Manager, Programmatic Media

Merge; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401K

Lifestyle Spending Account

Paid Time Off

Job summary

MERGE is seeking a Programmatic Media Manager to oversee and optimize programmatic campaigns across diverse channels, taking ownership of client relationships and delivering strategic planning with strong collaboration. You will lead execution, apply rigorous analytics, manage budgets and bids, work with analytics partners to validate results, and develop channel plans aligned with client objectives.

Our hybrid role favors candidates in Boston or Chicago, with a salary range of $86,450–$103,750,

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of media experience with 2+ years in programmatic leadership.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Google Ads and Analytics certifications preferred.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data into insights.
• Excellent client communication and relationship-building.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies for diverse media pillars.
• Create client-ready strategy decks and reports.
• Collaborate across campaigns and optimize in-market programs.
• Translate data into actionable insights for optimization.
• Be primary client contact and channel expert for clients.
• Work with Analytics to validate plans and advise on allocations.
• Recommend tools and resources for department operations.
• Manage budgets, bids and channel plans to meet goals.
• Run routine optimizations to maximize ROI.
• Lead client calls with agendas and strategic insights.
• Deliver quarterly/monthly wrap reports and roadmaps.
• Maintain relationships with media partners and vendors.

Skills

Media leadership

Programmatic strategy

Client management

Data analysis

Google Ads

Google Analytics

MS Office

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Trade Desk

Omniture

Coremetrics

Job description

At MERGE, we are Built Different. We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant.

This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives.

Emerge to the Top of Your Career

At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers.

As our Programmatic Media Manager, you will....

Oversee and drive the development and optimization of programmatic media campaigns across diverse channels, leveraging your expertise in marketing principles and digital platforms. You'll take ownership of client relationships, leading strategic planning and execution while overseeing routine optimizations and financial management. With a keen eye for problem-solving and a passion for learning, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the success of our programmatic media initiatives through strong collaboration and relationship‑building with media partners and vendors.

What You'll do

• Utilize expert understanding of marketing principles, media platforms, tools, and digital channels to develop and execute comprehensive strategies for diverse media pillars
• Craft client-ready documents with clear structure, storyline, and conclusions, including strategy decks, POVs, wrap reports, case studies, and status notes
• Collaborate creatively throughout the conception and execution phases of media campaigns, efficiently owning, managing, and optimizing in-market programs independently
• Apply strong quantitative and analytical skills to translate data into actionable insights, informing strategic recommendations and optimizations for client campaigns
• Serve as the primary client contact for key business assignments, meeting with media partners to understand the landscape and acting as the channel expert for clients
• Work closely with Analytics partners to validate the success of media plans and make data-driven recommendations for channel allocation
• Assess and recommend software, tools, and resources needed for departmental operations, ensuring optimal efficiency and performance
• Manage budgets and bids strategically to support campaign performance effectively, while developing channel plans aligned with client objectives and delegating internal projects accordingly
• Conduct routine optimizations, including budget allocations, commissions, bids, and targeting strategies, to maximize campaign performance and ROI
• Facilitate client calls by creating and delivering agendas, speaking to key points, and providing strategic insights and recommendations
• Compile and deliver quarterly/monthly wrap-up reports and roadmaps, synthesizing campaign performance data and strategic recommendations for clients
• Foster and maintain relationships with engine representatives and vendors to stay updated on industry trends and emerging opportunities

What You'll Bring

• 4-5 years of media experience, including at least 2+ years in programmatic media strategy leadership
• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent work experience
• Google Ads and Google Analytics certifications preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office & Google Workspace, with the ability to analyze data and create reports to support campaign planning and execution
• Strong quantitative analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Familiarity with conversion tracking methodologies and web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Omniture, Coremetrics)
• In-depth knowledge of ad-serving tools and measurement platforms (Trade Desk a plus)
• A clear understanding of ad verification systems and industry standards
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and conflicting priorities effectively
• Exceptional problem-resolution skills, with a creative approach to developing valuable solutions in a client-centered environment

#LI-NT1

#LI-HYBRID

Our Hybrid Philosophy

For this role, we prioritize hybrid candidates in Boston, MA or Chicago, IL.

Hybrid work is our default approach. We value time together for collaboration, relationship building, and key moments. Managers and team leaders determine in-person expectations based on what best supports their team, clients, and business needs. Some teams and roles require more regular in-person presence than others.

MERGE has hubs in Chicago, New York City, Boston, Kansas City, Raleigh, Denver, Atlanta, and St. Louis. Regardless of work arrangement, team members may be required to travel to a MERGE hub for meetings, team gatherings, events, or other business needs.

Total Rewards

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices.

The salary range for this role is $86,450 - $103,750, based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that includemeaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

And here’s how we live our values at MERGE

• Ability. Mastering our craft
• Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset
• Humility. Collaborating for shared success

MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be!