Programmatic Operations Manager

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company; Greater London; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A global entertainment conglomerate is looking for a Programmatic Operations Manager based in London. This role involves supporting the EMEA Ad Sales organization and requires at least 5 years of experience in the advertising sector. Candidates should have a solid understanding of digital media, be able to collaborate across teams, and possess strong technical skills in ad tech. A comprehensive benefits package is offered along with opportunities for internal growth and a commitment to diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance & dental care

Complimentary Park Entry

Disney Discounts

Excellent parental and guardian leave

Qualifications

• Proven 5+ years of experience in the advertising sector.
• Strong technical knowledge of VAST & ORTB protocols.
• Experience navigating data privacy regulations like GDPR.
• Proven success managing global stakeholders and complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide front line support to EMEA campaign management teams.
• Diagnose and resolve ad delivery and technical issues.
• Manage relationships with ad tech vendors in EMEA.
• Represent Ad Sales in compliance discussions.

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Analytical ability

Communication

Relationship management

Education

Graduate level or equivalent experience

Tools

Order management systems

Ad-servers

Programmatic platforms

Job description

About the Team Disney Advertising:

The Disney Advertising portfolio covers world leading brands within The Walt Disney Company's entertainment segment and related film, television, and streaming businesses. This includes family favorites Disney, Pixar, Marvel & Lucasfilm, general entertainment networks like ABC, Hulu, ESPN, National Geographic, and our flagship streaming product, Disney+.

Within the Disney Advertising EMEA organization, the Business Operations team serves as the core regional sales support group, ensuring strategic alignment and operational efficiency across the region.

Job Summary:

The Programmatic Operations Manager will play a pivotal role within the London-based EMEA Ad Sales organization, supporting our increasing automated and addressable streaming video business. Collaborating closely with Sales, Operations, Technology, & Legal teams, the role’s primary objective will be to drive revenue growth by triaging programmatic issues and escalations, enhancing operational workflows, and deepening relationships with our ad tech partners.

Responsibilities:

• Provide front line support to EMEA campaign management teams for issue intake and troubleshooting of managed service campaigns and programmatic deals.
• Diagnose and resolve ad delivery, ad quality, and technical issues, liaising with global Ad Platforms Technology teams as needed.
• Manage and maintain relationships with ad tech vendors in EMEA, releasing new capabilities, improving operational efficiency, and driving revenue growth.
• Represent Ad Sales in compliance discussions with Legal & Privacy.
• Contribute to the development of data-driven technologies and both first and third-party audience targeting & measurement solutions.
• Build and nurture relationships with key internal stakeholders across regions and business lines.
• Collaborate with global teams and act as a regional center of programmatic advertising excellence for other EMEA offices, providing training and documentation for Sales and Operational personnel.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Disney’s ad tech stack and industry developments.

The Experience We Require From You:

• Graduate level or equivalent experience.
• Proven 5+ years of experience in the advertising sector, either publisher/agency side or in ad tech, focusing on sales, operations, technology, and strategy.
• Strong technical knowledge of VAST & ORTB protocols, the wider digital media landscape, programmatic platforms & revenue models.
• Experience managing relationships with contacts at DSPs, SSPs, and other ad tech vendors.
• Hands‑on experience with order management systems, ad‑servers, and programmatic platforms.
• Ability to extract actionable insights and develop data‑driven business plans.
• Experience navigating data privacy regulations (GDPR and others).
• Proven success managing global stakeholders and collaborating to manage/deliver complex projects.
• Comfortable representing company externally.
• Strong network of contacts within ad sales, technology, and operations industries.
• Media or entertainment brand experience is beneficial, as is familiarity with processes and policies of a multinational corporation.

Required Skills:

• Highly motivated and driven problem solver with investigative tendencies.
• Great attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to effectively prioritize and balance multiple projects.
• Analytical ability to review, assess, and strategize based on the results.
• Able to step back and look at scenarios at a macro level, solving the immediate challenge and providing long‑term solutions.
• Expert on defining/evolving processes and empowering operational teams for success.
• Natural relationship manager, understanding how to balance the company’s needs with that of a partner.
• Motivated to lead by example and hold others accountable to high standards.
• Comfortable working independently or collaboratively with peers and senior executives.
• Revenue‑minded, but not at the expense of our people, our guests, or the user experience.
• Excellent communicator with good presentation skills, able to speak on behalf of the business.
• Ability to navigate the digital advertising industry and maintain relationships with publishers, broadcasters, agencies, advertisers, and tech vendors.
• In‑depth understanding of digital media and the advertising industry, particularly video and within EMEA.
• IT savvy across core business applications and collaboration tools (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).

The Perks:

• 25 days annual leave.
• Private medical insurance & dental care.
• Complimentary Park Entry: Free access to Disney parks for you, your family and friends.
• Disney Discounts: Discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing.
• Excellent parental and guardian leave.
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

This is an office‑based role. 4 days working in the Hammersmith, London office with 1 day working from home (Monday or Friday).

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with the necessary accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive all benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.