Global Director, Programmatic

Wpp; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 138,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical, vision & dental insurance

Retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Job summary

EssenceMediacom, a leading brand within WPP Media, seeks a Global Director of Programmatic to guide a team across video, mobile, social, display and native channels. You will partner with Strategy, Planning, Direct Investment and Analytics to deliver best-in-class programmatic campaigns.

You will drive measurement plans, desk operations, and governance while leading a skilled team and shaping future programmatic roadmaps. Hybrid work model in the U.S. is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years progressively senior/technical experience in programmatic or ad ops.
• Hands-on experience with ad technologies (DMPs/DSPs/SSPs/ad‑verification).
• Familiarity with MOAT/IAS/DoubleVerify and Nielsen DAR.
• Experience with ad‑serving and tag management.
• Knowledge of Media Mix Modeling or attribution modeling.
• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities.

Responsibilities

• Guide and direct the programmatic buying team across channels and devices.
• Collaborate with Data Science to develop measurement plans for tactical recommendations.
• Lead desk-level programmatic strategies and partner evaluations.
• Drive cross‑department collaboration with Strategy, Planning, Direct Investment and Analytics.
• Develop standard methodologies for desk operations, communications, and campaign management.

Skills

Programmatic leadership

Data‑driven decision making

Cross‑functional collaboration

Analytical & quantitative skills

Team leadership

Measurement planning

Strategic roadmap creation

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Analytics/Marketing/Communications/Advertising

Tools

DMPs

DSPs

SSPs

Ad verification tools

Tag management systems

Job description

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by ourpioneeringagentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

About EssenceMediacom: A Leading WPP Media Brand

This role is within EssenceMediacom, a leading brand within WPP Media, where you will be instrumental in driving breakthroughs for the world’s best brands through data-driven media and creative strategies.

Role Summary & Impact

As a Global Director, Programmatic, you will guide and direct the programmatic buying team, including Associate Directors, Managers, and a team of new and experienced programmatic specialists executing campaigns across multiple channels, platforms and devices such as video, mobile, social, display and native advertising. You will lead cross-departmental work streams and communication with Strategy, Planning, Direct Investment and Analytics to facilitate best-in-class execution and service to clients. In addition to team leadership, you will contribute to practice-level thought leadership and be responsibile for higher-level programmatic deliverables such as SWOTs, QBRs, POVs and account-level programmatic roadmaps.

Skills and Experience

• Provide programmatic leadership to Associate Directors, Managers, and junior staff.
• Collaborate with the Data Science and Analytics team to develop measurement plans for tactical recommendations.
• Continuously expand the knowledge base and improve our Programmatic offerings.
• Lead account-level programmatic roadmap creation in lockstep with the Data Science teams.
• Partner with our client and agency brand teams to drive their understanding of programmatic and its advantages and our capabilities to grow the adoption of programmatic as part of a holistic measurement plan that aligns optimizable media and brand metrics.
• You will develop, apply and share standard methodologies for desk operations, communications, campaign management, cross-departmental coordination (finance, ad ops, etc.), measurement planning and reporting.
• Help lead overall development of desk-level programmatic buying strategies; leadership of programmatic specialists; evaluation and identification of optimal partners (tech, data, media).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
• 7+ Years experience progressively senior/technical experience in programmatic, ad operations or biddable media on the media owner, agency (preferred) or ad tech side.
• Hands‑on experience with ad technologies including data management platforms, DSP’s, SSP’s, ad-verification, and third‑party data providers is required.
• Familiarity with viewability measurement (MOAT, IAS, DoubleVerify) and audience measurement (Nielsen DAR).
• Practical experience with ad‑serving solutions, tag management and operations is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with Media Mix Modeling, or attribution modeling is advantageous.
• Ability to showcase your strong analytical abilities and quantitative skills, including math proficiency.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising. WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office eventsshowcasingteam wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens whenwe'retogether, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

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The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

US Pay Range

$100,000 - $230,000 USD

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