Senior Programmatic Advertising Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

Realtime is looking for a Senior Programmatic Manager to be a leader within our programmatic advertising team, working directly with clients on their channel strategy and maintaining key relationships with media owners. This is a senior role for an experienced operator who is as comfortable in the platforms as they are in the boardroom.

If you thrive at the intersection of data-driven strategy, client leadership, and hands-on execution — and you’re energized by building and mentoring high-performing teams — this role is for you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and lead the strategy, management, and optimization of programmatic advertising campaigns across multiple DSPs and inventory types.
• Communicate strategy, approach, and campaign success directly to clients on regular calls, QBRs, and onsite meetings.
• Manage a team of programmatic media buyers and tag traffickers, mentoring and developing talent to deliver best-in-class results.
• Lead campaign QA, troubleshooting, and, at times, full-scale trafficking to ensure flawless execution.
• Deliver testing and learning agendas; bring thoughtful, creative ideas to clients and act as a platform expert.
• Work directly with media owners, DSPs, and tech providers to build relationships, secure added value and new products, and ensure top-tier support for Realtime’s clients.
• Collaborate closely with account teams and other ad ops teams to align programmatic strategy with overarching account objectives.
• Implement best-practice optimization processes to ensure maximum campaign performance against KPIs and budget delivery.
• Ensure brand safety by monitoring ad placements using verification tools (e.g., DoubleVerify, IAS).
• Maintain bulletproof organization of client spend, budgets, naming conventions, and account structure.
• Champion innovation within paid media — bringing fresh ideas, staying ahead of platform trends, and identifying growth opportunities for clients.
• Support account leads and agency leadership with new business pitching, presentations, B2B product development, and award entries as required.
• Keep clients and internal teams informed of industry news, ensuring strategies remain relevant and effective.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 4 years of experience managing programmatic advertising campaigns.
• Strong leadership and mentorship experience — proven track record in leading, innovating, and mentoring teams that deliver best-in-class results and service.
• Hands-on experience with Amazon, TTD, or DV360 programmatic campaigns; experience with other paid media channels (social, paid search, retail media) is a strong plus.
• In-depth knowledge of programmatic platforms including The Trade Desk, Amazon, DV360, Google Campaign Manager, Yahoo DSP, StackAdapt, and others.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work directly with clients and push for the highest levels of execution.
• Degree in business, math, marketing, engineering, science, or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple accounts and projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines.
• Working understanding of tracking, tagging, and measurement fundamentals (UTM tagging, Google Analytics, platform tracking).
• Excellent analytical skills with a data-first approach to campaign strategy, performance, optimization, and decision-making.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and comfortable working across diverse campaigns and channels.
• Ad platform certifications are a plus.
• A genuine interest in digital marketing and a passion for continuous learning and innovation.

WHAT REALTIME OFFERS

• Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance: Full medical coverage with no out-of-pocket expenses, plus subsidized dental and vision plans.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 20 days of PTO annually, exclusive of federal holidays.
• Enhanced Sick Leave: Up to 10 additional days of sick leave to prioritize your health and well-being.
• “Work from Anywhere” Flexibility: 15 days per year to work from anywhere, supporting a flexible lifestyle.
• Special Birthday Perk: Enjoy a birthday morning lie-in to make your special day more enjoyable.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: 3% matched contribution to help secure your financial future.
• Customisable Benefits Plan: Choose benefits that fit your lifestyle with our benefits platform, Heka!
• Attractive Bonus Scheme: Access to an excellent performance-based bonus scheme to reward your contributions.
• Global Reach & Growth: Be part of a thriving, market-leading organization with opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
• Continuous Learning: Access a wealth of digital learning resources across programmatic, Google, influencer marketing, SEO, and affiliate marketing.
• Vibrant Work Environment: Join a fun, inclusive workplace with regular social events, breakfast and lunch gatherings, and office snacks.

LIVING OUR VALUES

Our values are at the core of everything we do. As part of our team, you are expected not only to deliver results but also to embody and promote our values in your daily work.

Always Curious

We are driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Risk-taking and innovation are at our core; we explore uncharted territories. Learning from our experiences, we continuously push boundaries and aim high.

Performance Driven

We deliver precise, effective strategies tailored for our clients. Our focus is on data, science, and exploration to ensure high performance. We take ownership of our work, always seeking improvement and excellence.

Relentlessly Ambitious

We set high standards and push beyond what’s expected. Clear, direct communication drives us to achieve outstanding results. Proactive and determined, we see tasks through to completion and beyond.

On the Front Foot

Our commitment to our goals is unwavering and proactive. We seize opportunities to optimize and enhance performance. Dependable and driven, we deliver on our promises and keep pushing forward.

Real and Authentic

We build genuine, lasting relationships with clients and colleagues. Transparency and honesty are fundamental; we communicate openly. We collaborate with integrity and respect, fostering a trustworthy environment.

Kind at Heart

We stand by our values of kindness, respect, and integrity in all interactions. Deep care for our team and clients, always ready to support and help. Generous with our time and resources, we are reliable and always available.

WHY REALTIME

Realtime is a global challenger agency that uses tech, innovation, and agility to out-punch the incumbents and bring real, effective change to the brands with which we work. Our motto is simple; “build cool s*** that wows”. To accomplish that, we lead the way with full-funnel strategic thinking, AI-backed advertising technology, and award-winning measurement strategies that take our brand partners to the next level.

Realtime is built for the AI era, and is backed by Pixis – the industry leader in AI advertising and creative tech that is trusted by thousands of brands and agencies globally. As part of the Pixis team, Realtime is the first-mover on the latest and greatest in AI adtech products and testing – and we take those advancements directly to our clients.

As part of the Realtime and Pixis team, candidates exploring opportunities with Realtime should expect to find a dynamic, uniquely positioned, and future-oriented organization that loves our people just as much as our clients.