Manager, Programmatic Commerce
Location: New York, United States · Category: Marketing & Growth · Seniority: Mid-Level · Posted: October 8, 2026 · Verified: Oct 8, 2026
Role Overview & Description
Track team expansion and market signals for GroupM
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GroupM
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This role manages programmatic media activations across retail media networks and DSPs, including Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, and The Trade Desk. The Manager will oversee campaign setup, optimization, and reporting, while leading a team and maintaining client relationships. Requires 3+ years in biddable media or paid ecommerce, experience with retail bid management tools like Pacvue or Skai, and team management experience.
About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com . About WPP Unite WPP Unite is a specialized unit within the WPP network, designed to deliver integrated, transformative marketing solutions for some of our most strategic clients. We bring together talent and capabilities across disciplines—media, creative, strategy, commerce, and analytics—to operate as one unified team. Our focus is not only on delivering exceptional work, but on continuously evolving how we work. We build and scale modern operating models, workflows, and tools that drive efficiency, transparency, and measurable impact across the business. Role Summary & Impact The Manager, Programmatic Commerce will utilize their retail expertise to drive excellence in tactical activation and day-to-day management of programmatic-based activations. You will lead audience and creative strategy development, competitive research, day-to-day campaign setup, management, and reporting of programmatic media buys. This role will be focused on programmatic activations across several retailer media networks and DSPs, including but not limited to Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, Walmart, etc. The role will require an understanding of each of the platforms and DSP’s programmatic offerings – from self-serve to managed service buys. You will connect directly with the retail media networks at each of the key customers on behalf of, and in partnership with the client. You will be supporting the Director, Programmatic Commerce as we seek to maximize retail media investment for our client accounts. An entrepreneurial spirit with a bias for action and problem-solving is necessary to be successful in this role. Skills and Experience Manage a team of direct reports and their career development. Oversee programmatic media activations across several retailer media networks and DSPs, including but not limited to Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, Walmart, etc. Execute campaign setup, bid recommendations, and budgeting to ensure overall client goal attainment, including the use of retail bid management technologies where applicable such as Pacvue, Skai, and Epsilo. Maintain excellent relationships with key account stakeholders to maximize promotional opportunities and assist them in navigating the Commerce activation landscape. Ensure on-going campaign compliance to GroupM established guidelines and best practices. Lead the incorporation of cross-channel testing and optimization strategies. Prepare campaign performance reports on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. Synthesize key data points, identify trends, and recommend activities to maximize business results and deliver an optimal customer experience. Address technical issues with media campaign serving. Stay up to date on changing marketplace dynamics surrounding ad products, technology and measurement across programmatic partners. Manage reconciliation, invoicing/billing, trafficking, and mapping data to our internal media campaign management platform. Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience 3+ years of experience in biddable performance media execution or paid ecommerce, with a strong preference for retail media programmatic execution. Experience managing a team of direct reports. Experience across the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Deep understanding of retail commercial elements such as profit margin, inventory levels, forecasting, and demand planning to inform media decisions. Deep understanding of how different media channels work together and how retail media fits within the wider ecosystem. Strong drive to understand the retail landscape and latest trends in commerce media. Experience with retail bid management platforms, such as Pacvue or Skai. Experience in campaign management and optimization across multiple retail platforms (Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Criteo, Google, Meta, etc.). Ability to collaborate and work effectively with internal teams and external partners. A self-starter attitude that thrives in a fast-paced environment. Excellent project-management skills; able to coordinate projects across multiple teams and functions. Life at WPP Media & Benefits Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including 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
About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com . About WPP Unite WPP Unite is a specialized unit within the WPP network, designed to deliver integrated, transformative marketing solutions for some of our most strategic clients. We bring together talent and capabilities across disciplines—media, creative, strategy, commerce, and analytics—to operate as one unified team. Our focus is not only on delivering exceptional work, but on continuously evolving how we work. We build and scale modern operating models, workflows, and tools that drive efficiency, transparency, and measurable impact across the business. Role Summary & Impact The Manager, Programmatic Commerce will utilize their retail expertise to drive excellence in tactical activation and day-to-day management of programmatic-based activations. You will lead audience and creative strategy development, competitive research, day-to-day campaign setup, management, and reporting of programmatic media buys. This role will be focused on programmatic activations across several retailer media networks and DSPs, including but not limited to Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, Walmart, etc. The role will require an understanding of each of the platforms and DSP’s programmatic offerings – from self-serve to managed service buys. You will connect directly with the retail media networks at each of the key customers on behalf of, and in partnership with the client. You will be supporting the Director, Programmatic Commerce as we seek to maximize retail media investment