Senior Programmatic Advertising Manager

About Realtime

Realtime is a global challenger agency that uses tech, innovation, and agility to out-punch the incumbents and bring real, effective change to the brands with which we work. Our motto is simple: “build cool s*** that wows.” We lead the way with full-funnel strategic thinking, AI-backed advertising technology, and award-winning measurement strategies that take our brand partners to the next level.

Realtime is built for the AI era, backed by Pixis — the industry leader in AI advertising and creative tech trusted by thousands of brands and agencies globally. As part of the Pixis team, Realtime is first-mover on the latest and greatest in AI adtech products, taking those advancements directly to our clients.

Candidates exploring opportunities with Realtime can expect a dynamic, uniquely positioned, and future-oriented organization that loves our people just as much as our clients.

Role Summary

As a Senior Programmatic Manager you will be a leader within the programmatic advertising team, working directly with clients on their channel strategy and maintaining key relationships with media owners. Core responsibilities include:
• Leading the strategy, management, and optimization of programmatic advertising campaigns across multiple DSPs and inventory types, targeting client KPIs.
• Serving as the primary client contact for all programmatic strategy, campaign performance, reporting, timelines, and execution — including regular calls, QBRs, and onsite meetings.
• Managing, mentoring, and developing a team of programmatic media buyers and tag traffickers, fostering a culture of performance, innovation, and collaboration.
• Overseeing campaign QA, troubleshooting, and full-scale trafficking as needed, maintaining bulletproof organization of client spend, budgets, naming conventions, and account structure.
• Delivering testing and learning agendas, implementing best practice optimization processes, and driving new ideas to maximize campaign performance and budget delivery.
• Working directly with media owners, DSPs, and other tech providers to build relationships, access added value and new products, and ensure top-tier support for Realtime’s clients.
• Ensuring brand safety by monitoring ad placements using verification tools (e.g., DoubleVerify, IAS) to prevent ads from appearing next to unsafe, fraudulent, or inappropriate content.
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and insights that maximize performance efficiency, and presenting findings and recommendations at regular client meetings.
• Championing innovation within Paid Media — bringing fresh ideas, staying ahead of platform trends, and identifying growth opportunities for clients.
• Collaborating with account teams and other adops teams across Realtime to align programmatic strategy with overarching account objectives.
• Supporting agency leadership with new business pitching, presentations, B2B product development, and award entries as required.
• Keeping clients and internal teams informed of industry news to ensure strategies remain relevant in the dynamic digital landscape.

You’re the Right Person If You Have
• 4+ years of experience managing programmatic advertising campaigns with a proven track record of meeting KPIs.
• Strong leadership and mentorship experience — a proven track record leading and developing teams that deliver best-in-class results.
• Hands-on experience with Amazon DSP, The Trade Desk, or DV360; experience with other paid media channels (Social, Paid Search, Retail Media) is a strong plus.
• In-depth knowledge of programmatic platforms including The Trade Desk, Amazon, DV360, Google Campaign Manager, Yahoo DSP, StackAdapt, etc.
• A working understanding of tracking, tagging, and measurement fundamentals (UTM tagging, Google Analytics, platform tracking).
• Excellent analytical skills with a data-first approach to campaign strategy, performance, optimization, and decision-making.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work directly with clients, ask hard questions, and push for the highest standards of execution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple accounts and projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and comfortable working across diverse campaigns and channels.
• Degree in business, math, marketing, engineering, science, or a related field.
• Ad platform certifications are a plus.
• A genuine interest in digital marketing and a passion for continuous learning and innovation.

What Realtime Offers
• Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, plus subsidized dental and vision plans.
• 20 days PTO annually (exclusive of federal holidays), plus up to 10 days of enhanced sick leave.
• 15 “Work from Anywhere” days per year.
• Birthday morning lie-in.
• 401(k) with 3% matched contribution.
• Customizable benefits via the Heka platform.
• Performance-based bonus scheme (10%).
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration within a global organization.
• Access to digital learning resources across programmatic, Google, influencer marketing, SEO, and affiliate marketing.
• Vibrant, inclusive workplace with regular social events, breakfasts, lunches, and office snacks.