Senior 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, a WPP agency in Chicago, seeks a Senior Media Manager to lead cross-channel paid media activation and day-to-day campaign management across Programmatic, Paid Social, and Paid Search. You will maintain and analyze campaign performance data and ensure timely delivery across the team.

The role requires 3–5 years in a cross-channel paid media role, strong knowledge of DSPs and analytics tools, and hands-on experience with major platforms. A hybrid work model is offered with in-office days.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in a cross-channel paid media activation role.
• Strong understanding of Programmatic, Paid Social and Paid Search.
• Hands-on experience in platforms such as Programmatic DSPs (Amazon, DV360, TradeDesk, or similar), Paid Social Ads Managers (Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn).
• Strong software use skills including Microsoft Office applications and aptitude to quickly learn new tools.
• Familiarity with conversion tracking methodologies.
• Knowledge of web analytics tools (Google Analytics, Omniture, Coremetrics).
• Familiarity with DCM Trafficking and Reporting or other 3rd party ad servers.

Responsibilities

• Management of client paid media campaigns including strategy, trafficking, day-to-day pacing, optimizations and reporting.
• 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 with in-depth analyses of campaigns.
• Provides regular progress reports regarding online marketing efforts and performance metrics to clients.
• Oversee strategic execution of campaigns for more junior team members; ensure 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 partner relationships such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, Amazon, Trade Desk, DV360, and others.

Skills

Cross-channel paid media activation

Programmatic

Paid Social

Paid Search

Data analysis

Campaign management

Client communication

Tools

Programmatic DSPs (Amazon, DV360, Trade Desk)

Google Ads

Meta Ads Manager

Google Analytics

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 and 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 Senior 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.

**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: **

• Around 3-5 years in a cross channel paid media activation role, digital or media agency experience required
• Strong understanding of Programmatic, Paid Social and Paid Search
• Hands-on experience in platforms such as: Programamtic DSPs (Amazon,DV360, TradeDesk, or similar), Paid Social Ads Managers (Meta, Tiktok, Linkedin)
• Strong software use skills including in-depth knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access), and aptitude to quickly learn new tools
• Familiarity with conversion tracking methodologies
• 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 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 for more details.

$45,000—$100,000 USDWe 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.

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, andfollowalong on Instagram,LinkedIn, andX.