Head of Programmatic Strategy

Sky; Isleworth; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent media company in the UK is seeking a candidate to define and execute their programmatic strategy while building crucial relationships within the ad tech industry. The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in programmatic advertising, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a collaborative attitude. This role offers a hybrid work model and numerous perks, including access to streaming services and a generous pension package.

Benefits

Free NOW streaming access

Generous pension package

Private healthcare

Retailer discounts and cashback

Qualifications

• Proven experience in programmatic advertising, ideally in a media or ad tech environment.
• Strong understanding of DSPs, SSPs, and data partnerships.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute programmatic strategy, aligning with commercial objectives.
• Build strong relationships with DSPs, SSPs, and partners to maximize value.
• Design training programs to upskill sales teams.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Programmatic advertising experience

Communication skills

Ability to innovate

Training capability

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Job description

What you’ll do:

Define and execute Sky Media’s programmatic strategy, ensuring alignment with broader commercial objectives.

• Leverage strong existing connections across the UK ad tech industry to accelerate growth and collaboration, representing Sky within Demand‑side meetings with agencies and direct clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with DSPs, SSPs, and data partners to maximize value and innovation. Sit with VP/MD level stakeholders and push for Sky’s agenda.
• Develop and enhance programmatic solutions, leveraging data and technology to deliver market‑leading offerings. Prioritise and drive momentum with internal teams and engage senior stakeholders for support where necessary.
• Design and deliver training programs to upskill sales teams across the organization, embedding programmatic knowledge at all levels.
• Drive internal awareness and understanding of programmatic opportunities, linking initiatives to clear revenue objectives and measurable outcomes.
• Represent and promote Sky Media within the programmatic ecosystem through thought leadership, events, and community engagement.
• Track and report on programmatic performance, identifying opportunities for optimisation and growth.

What you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in programmatic advertising, ideally within a media owner, agency, or ad tech environment.
• Strong understanding of DSPs, SSPs, and data partnerships. Ability to speak fluently with tech partners and translate to colleagues with less familiarity.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop programmatic product that will enable Sky Media to stand out as a broadcast in the programmatic landscape.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience in training and capability building within commercial teams.
• Strong existing relationships at a senior level across the UK ad tech industry.
• Thought leadership and industry presence within the programmatic community.
• A strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach.
• Passionate about programmatic and digital advertising innovation.
• Collaborative and influential, able to work across multiple teams and functions.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

The Rewards:

• Access to free NOW, for streaming all your favourite shows.
• A generous pension package.
• Private healthcare.
• Discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers.

How you'll work:

We know the world has changed, and we want to offer our employees the chance to collaborate at our unique office spaces, whilst enjoying the convenience of working from home. We’ve adopted a hybrid working approach to give more flexibility on where and how we work. You’ll find out more about what this means for this role during the recruitment process.

Your office base:

Osterley Campus – a 10‑minute walk from Syon Lane train station. Shuttle buses run to and from Osterley, Gunnersbury, Ealing Broadway and South Ealing tube stations. Plenty of bike shelters and showers. On campus you’ll find subsidised restaurants, cafés, a Waitrose, a gym, a cinema and a beauty salon.

Inclusion:

We’re a Disability Confident Accredited Employer and welcome and encourage applications from all candidates. We will look to ensure a fair and consistent experience for all and will make reasonable adjustments to support you where appropriate. Please flag any adjustments you need to your recruiter as early as you can.

Just so you know: if your application is successful, we’ll ask you to complete a criminal record check. And depending on the role you have applied for and the nature of any convictions you may have, we might have to withdraw the offer.