Freelance Manager, Programmatic

DEPT®•San Diego, CA

3d•$65,000 - $80,000•Remote

About The Position

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company focused on helping ambitious brands grow faster by operating at the intersection of technology and marketing. They create what's next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further. The company values curiosity, intent, and invention, with a culture built on being better together, relentlessly curious, and getting things done. At DEPT®, employees have the freedom to explore, collaborate, and make a real impact. This role is for a Programmatic Manager who will be an expert in programmatic and direct buying, staying updated on industry trends and best practices to apply them for clients. The manager will be part of a cross-functional team, ensuring client needs are met. Responsibilities include negotiating direct deals and building full-funnel media plans to drive growth.

Requirements

2-4 years of hands-on experience in programmatic media buying, specifically within Google Ads and DSPs like DV360, The Trade Desk, or Amazon DSP.
Deep understanding of the programmatic ecosystem, including identity solutions, real-time bidding, and the evolving cookie-less landscape.
Proven ability to manage high volume, full-funnel campaigns, moving from broad awareness to performance-based conversion.
Proven ability to manage high-touch accounts while prioritizing effectively and maintaining composure and positivity under pressure.
Proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools; you can find the "story" within the spreadsheet.
Experience with ad servers (Google Campaign Manager 360) and 3rd party verification tools (IAS, DoubleVerify, MOAT).
Exceptional communication skills—you can explain the complexities of programmatic to clients in a clear and compelling way.
A "better together" spirit and a relentless curiosity to test new platforms and inventory sources.
Candidates must be located in either the Mountain or Pacific time zones.

Responsibilities

Maintain 100% focus on one of DEPT®s largest, most dynamic clients.
Design and execute programmatic strategies across Display, Video, CTV, and Audio that align with client business objectives.
Manage large scale budgets, ensuring optimal allocation across tactics and inventory to maximize ROI.
Lead the negotiation and management of Programmatic Guaranteed (PG) and Private Marketplace (PMP) deals with premium publishers.
Translate complex programmatic data into actionable insights for client presentations, moving beyond the "what" to the "why."
Partner with Integrated Planning and Data Strategy teams to ensure programmatic activity is a cohesive part of the total media mix.
Oversee the technical quality of campaigns, ensuring brand safety standards and 3rd-party verification (IAS, DV) are strictly maintained.
Provide guidance and tactical support to Associate-level team members, helping to foster the next generation of programmatic experts.