total business outcomesStay on the pulse of ad-tech, educating internal stakeholders on the evolving landscape, cookieless solutions, and emerging platform featuresLead and develop specialists or associates, focusing on building their technical "hands-on-keys" proficiency and data-driven decision-makingWhat You’ll Bring To The Table…Proven Programmatic expertise with extensive hands-on experience in The Trade Desk (TTD) and DV360; experience with Amazon DSP is a significant plusTactical proficiency in managing complex campaigns across the full funnel, from high-impact CTV and Online Video (OLV) to conversion-focused Dynamic DisplaySolid understanding of the Programmatic Tech Stack, including DSPs, SSPs, DMPs, and verification/measurement toolsStrong analytical and visualization skills, with the ability to translate complex programmatic metrics into clear, actionable narratives for stakeholdersA testing-first mindset, with a passion for proving value through A/B testing, Brand Lift studies, and incrementality testingSharp attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple high-budget workstreams simultaneously without sacrificing qualityA collaborative spirit and a genuine curiosity to understand how programmatic media fits into the broader customer journey and retail landscapeWe’d love to hear from you if you have…5+ years of experience in Programmatic media with at least 2 years in a Retail/eCommerce environmentBachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Economics, Statistics, or an analytical field (or equivalent work experience)Deep technical proficiency in top buying platforms (The Trade Desk and DV360 are core to this role)Experience in a "Lead" or "Senior Specialist" capacity with a desire to take on direct management of 1–2 reportsAgency or Brand experience managing mid-to-large scale programmatic budgets (Omni-channel retail experience preferred)Advanced proficiency in Excel required (data cleaning, pivot tables, and performance modeling)