Director of Programmatic Trading & Data

C2's client, an independent New York-focused media planning and buying firm, seeks a Director of Programmatic Trading & Data to lead its in-house trading function while helping expand the agency's programmatic, data, and revenue capabilities.Our client develops customized media strategies that help clients maximize their investment across an evolving media landscape. Following the acquisition of a creative agency, the team is continuing to grow its omnichannel capabilities while investing in stronger internal operations, scalable workflows, and differentiated offerings across programmatic, analytics, and media activation.This role is built for a senior programmatic leader who is equally comfortable leading strategy, mentoring traders, QA'ing campaigns in-platform, and helping shape the future of the department. The right person understands the realities of independent agency life, brings a no-job-too-small attitude, and knows how to balance operational rigor, innovation, and collaborative leadership without ego.Start Date: ASAP, ideally before the end of the quarterDuration: Direct HireLocation: Hybrid, 2 days/week in New York City officeCompensation: Approximately $120,000 annually, with potential for spot bonuses and additional compensation tied to new business growthTechnology: TBDInterview Process:Initial interview with Chief Innovation & Analytics OfficerSecond interview with the trading team and leadershipFinal interview with the CEOJob DescriptionThe Director of Programmatic Trading & Data oversees our client's in-house trading team while helping evolve the agency's programmatic operations, data partnerships, and external programmatic offerings.This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing a small but growing trading team. Success comes from combining deep DSP expertise with operational leadership, strong collaboration, thoughtful mentorship, and a willingness to jump into the work alongside the team when needed.Responsibilities:Lead and mentor the in-house trading team across omnichannel programmatic activation including display, video, CTV, audio, DOOH, native, and high-impact mediaEstablish and refine workflows, QA processes, KPIs, and operational best practices across trading and campaign managementMaintain hands-on involvement in platform execution, optimization, troubleshooting, and campaign QAPartner with analytics and media leadership to align data strategy with omnichannel planning, attribution, measurement, and privacy-compliant audience activationEvaluate and onboard new data, identity, attribution, and measurement partners to strengthen audience targeting and cross-channel insightsSupport business development efforts by helping position the agency's programmatic and data capabilities within pitches, presentations, and external partnershipsDrive innovation across automation, testing frameworks, AI-assisted workflows, and emerging programmatic platformsCollaborate with leadership on department structure, operational improvements, and team developmentManage relationships with external partners, vendors, and platform representativesRequirements:7–10+ years of experience in programmatic media and digital activationProven experience managing a trading team and in-house programmatic functionIndependent or mid-sized agency experienceDeep expertise across DSPs including The Trade Desk, DV360, and omnichannel programmatic buying environmentsComfortable managing up, managing down, and serving as a thought partner to leadershipExperience helping build scalable trading operations within a growing agencyStrong understanding of audience strategy, identity resolution, attribution, privacy, and measurement frameworksHands-on platform experience with the ability to execute, optimize, troubleshoot, and QA campaigns directly within DSPsExperience building or refining operational processes and workflows within programmatic teamsFamiliarity with verification and brand safety tools such as DoubleVerify or IASExperience contributing to business development, sales, or revenue growth initiativesAbility to operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on operatorCollaborative, adaptable leadership style with high EQNice to Have:Experience commercializing programmatic or data capabilities as external offeringsExposure to social platform data partnerships or omnichannel audience strategyNot your type of gig, but know someone who would be interested? Refer a qualified candidate, and if they get the job, you get a signing bonus! (Make sure they mention your name as their referral source so you get your well-deserved credit!)All candidates must be located and authorized to work in the United States. C2 does not sponsor work visas. No C2C.