Mid-Level Programmatic Media Specialist

Red September; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 424,000 - 502,000; Full time

Job summary

Red September in Pretoria is seeking a Mid-Level Programmatic Media Specialist to plan, implement, manage and optimise programmatic campaigns across display, video and mobile. You’ll work with DV360, Campaign Manager 360 and GA4 to translate client goals into measurable results.

You will own delivery, budgeting, pacing and performance while collaborating with Paid Media, Strategy, Account Management, Creative and Development teams.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ relevant experience in programmatic media buying.
• Hands-on DV360 experience building and optimising campaigns.
• Experience with Google Campaign Manager 360.
• GA4 and Looker Studio for analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets.
• Experience with display, video and mobile campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop programmatic campaign plans aligned with client objectives, budgets and KPIs.
• Build, launch and manage campaigns in DV360.
• Select inventory, audiences, placements and bidding strategies.
• Implement prospecting, retargeting, contextual targeting and audience segmentation.
• Manage trafficking, frequency caps and launch checks.
• Monitor performance, delivery and budget pacing daily.
• Optimise bidding, targeting, placements and creative against objectives.
• Collaborate with GA4 and Looker Studio for reporting and insights.

Skills

Analytical ability

Attention to detail

Campaign ownership

Education

Digital media qualifications or platform certifications

Tools

DV360

Google Campaign Manager 360

GA4

Looker Studio

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Company: Red September

Location: Pretoria, Gauteng

Employment type: Full-time

Salary range: R38,000–R45,000 per month, depending on experience and expertise

Red September is an integrated digital marketing agency looking for a Mid-Level Programmatic Media Specialist with strong technical skills and hands‑on experience in programmatic media buying.

If you’re confident using Google Display & Video 360 (DV360), enjoy analysing campaign data and know how to turn media budgets into measurable results, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

You will plan, implement, manage and optimise programmatic advertising campaigns across display, video and mobile. Working closely with our Paid Media, Strategy, Account Management, Creative and Development teams, you’ll translate client objectives into effective campaigns and take ownership of delivery, budget pacing and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Programmatic Strategy & Campaign Execution

• Develop programmatic campaign plans aligned with client objectives, budgets and KPIs.
• Build, launch and manage campaigns in DV360.
• Select suitable inventory, audiences, placements and bidding strategies.
• Implement prospecting, retargeting, contextual targeting and audience segmentation.
• Manage campaign trafficking, frequency caps and launch checks.

Campaign Optimisation & Budget Management

• Monitor campaign performance, delivery and budget pacing daily.
• Optimise bidding, targeting, placements and creative against agreed objectives.
• Manage budgets accurately and flag potential overspending or underdelivery early.
• Test campaign approaches and implement improvements based on results.
• Monitor inventory quality, brand safety, viewability and invalid traffic.

Technical Implementation & Measurement

• Work with Campaign Manager 360 on trafficking, ad serving and measurement.
• Troubleshoot delivery issues, tracking discrepancies and platform challenges.
• Work with GA4 and collaborate with technical teams on conversion tracking.
• Check that campaign tracking and reporting are accurate before launch.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Prepare campaign reports and Looker Studio dashboards with clear insights and recommendations.
• Conduct post-campaign analysis and share findings with internal teams and clients where required.
• Monitor and reconcile media spend against approved budgets.
• Keep campaign records and project management tasks up to date.
• Communicate progress, risks and support needs proactively.

Essential Requirements

• Approximately 3–5 years’ relevant experience in programmatic media buying and campaign management.
• Hands‑on DV360 experience, including independently building, launching and optimising campaigns.
• Practical experience with Google Campaign Manager 360.
• Strong understanding of demand‑side platforms, real‑time bidding and programmatic inventory buying.
• Experience managing display, video and mobile campaigns.
• Sound knowledge of audience targeting, bidding strategies, budget pacing and campaign optimisation.
• Experience using GA4 and Looker Studio for analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical ability and technical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns and meet deadlines.
• Clear communication and a proactive approach to resolving issues.
• Experience in a digital marketing or media agency environment.

Advantageous Experience

• Additional DSPs, such as The Trade Desk, Criteo or Adform.
• Private marketplace deals, preferred deals and programmatic guaranteed buying.
• Connected TV, digital audio or digital out‑of‑home campaigns.
• Third‑party ad verification tools.
• Google Tag Manager and conversion tracking implementation.
• Exposure to paid search and paid social advertising.
• Relevant digital media qualifications or platform certifications.

Who We’re Looking For

You’re analytical, organised and comfortable taking ownership of your campaigns. You pay close attention to budgets and setup accuracy, communicate concerns early and work well with colleagues across different disciplines.

You’re also curious about advertising technology and motivated to keep developing your programmatic expertise.