Programmatic Lead

WPP Media; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 80 000 - 120 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company in Johannesburg is seeking a Programmatic Lead to ensure flawless delivery of programmatic activities. The ideal candidate will manage day-to-day relationships with DSPs, deliver effective campaigns, and mentor junior specialists. Strong proficiency with major Demand-Side Platforms and advanced analytical skills are essential. This role promises vibrant team dynamics and competitive benefits, including medical and retirement plans, plus a hybrid working approach.

Benefits

Competitive medical insurance

Group retirement plans

Paid time off

Employee mental health awareness days

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of DSPs like Google DV360, The Trade Desk, etc.
• Ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.
• Experience mentoring and guiding junior specialists.

Responsibilities

• Deliver programmatic activities and execute best-in-class campaigns.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with DSPs and sales side platforms.
• Mentor and train junior programmatic specialists.

Skills

Expert-level proficiency with DSPs

Strong understanding of the ad tech ecosystem

Proven track record of managing media budgets

Advanced analytical skills

Proficiency in data visualization tools

Excellent communication skills

Strong project management skills

Self-starter attitude

Job description

About WPP Media

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com. WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

Values

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

Role Summary and Impact

The Programmatic Lead is responsible for the flawless delivery of programmatic activity. Your core focus will be to continuously deliver value for your client(s) by planning and executing best‑in‑class campaigns; working with core SSP/DSP/Network partners to help your client(s) to be the first to trial new formats and features; and create and deliver gold standard optimization and delivery plans. Reporting to the Head of Media Management & Delivery, this role assumes responsibility for day‑to‑day management and partnerships with core SSP/DSP/Network partners assisting the company monetize their entire portfolio of video and display impressions.

• The Programmatic Lead is expected to have a complete and unquestioned understanding of their assigned clients’ media business and overall business and marketing objectives.
• They are a steward of the media planning process and are expected to provide strategic recommendations to the senior media team and/or the client.
• Assist in planning, implementing and maintaining media campaigns with a focus in Real Time Bidding.
• Essential to the day‑to‑day running of the media account, working well in a team‑based, fast‑paced, detail‑oriented environment. The Programmatic Trader is resourceful and demonstrates initiative to participate in advanced projects.
• They have a strong working knowledge of media space and available media research, and are proficient in agency procedures (both media and inter‑department).
• Aptitude for learning new skills (both technical and organic) and procedures is essential.
• Supports multiple accounts and works with some client teams across the agency; the ideal candidate is energetic, personable and able to multi‑task.
• Works with senior management to develop strategies and recommendations for media plans.
• Uses data and analysis to identify strategic optimizations to increase revenue and maximize yield within the programmatic stack.
• Partners with the national sales team in successfully bringing new business via programmatic executions.
• Manages day‑to‑day activities with DSPs, agency trading desks and other buying platforms that are increasingly given more responsibility and control over digital ad budgets for display and video.
• Manages day‑to‑day relationships with sales side platforms and private marketplaces in open auction environments.
• Manages inventory setup, avails and optional data targeting to create a higher value proposition.
• Is a knowledge expert about all things programmatic for sales and advertiser/agency partners.
• Creates opportunities for incremental revenue by discussing alternative approaches and executions to purchase company inventory.
• Evaluates potential new partners, platforms and opportunities for revenue growth, including audience segmentation development, sales opportunities, yield analysis, site setup and micro‑analysis of inventory value as determined by buyers.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor, train, and guide junior programmatic specialists, fostering their growth and expertise.
• Provide thought leadership and expertise on programmatic best practices, industry trends, and platform updates.
• Contribute to the development of internal processes and playbooks for programmatic excellence.

Skills and Experience

• Expert‑level proficiency with major Demand‑Side Platforms (DSPs) such as Google DV360, The Trade Desk, MediaMath, Xandr, Amazon DSP, etc. (Certifications a plus).
• Strong understanding of the ad tech ecosystem, including SSPs, DMPs, ad servers, and attribution models.
• Proven track record of managing significant media budgets and consistently exceeding performance targets.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and derive actionable insights.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Google Data Studio, Tableau, Power BI) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns and priorities simultaneously.
• Self‑starter with a proactive attitude and a passion for continuous learning in a rapidly evolving industry.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in‑office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.

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 around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.groupm.com/groupm-privacy-notice-for-recruitment/) for more information on how we process the information you provide.