Manager, Programmatic at Publicis Groupe in Chicago, IL

Company Description

Starcom is the world's first standalone media agency, a storied innovator that continues to lead the way for many of the world's best brands.

Starcom has long been the professional birthplace and proving ground for marketing leaders – CEOs, CMOs, sales leaders, and technology pioneers – and we continue to drive the industry with peerless talent and relentless innovation.

From the start, we've known that achieving growth for our clients requires understanding and connecting with real people where they live and work, in ways they value.

In an AI era, we remain ""Guided By Humanity,"" a phrase that describes our foundational belief that human expertise must remain in the driver's seat, supported by the best processes and technology.

With our proprietary capabilities and Publicis Media's industry-leading resources and clout, we create ideas that move people and drive transformative business outcomes for brands.

Overview

As a Manager, Programmatic, you'll lead strategic planning and hands-on execution for programmatic campaigns across full-funnel channels (display, video, CTV/OTT, DOOH, etc). This role is both strategic and operational: you will generate optimization strategy, drive measurable performance, partner with analytics and account leads, and mentor Analysts/Sr. Analysts to deliver best-in-class work. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, ensuring campaigns are innovative, data-driven, and aligned with business objectives. 

Responsibilities

• Own programmatic campaign planning, execution, and optimization across leading DSP platforms (e.g., The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon Advertising Platform, Yahoo DSP), ensuring alignment with client KPIs.

• Communicate digital strategies and rationale for tactical approaches to clients and internal teams.

• Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and performance insights.

• Apply emerging platform features and best practices to enhance campaign performance, including audience segmentation, bid strategies, and dynamic creative optimization.

• Partner with analytics to implement measurement plans and interpret performance data using tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and/or attribution modeling frameworks.

• Manage campaign QA processes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure accurate platform implementation.

• Oversee delivery of creative assets, insertion orders, and campaign documentation for timely launches.

• Generate and manage monthly billing and spend reporting in coordination with Analysts.

• Prepare and deliver client presentations showcasing campaign performance, actionable recommendations, and insights. Provide feedback to junior team members during report and insight development.

• Participate in knowledge-sharing sessions to stay current on trends and share optimization strategies.

• Collaborate with media and tech partners to leverage ad verification tools and ensure brand safety and viewability compliance.

• Leverage AI-based tools to enhance Programmatic Activation efficiency and campaign performance.

• Collaborate with internal teams to problem solve, resolve campaign issues, decipher budget discrepancies, and complete necessary client deliverables

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive experience in programmatic media.

• Proven ability to design and execute strategic media plans aligned with client KPIs and business goals.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.

• Hands-on experience with DSP platforms (e.g., The Trade Desk, DV360, Yahoo DSP, Amazon DSP) and familiarity with DMPs.

• Strong understanding of programmatic metrics, optimization strategies, and attribution Modeling frameworks.

• Familiarity with ad verification tools (IAS, DoubleVerify) and brand safety protocols.

• Excellent client & partner communication — able to present performance, explain technical choices and recommend strategy.

• Strong troubleshooting, QA discipline, and project management skills.

• Strong client-facing experience and ability to manage issues effectively.

• Resourceful, curious, and motivated with a passion for innovation and continuous learning.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred

Additional Information

Starcom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources. Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include:

• Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or more
• Monetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and Fertility
• Monetary assistance and support for pet adoption
• Employee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balance
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and more
• Matching Gifts programs
• Flexible working arrangements
• 'Work Your World’ Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)
• Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

The benefits offerings listed are available to U.S. based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMTTACompliance@publicis.com.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation Range: USD $75,050.00 - USD $107,835.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 8/23/2026.