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Senior Manager, Programmatic

The Mars Agency

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Senior
96k-151k
1 day ago

Job Description

About the Role

Mars United Commerce Powered by Marilyn is a global commerce company that delivers all the solutions clients need to grow their business today and tomorrow. Founded by the late Marilyn Barnett, we've become global leaders in four key commerce disciplines - Strategy & Analytics, Digital Commerce, Content & Experiences, and Retail Consultancy - that together form a United Commerce Ecosystem providing all the expertise clients need to navigate the commerce marketing landscape. Our 800+ Martians across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia exist to drive growth for our people, our clients, and our communities all across the globe. We're looking for a Senior Manager, Programmatic to work in a hybrid remote capacity from one of the Mars United Commerce hub locations. Experience with platforms such as The Trade Desk, Walmart DSP, Amazon DSP, or other demand-side platforms is required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and develop programmatic media activation strategy and oversee teammates to build and flawlessly execute best-in-class campaigns across DSPs.
  • Direct and train Managers and Specialists on best practices for hands-on setup, management, optimization, and reporting of programmatic campaigns.
  • Lead strategy on audience segmentation, inventory selection, bidding strategies, and refine overall activation plans based on client objectives and platform capabilities.
  • Collaborate with the Director to evolve processes that improve daily and weekly optimizations and performance across a variety of platforms and clients.
  • Create and present strategic media plans and collaborate with senior internal leaders to align programmatic strategy with broader commerce goals.
  • Support development of holistic media strategy, client media mix, and budget allocations, while leading Managers and Specialists in executing tactics that support the strategy.
  • Maintain oversight of campaign setup, performance, optimization, and reporting across programmatic platforms.
  • Lead, manage, mentor, and scale the skillsets of the team in workflow, training, development, and adherence to best practices.
  • Deliver high-quality insights and strategic recommendations based on client objectives, media strategy, and campaign results.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in programmatic advertising.
  • Hands-on experience with media buying in DSPs such as The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon DSP, or similar platforms.
  • Confident presenter and persuasive communicator (verbal and written) of complex information.
  • Owner and leader mentality, with willingness to "roll up your sleeves."
  • Exceptional Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, etc.).
  • Proactive campaign monitoring, optimization, and performance-based reporting.
  • Experience with audience targeting, contextual strategies, and inventory curation.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities across clients, vendors, and internal teams.
  • Self-starter with a passion for digital media and commerce.
  • Strategic thinker with a creative approach to solving complex challenges.
  • Collaborative team player who can challenge peers and clients constructively.
  • Experience managing and mentoring direct reports, empowering them to grow into strategic roles.
  • Strong storytelling skills in client presentations, with a focus on business strategy and client motivations.
  • Ability to operate independently with polished, strategic deliverables.
  • Skilled in handling client objections and refining recommendations to align with client goals.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with inventory curation and contextual strategies.
  • Experience with platform-specific optimization techniques.

Qualifications

  • Educational background not explicitly specified in the description.

Benefits & Perks

  • Comprehensive group health plans.
  • Paid maternity and paternity benefits for pregnancy, adoption, and surrogacy.
  • Flexible paid time off.
  • Confidential employee assistance program.
  • Ongoing wellness support initiatives.
  • Trusted financial health advice and guidance.
  • Promotion of education through tuition support and assistance.
  • Flexible and supportive work environment and culture.

Working at The Mars Agency

Mars United Commerce has developed a wide variety of inclusive benefit plans and policies that address and promote the needs of all employees and their family members, including comprehensive health plans, parental leave, flexible paid time off, wellness initiatives, financial guidance, education support, and a flexible, supportive work environment and culture.

Apply Now

Job Details

Posted AtSep 22, 2025
Salary96k-151k
Job TypeFull Time
Work ModeHybrid
ExperienceSenior

Job Skills

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About The Mars Agency

Website

themarsagency.com

Company Size

501-1000 employees

Location

Chicago, IL

Industry

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