Junior Programmatic Trader

Picnic Media Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing media startup in Greater London is seeking a Junior Programmatic Trader to support and optimize programmatic campaigns. This entry-level position is ideal for someone with strong analytical skills and a keen interest in digital advertising. The role involves collaborating with teams to ensure smooth campaign delivery and developing technical skills in ad operations. Benefits include a flexible working setup and a comprehensive holiday package.

Benefits

33 days holiday

Private Medical Insurance

Occasional work from roam opportunities

Qualifications

• Up to a year of experience in media or tech.
• Eagerness to learn about programmatic trading.
• Comfortable working with data and identifying patterns.

Responsibilities

• Support the setup and monitoring of programmatic campaigns.
• Collaborate with teams to resolve delivery challenges.
• Compile data for weekly and post campaign analysis.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Process orientation

Data manipulation

Strong communication

Job description

Who are Picnic & what do we do?

Picnic's mission is to drive a higher quality ad-funded internet. With 70% of people finding digital ads annoying, brands are wasting ad spend on ineffective and potentially damaging ad experiences. We're a fast-growing, founder-led start-up, passionate about making digital ads work better for everyone.

Now, we’re looking for a Junior Programmatic Trader to support delivery of our programmatic campaigns and achieve excellent outcomes for our clients!

What will you be doing as a Junior Programmatic Trader?

As part of Picnic’s trading function and reporting into our Head of Client Success, you’ll support the setup, monitoring and optimisation of programmatic campaigns while developing the technical and analytical skills needed to become a high impact trader.

Campaign Setup & Ad Operations

• Work closely with the Programmatic Trading Manager to build and launch programmatic display and video campaigns across multiple DSPs and SSPs, following Picnic’s product standards, operational excellence principles and industry best practice.
• Own key ad operations tasks, such as creative uploads, tagging and pixel implementation, with precision, accuracy and strong attention to detail.

Delivery, Performance & Optimisation

• Monitor delivery, pacing and performance metrics daily to ensure campaigns run smoothly and efficiently
• Flag issues early and collaborate with Client Success Managers and Sales Directors to resolve delivery challenges and maintain strong client satisfaction
• Use platform insights and data to execute tactical optimisation strategies that troubleshoot delivery, unblock spend and drive meaningful performance against client KPIs whilst supporting Picnic’s commercial goals
• Support weekly and post campaign analysis by compiling data, surfacing insights and helping shape performance narratives
• Join client calls where needed to provide technical clarity and support

Learning, Development & Industry Understanding

• Supported by the Programmatic Trading Manager, you’ll build a deep understanding of the adtech ecosystem - DSPs, SSPs, measurement partners and media agency workflows
• Learn how Picnic’s trading strategy aligns with industry standards and contribute to delivering exceptional, high quality campaigns
• Develop strong foundational skills in programmatic buying, analytics and cross-functional collaboration, preparing you to grow into a high performing trader

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone early in their career - you might have up to a year of experience in media, tech or simply a strong interest in advertising and how digital campaigns work. What matters most is that you’re analytical, curious and detail driven. If you’re excited to learn quickly, use data to solve problems and play a meaningful role in delivering successful campaigns from day one, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need prior programmatic experience - just the right mindset and a genuine interest in growing within the space.

• Process oriented with exceptional attention to detail; able to prioritise effectively and maintain accuracy
• A fast, proactive learner who asks questions, takes initiative and is eager to understand the mechanics of programmatic trading
• Strong analytical mindset - comfortable working with data, identifying patterns and breaking down problems using numbers
• Able to manipulate datasets, build simple reports/pivots and use formulas such as SUM, IF and VLOOKUP
• Confident using software tools and quick to adopt new systems and workflows
• Strong communicator and collaborator who works well with sales, client success and product teams
• Commercially aware with a desire to understand how trading drives client outcomes and supports Picnic’s revenue

Why will you want to work for Picnic?

You’ll be part of a culture that’s grounded in our values and pushes us forward every day:

• You’re trusted to take ownership, make decisions and deliver with autonomy
• Ideas move quickly from concept to reality - we learn by doing, not over polishing
• We constantly push ourselves and the industry forward, aiming higher with every piece of work

What can Picnic offer you?

We’re proud to have been recognised by Culture100 and Flexa as one of the best and most flexible small businesses to work for. We offer:

• A flexible, hybrid working setup - we’re usually in the office a few times a week so being within reach of London Bridge is important
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays), plus additional Christmas shutdown
• Private Medical Insurance through Vitality
• Picnic Pension Contribution
• Inclusive Parental Leave Policy
• A great coworking space, regular socials & offsites, Picnic Thursdays, Summer Fridays and Work from Roam opportunities

Salary: £28k-30k