Programmatic Lead at WPP Media in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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. Job Title: Programmatic Specialist Company: WPP Media South Africa Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Reports To: Media Solutions Lead Role Summary and Impact The Programmatic Specialist 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. 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 Specialist is expected to have a complete and unquestioned understanding of their assigned clients’ media business. They are also expected to have an understanding of their client’s overall business and marketing objectives The Programmatic Specialist is a steward of the media planning process and is expected to provide mid-level 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 This position is essential to the day-to-day running of the media account and requires an individual that works well in a team-based, fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. The Programmatic Trader is resourceful and demonstrates the initiative to participate in advanced projects. The Programmatic Specialist is expected to have a strong working knowledge of media space and available media research. They are also expected to be 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, so the ideal candidate is energetic, personable and able to multi-task. Works with senior management to develop strategies and recommendations for media plans. Use data and analysis to identify strategic optimizations to increase revenue and maximize yield within the programmatic stack. This role will also partner with the national sales team in successfully bringing new business via programmatic executions Duties and/ or tasks Manage day-to-day activities with DSP's, Agency trading desks and other buying platforms that are increasingly being given more responsibility and control over digital ad budgets for display and video Manage day-to-day relationships with Sales Side Platforms and the private marketplaces and open auction environments Manage inventory setup, avails and optional data targeting to create a higher value proposition Be a knowledge expert about all things programmatic for sales and advertiser/agency partners Create opportunities for incremental revenue by discussing alternative approaches and executions to purchase company inventory Evaluate potential new partners, platforms and opportunities for revenue growth Including but not limited to audience segmentation development and sales opportunities, yield analysis about site setup and location of higher priced inventory, and micro-analysis of inventory value as determined by buyers Skills and Experience Previous experience within the programmatic space; strong interest in evolving digital media. Strong organizational skills and ability to demonstrate a detail-oriented way of thinking. Adaptable to change and able to multi-task. Strong mathematics and analytic skills which result in the ability to relate results to client business objectives. Ability to expand and grow both internal and client understanding of DSP/ social ad technology, landscape and buying strategies Advanced computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AdWords Editor/ Facebook ad platform). Good writing and verbal communication skills (including presentation skills). Main Focus is the implementation, activation and reporting of campaigns in both local and rest of Africa. Ability to maintain structure in learning to understand the differences in the various markets. Ability to work well with Google products and being able to lead conversations regarding all things programmatic. 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: o    Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. o    Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. o    Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise. Life and Benefits at WPP Media 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. 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