Media Manager (Programmatic & Paid Social)

twentysix; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

VML is seeking a Media Manager to lead cross-channel media activation across Programmatic, Paid Social, and Paid Search, while maintaining and analyzing campaign performance data for an automotive client.

You will drive strategy, trafficking, pacing, optimizations, and reporting, collaborating with Omnichannel Strategy & Account teams to craft comprehensive media plans and client-ready performance insights.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in programmatic or paid social media activation.
• Agency experience preferred.
• Experience with conversion tracking methodologies.
• Familiarity with web analytics tools (Google Analytics, Omniture).
• Knowledge of DCM Trafficking and Reporting or similar ad servers.

Responsibilities

• Management of client paid media campaigns including strategy, issuing RFPs, trafficking, day-to-day pacing, optimizations and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with Omnichannel Strategy & Account teams to develop and execute media plans for Paid Search, Paid Social, Display, Video, Audio, ConnectedTV and others.
• Creates and refines internal and client-facing performance reports and in-depth analyses of marketing campaigns.
• Provides frequent progress reports regarding online marketing efforts and performance metrics to clients.
• Oversee strategic execution of media campaigns for more junior team members; ensure all media plans are in market and deadlines are met.
• Presents recommendations to managers, clients and prospects.
• Actively manages optimizations to assure client success.
• Assists in the management of tagging and tracking URLs.
• Executes media plans within DSPs, publishers, networks, and managed partner relationships such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, Amazon, Trade Desk, DV360, and others.

Skills

Programmatic & Paid Social

Campaign optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Client communication

Tools

Google Ads

Meta Ads

DV360

Trade Desk

Amazon Ads

Job description

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

Who we are looking for:

The Media Manager will be responsible for cross channel media activation and day to day management across Programmatic, Paid Social, and Paid Search, as well as maintaining and analyzing campaign performance data. This role will be responsible for assisting and ensuring timely and accurate campaign delivery across the team. You will be supporting an automotive client.

What you’ll do:

• Management of client paid media campaigns including strategy, issuing RFPs, trafficking, day-to-day pacing, optimizations and reporting.

• Work collaboratively with our Omnichannel Strategy & Account teams to develop and execute media plans for Paid Search, Paid Social, Display, Video, Audio, ConnectedTV and others.

• Creates and refines internal and client-facing performance reports in-depth analyses of marketing campaigns

• Provides frequent progress reports regarding online marketing efforts and performance metrics to clients

• Oversee strategic execution of media campaigns for more junior team members; ensure all media plans are in market and deadlines are met

• Presents recommendations to managers, clients and prospects

• Actively manages optimizations to assure client success

• Assists in the management of tagging and tracking URLs

• Executes media plans within DSPs, publishers, networks, and managed partner relationships such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, Amazon, Trade Desk, DV360, and others

Who you are:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to handle multiple assignments with effective resolution of conflicting priorities

• Exceptional problem-resolution skills including the ability to think creatively in the development of ideas/solutions that will contribute value in a dynamic, client-centered environment

• Quantitative analytical skills and aptitude. You’re comfortable working with large data sets and managing campaigns across a large number of accounts

What you’ll need:

• 1-3 years in programmatic or paid social media activation, agency experience preferred

• Strong understanding and ands-on experience in platforms such as: Programamtic DSPs (Amazon,DV360, TradeDesk, or similar), Paid Social Ads Managers (Meta, Tiktok, Linkedin)

• Familiarity with conversion tracking methodologies

• Experience working with cross functional department teams

• Knowledge of web analytics tools (Google Analytics, Omniture, Coremetrics)

• Familiarity with DCM Trafficking and Reporting or other 3rd party ad servers

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is $45,000—$100,000 USD. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

We offer a competitive benefits package.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram LinkedIn X.