for our client accounts. An entrepreneurial spirit with a bias for action and problem-solving is necessary to be successful in this role. Skills and Experience Manage a team of direct reports and their career development. Oversee programmatic media activations across several retailer media networks and DSPs, including but not limited to Amazon, CitrusAd, Criteo, The Trade Desk, Walmart, etc. Execute campaign setup, bid recommendations, and budgeting to ensure overall client goal attainment, including the use of retail bid management technologies where applicable such as Pacvue, Skai, and Epsilo. Maintain excellent relationships with key account stakeholders to maximize promotional opportunities and assist them in navigating the Commerce activation landscape. Ensure on-going campaign compliance to GroupM established guidelines and best practices. Lead the incorporation of cross-channel testing and optimization strategies. Prepare campaign performance reports on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. Synthesize key data points, identify trends, and recommend activities to maximize business results and deliver an optimal customer experience. Address technical issues with media campaign serving. Stay up to date on changing marketplace dynamics surrounding ad products, technology and measurement across programmatic partners. Manage reconciliation, invoicing/billing, trafficking, and mapping data to our internal media campaign management platform. Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience 3+ years of experience in biddable performance media execution or paid ecommerce, with a strong preference for retail media programmatic execution. Experience managing a team of direct reports. Experience across the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Deep understanding of retail commercial elements such as profit margin, inventory levels, forecasting, and demand planning to inform media decisions. Deep understanding of how different media channels work together and how retail media fits within the wider ecosystem. Strong drive to understand the retail landscape and latest trends in commerce media. Experience with retail bid management platforms, such as Pacvue or Skai. Experience in campaign management and optimization across multiple retail platforms (Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Criteo, Google, Meta, etc.). Ability to collaborate and work effectively with internal teams and external partners. A self-starter attitude that thrives in a fast-paced environment. Excellent project-management skills; able to coordinate projects across multiple teams and functions. Life at WPP Media & Benefits Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including 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
About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com . About WPP Media 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 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 . Reporting of the Role This role reports to: Business Manager / Head of Programmatic Role Summary and Impact We are currently looking for a Manager – Programmatic to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the planning, execution, and optimization of programmatic media campaigns for a portfolio of leading brands. You will act as a key expert in data-driven media buying, working closely with internal teams, clients, and technology partners to deliver high-performing, audience-focused campaigns. The role requires strong analytical thinking and hands-on platform expertise to ensure campaign efficiency, audience precision, and measurable business impact. 3 Best Things About the Job Work with leading brands on cutting-edge, data-driven media solutions. Gain deep exposure to global ad-tech platforms, data ecosystems, and advanced audience strategies. Be part of a fast-evolving space driving innovation in modern media planning and activation. In This Role, Your Goals Will Be: In Three Months: Develop strong understanding of programmatic ecosystems, platforms, and campaign workflows. Oversee campaign setup, trafficking, monitoring, and basic optimization activities. Build strong relationships with internal teams, publishers, and technology partners. Ensure accurate execution of live campaigns and adherence to KPIs. In Six Months: Independently manage multiple programmatic campaigns end-to-end. Lead optimization strategies to improve performance across KPIs such as reach, efficiency, and conversion. Identify new audience, inventory, and data opportunities across platforms. Contribute to strategic recommendations and client presentations. In Twelve Months: Act as a go-to expert for programmatic planning and execution within the team. Drive innovation in audience strategy, automation, and performance optimization. Support new business pitches with programmatic solutions and insights. Demonstrate strong ownership of campaign outcomes and client satisfaction. What Your Day Job Looks Like Lead the setup, execution, monitoring, and optimization of programmatic campaigns. Manage DSPs, ad servers, and related platforms to ensure accurate and efficient delivery. Develop audience strategies, segmentation models, and bidding approaches. Continuously analyze campaign performance and implement optimization tactics. Generate detailed performance reports and actionable insights for clients. Collaborate with internal planning, analytics, and client teams for integrated execution. Coordinate with publishers, data partners, and technology vendors. Ensure campaigns meet KPIs and deliver measurable business outcomes. Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and platform innovations. Support strategic planning, client presentations, and post-campaign analysis. What You’ll Bring Strong expertise in programmatic advertising ecosystems and platforms. Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills. Hands-on experience with DSPs, ad servers, and campaign management tools. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and execution capabilities. Ability to work in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, Media Sciences, or related field. 4–6 years of experience in programmatic advertising, digital media, or media operations. Experience in managing campaign execution and optimization across multiple platforms. Certifications in Google Marketing Platform, DV360, or related tools will be an advantage. 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, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, employee wellbeing facilities, and employee mental health awareness days. WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or reg
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