Senior Programmatic Manager | dentsu | London | Permanent | Hybrid
Lead AI-powered programmatic advertising, drive AdTech innovation & manage high-impact campaigns. Shape the future of digital media - apply today!
Job Description:
At dentsu, we lead the way in cutting-edge programmatic advertising, AI-driven optimisation, and omnichannel media strategies. As a Senior Programmatic Manager, you will step into a leadership role, managing a team while driving high-impact campaigns for top-tier clients.
This role is ideal for someone who combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise, thrives in dynamic and collaborative environments
As a Senior Programmatic Manager, you will be responsible for two key areas: first, leading a team of programmatic specialists to deliver exceptional campaign execution and strategy, and second, crafting and implementing advanced programmatic initiatives that yield measurable business results.
You will work closely with internal stakeholders, clients, and media partners, leveraging first-party data, AI-driven targeting, and privacy-first solutions to optimise performance.
Why Join Us?
- Leadership Growth – Clear progression to Programmatic Director-level roles.
- Innovation & AdTech – Work with AI-powered solutions & innovative programmatic tools.
- High-Impact Work – Large-scale campaigns with top-tier clients.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working – Work-life balance matters.
- Diversity & Inclusion – A collaborative, supportive culture where everyone thrives.
Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world’s leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, manage, and optimise multi-channel programmatic campaigns across Display, CTV, Digital Audio, DOOH, and Retail Media.
- Leverage first-party data strategies and emerging ad technologies to improve targeting and campaign efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA) while implementing AI-driven audience segmentation.
- Monitor performance KPIs, optimise bids and budgets, and drive measurable business results.
- Support and mentor junior traders to ensure best-in-class campaign execution.
- Function as a go-to expert for programmatic best practices within the team.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders, client teams, and platform partners to align strategies.
- Utilise Looker Studio, Excel, and SQL for data analysis and reporting.
- Translate complex programmatic insights into clear, actionable business recommendations.
- Stay ahead of industry trends, AI advancements, and new media buying innovations.
- Build strong relationships with key clients, media owners, and tech partners.
- Present campaign strategies and performance updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Contribute to the evolution of dentsu’s programmatic product offering and workflow improvements.
Minimum Requirements
- Programmatic Expertise - Extensive experience in programmatic advertising, media buying, or AdTech with proven proficiency in key DSPs (DV360, The Trade Desk, Amazon DSP) and omnichannel campaign activation.
- Leadership & Strategic Planning - Strong team management and leadership skills, with a track record in strategic planning and delivering high-impact, performance-driven campaigns.
- Analytical & Technical Proficiency - Advanced data analysis capabilities using SQL, Looker Studio, and data visualisation tools, with the ability to translate complex insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Compliance & Optimisation - In-depth knowledge of privacy-first solutions, audience segmentation, and AI-driven optimisation, alongside experience managing multiple large-scale campaigns.
Preferred Requirements
- First-Party Data & Omnichannel - Experience integrating first-party data strategies with a strong understanding of omnichannel marketing and cross-device attribution.
- Advanced Analytics & Automation - Proficiency in Python or other advanced analytics tools, coupled with hands-on experience in custom bidding algorithms and DSP automation.
- Commercial Growth - Proven ability to pitch new business and drive commercial growth initiatives.
- Thought Leadership - Demonstrated thought leadership through public speaking, authoring whitepapers, or active participation in industry discussions.
What we Offer
Dentsu UKI offers a range of benefits to support you through all stages of your career with us. These include:
- Private Medical Insurance and Dental Cover
- 25 days Annual Leave + Birthday Off
- Wellness and Volunteer Days
- Life Assurance and Critical Illness Cover
- Pension scheme and financial education support
- Cycle to Work, EV Car Scheme, Season Ticket Loans
- Hybrid working options (role-dependent)
Inclusion and Diversity
Dentsu does not discriminate against job applicants on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Experience stipulated in this job description serves as a guide only and all applications will be considered on their merits, irrespective of experience.
As part of our Diversity and Inclusion agenda, and as an Equal Opportunities employer, if you require reasonable adjustments during the selection process please engage directly with your Recruiter.
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Location:
London
Brand:
Dentsu Media
Time Type:
Full time
Contract Type:
Permanent