Head of Programmatic Sales - 12 Month Contract

The Telegraph; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company in Greater London is seeking a Head of Programmatic Sales to drive revenue growth and build senior partnerships. In this pivotal role, you will lead programmatic sales strategies, utilizing first-party data and innovative solutions. The successful candidate will have deep expertise in programmatic advertising, proven sales experience, and excellent communication skills. This role offers opportunities for dynamic working and comprehensive benefits, fostering a rewarding work-life balance.

Benefits

Medical cover

Parental leave (6 months fully paid maternity leave)

Life assurance

Season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in programmatic advertising, including PMPs and open exchange.
• Proven sales leadership experience in digital advertising with key agencies.
• Strong ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Accelerate programmatic revenue across multiple channels.
• Leverage data for privacy-safe, targeted advertising solutions.
• Build senior agency relationships and drive strategic collaboration.

Skills

Expertise in programmatic advertising

Sales leadership experience

Relationship-building skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of privacy regulations

Tools

DSPs

SSPs

DMPs

Job description

The Head of Programmatic Sales is a senior leadership role with significant individual contributor responsibility, driving The Telegraph’s programmatic revenue growth. You’ll focus on building and deepening senior relationships with major network agencies (WPP Media, Publicis, IPG, Dentsu, Omnicom) and maximising the value of our premium inventory.

This role is pivotal in keeping The Telegraph at the forefront of the UK digital advertising market. You’ll lead programmatic sales strategy, using our first‑party data, attention‑based reporting (“Metrics That Matter”) and premium formats to deliver strong outcomes for advertisers. You’ll also help shape how news publishers and agencies work together, championing transparency, innovation and best‑in‑class programmatic practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Accelerate premium programmatic revenue across programmatic guaranteed, private marketplaces (PMPs), and direct programmatic partnerships, positioning The Telegraph’s inventory as a must‑buy for agencies and clients.
• Leverage data and insight to deliver privacy‑safe, data‑driven targeting solutions, including clean room partnerships and custom audience strategies.
• Build and deepen senior agency relationships, acting as the primary contact for key programmatic leaders across major holding companies and ensuring The Telegraph remains top of mind for premium, brand‑safe campaigns.
• Lead strategic collaboration and joint business planning with agency partners, aligning on shared objectives, KPIs, and long‑term growth opportunities beyond transactional deals.
• Drive innovation in programmatic products, working closely with Product and Ad Tech teams to develop, test, and launch new offerings, including AI‑driven solutions.
• Provide market leadership, representing The Telegraph at industry events and forums, championing the value of premium news environments and quality journalism.
• Own and grow non‑UK programmatic direct revenue, expanding international demand for Telegraph inventory.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in programmatic advertising, including programmatic guaranteed, PMPs and open exchange, with strong knowledge of ad tech platforms (DSPs, SSPs, DMPs) and the wider digital media landscape.
• Proven commercial and sales leadership experience within digital or programmatic advertising, including pitching, negotiation and revenue growth with major agencies.
• Strong relationship‑building skills, with the ability to influence and partner effectively with senior agency stakeholders and internal teams.
• Strategic, innovative thinker, able to challenge market norms and translate opportunity into actionable growth strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex programmatic concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Up‑to‑date understanding of industry trends, privacy regulation (including GDPR), and evolving advertiser needs.

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast‑paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities. From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work‑life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you’ll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long‑term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.