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 management

• Manage day-to-day operations within Demand Side Platforms (DSPs) like The Trade Desk and DV360, ensuring spend aligns with fluid business goals and performance targets

• Oversee PMP (Private Marketplace) execution and maintain relationships with key publishers and SSPs to ensure high-quality inventory access

• Monitor ad verification and brand safety protocols using tools like DoubleVerify, IAS, or MOAT to aggressively eliminate waste and ensure high-viewability standards

• Action off of MMM (Marketing Mix Modeling) and customer insights in partnership with Analytics, driving the program toward measurable incremental results

• Bridge the gap with in-house Creative, providing performance data to help develop high-impact assets specifically tailored for CTV and dynamic display environments

• Collaborate across the organization with Brand, Performance, eCommerce, and CRM teams to ensure programmatic media supports total business outcomes

• Stay on the pulse of ad-tech, educating internal stakeholders on the evolving landscape, cookieless solutions, and emerging platform features

• Lead and develop specialists or associates, focusing on building their technical "hands-on-keys" proficiency and data-driven decision-making

What 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 plus

• Tactical proficiency in managing complex campaigns across the full funnel, from high-impact CTV and Online Video (OLV) to conversion-focused Dynamic Display

• Solid understanding of the Programmatic Tech Stack, including DSPs, SSPs, DMPs, and verification/measurement tools

• Strong analytical and visualization skills, with the ability to translate complex programmatic metrics into clear, actionable narratives for stakeholders

• A testing-first mindset, with a passion for proving value through A/B testing, Brand Lift studies, and incrementality testing

• Sharp attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple high-budget workstreams simultaneously without sacrificing quality

• A collaborative spirit and a genuine curiosity to understand how programmatic media fits into the broader customer journey and retail landscape

We’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 environment

• Bachelor’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 reports

• Agency 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)