Programmatic & Ad Ops Specialist

Groupm; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital marketing agency in Johannesburg is seeking a Programmatic & Ad Operations Specialist to manage and optimize digital media campaigns. The candidate will handle campaign trafficking, monitor performance, and collaborate with various teams to ensure the best results for clients. This hybrid role combines technical skills with strategic media planning, making it vital for driving campaign success and achieving client goals.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years' experience in ad operations or programmatic trading.
• Proven expertise in ad server and DSP platforms.
• Strong understanding of brand safety tools.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end campaign trafficking and tag implementation.
• Monitor ad serving costs and ensure budget compliance.
• Manage campaigns across DSPs and SSPs.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Project management

Communication skills

Data visualization

Digital media knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Media, Marketing, or Analytics

Tools

Google Campaign Manager (DCM)

Sizmek

Adform

Datorama

Google Data Studio

IAS

DoubleVerify

Moat

Job description

GroupM Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaJoin or sign in to find your next jobJoin to apply for the Programmatic & Ad Ops Specialist role at GroupMGroupM Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Programmatic & Ad Ops Specialist role at GroupMPurpose of the RoleThe Programmatic & Ad Operations Specialist is responsible for the flawless execution and continuous optimization of digital media campaigns across programmatic platforms and ad servers.

This hybrid role blends campaign trafficking, tag management, ad operations, and programmatic trading to deliver performance-driven, data-informed results for our clients.

You will act as the central technical point of contact, ensuring effective media delivery, reporting, and yield optimization through SSPs, DSPs, and agency technology partners.Purpose of the RoleThe Programmatic & Ad Operations Specialist is responsible for the flawless execution and continuous optimization of digital media campaigns across programmatic platforms and ad servers.

This hybrid role blends campaign trafficking, tag management, ad operations, and programmatic trading to deliver performance-driven, data-informed results for our clients.

You will act as the central technical point of contact, ensuring effective media delivery, reporting, and yield optimization through SSPs, DSPs, and agency technology partners.Key ResponsibilitiesAd OperationsEnd-to-end campaign trafficking and tag implementation using platforms like Google Campaign Manager (DCM), Sizmek, or Adform.Creation and QA of Floodlight tags, post-site tracking pixels, and attribution tagging frameworks.Monitor ad serving costs and ensure campaigns remain within budget.Ensure brand safety and viewability compliance using tools like IAS, Moat, or DoubleVerify.Troubleshoot trafficking and delivery issues, liaising with publishers, creative teams, and analytics leads.Generate regular performance and attribution model reports, identifying anomalies and campaign inefficiencies.Programmatic Trading & OptimizationManage campaigns across DSPs (DV, The Trade Desk, Xandr, etc.)

and SSPs, ensuring optimal real-time bidding (RTB) practices.Own private marketplace (PMP) and open exchange deal setups, inventory forecasting, and campaign pacing.Optimize live campaigns to maximize client ROI, CPM efficiency, CTR, and CPA metrics.Collaborate with the sales, strategy, and analytics teams to ensure campaign KPIs align with client goals.Develop media plans and trading strategies based on data insights and market trends.Stay current on industry updates, ad tech innovations, and vendor capabilities to test new formats and technologies.Internal & External CollaborationWork directly with creative agencies, clients, and vendors to ensure flawless execution.Advise internal teams and clients on technical specs, tracking requirements, and platform capabilities.Contribute to new business pitches with programmatic trading insights and benchmarks.Partner with internal strategy and analytics teams to deliver actionable post-campaign analysis and performance insights.Key Skills & Experience3–5+ years' experience in ad operations, digital trafficking, or programmatic trading, preferably within an agency or ad tech environment.Proven expertise in at least one ad server (DCM, Sizmek, Adform) and DSP platform (DV, TTD, Xandr).Strong understanding of brand safety tools and 3rd-party verification (IAS, DoubleVerify, Moat).Experience with live dashboards (e.g., Datorama, Google Data Studio) and data visualization tools.Solid knowledge of the digital media landscape, including local publishers and inventory quality.Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret performance data and translate it into optimization strategies.Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; strong attention to detail and project management abilities.Ability to manage multiple campaigns and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident in presenting technical recommendations to clients and internal teams.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Media, Marketing, Analytics, or a related field.Google Campaign Manager & DV certifications (or willingness to certify within onboarding period).Experience with social platforms (Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok) a plus.Seniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionMarketing and SalesIndustriesMarket Research, Advertising Services, and Online Audio and Video MediaReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at GroupM by 2xGet notified about new Advertising Specialist jobs in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.Tembisa, Gauteng, South Africa 2 days agoE-Commerce & Digital Marketing SpecialistJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 1 week agoJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 2 days agoJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 2 days agoCenturion, Gauteng, South Africa 2 weeks agoCenturion, Gauteng, South Africa 1 month agoMarketing Specialist at Momentum Insure | CenturionCenturion, Gauteng, South Africa 2 weeks agoDigital Marketing Specialist and Event CoordinatorCity of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 13 hours agoMarketing Specialist at Momentum Insure | Centurion MMH-2Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa 2 weeks agoSandton, Gauteng, South Africa 2 days agoCity of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 1 week agoBedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa 1 month agoSandton, Gauteng, South Africa 10 hours agoAlberton, Gauteng, South Africa 1 month agoSenior Multimedia Marketing Specialist (YouTube & Podcast)Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa $.00-$1,.00 2 days agoProduct Marketing Specialist (Johannesburg)Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 2 months agoSenior Multimedia Marketing Specialist (YouTube & Podcast)Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 3 days agoSalesforce Marketing Cloud Campaign SpecialistCenturion, Gauteng, South Africa 5 days agoSandton, Gauteng, South Africa 2 weeks agoSandton, Gauteng, South Africa 2 weeks agoWoodmead, Gauteng, South Africa 1 week agoJohannesburg Metropolitan Area 1 month agoJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 6 months agoJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 1 week agoPaid Ads & Amazon PPC Specialist (Office-Based)Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 1 month agoJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 3 days agoWe're unlocking community knowledge in a new way.

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Programmatic Specialist • Johannesburg, Gauteng