About the Role:

Due to exciting new client wins for PHD we're looking to expand the Media Activation team here in PHD Manchester and are looking for a Programmatic+ Associate Director. This role is ideal for an enthusiastic and driven display specialist with experience across programmatic platforms such a DV360, TTD and Amazon DSP. You'll play a central role in the strategy, planning & execution of programmatic display & video campaigns, reporting directly into the Programmatic+ Director and overseeing a team of specialists across your client patch. Part of your remit will include collaborating with the rest of the Media Experience (activation) team and liaising with our media partners to keep up to date with the latest developments in your field. You will be working across a mix of Brand and Performance focused clients, with FMCG and retail being the key verticals. The role will give you the opportunity to be client facing, showcasing your Programmatic expertise as the specialist here for clients and shouting both internally and externally with awards submissions about the great work your team is delivering.

The person we're looking for will:

• Have a passion for all things direct & programmatic display
• Have experience setting up and running activity across DSPs (ideally DV360 and theTradeDesk but other options would be accepted)
• Have a clear understanding of the digital landscape and knowledge of key technologies, platforms and providers that we use, with an enthusiam to backfill any skill gaps in areas with less experience
• Have a proven track record of campaign management, optimisation and reporting on paid media 
• Have solid capabilities within PowerPoint and Excel 
• Be able to understand client's business needs and translate that into programmatic plans
• Demonstrate diligence in administrative and financial processes related to display & programmatic media
• Have experience confidently presenting to clients on conference calls and in meetings

About the Agency:

PHD UK is a growth-focused media agency driven by innovation and creativity. It is the reigning Campaign AND Media Week Awards Media Agency of the Year and in March 2026 was named as the most awarded media agency in the World in the annual Warc Media 100 rankings. 

Founded in London in 1990, we were the first media agency to offer strategic and creative planning at a time when the industry was about buying cheaply and quickly.

Our founders saw a bright future where smart thinking and clever planning could help brands grow faster than their competitors.

Over the subsequent 3 decades, we have continued to build on this defining ethic — with our evolution shaped by a continual investment in thought leadership and a culture of Ingenuity.  

Today, with over 100 offices in 74 countries, we continue to create remarkable campaigns that lead to remarkable growth – using the extending canvas of data and technology.

www.phdmedia.com/london

www.phdmedia.com/manchester

About the Role:

As a Programmatic Manager you will be responsible for ensuring delivery of Display and Video (You Tube) campaigns against client business objectives, from planning through to reporting. You will be expected to drive innovation in precision marketing that can improve client outcomes as well as developing processes across team operations. You will work closely with clients, internal teams and technology partners to ensure campaigns achieve client objectives and drive measurable results. This role involves leveraging data and technology to deliver targeted, efficient and impactful digital advertising solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support in the setup and management of programmatic campaigns across various platforms (e.g. DSPs such as DV360, The Trade Desk, Yahoo & Amazon) as well as verification partners (IAS & Double Verify) to ensure campaigns are delivered on time, within budget and meet performance targets
• Help develop and implement comprehensive strategies that align with client goals and objectives, identifying key social media opportunities and platforms to maximise campaign impact
• Act as point of contact for clients regarding programmatic, campaign plans and performance reports
• Monitor and analyse campaign performance data to identify trends, insights and areas for optimisation
• Prepare and present detailed performance reports to clients and internal stakeholders using data analysis to provide actionable recommendations for future campaigns and strategy adjustments, highlighting key metrics and insights
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define campaign requirements and success metrics and work closely with creative teams to ensure ads are designed and delivered in-line with specifications
• Help train and mentor junior team members
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends, emerging technologies and best practices to enhance campaign performance and efficiency

About You

• You have a solid knowledge of various programmatic advertising platforms along with experience managing successful campaigns.
• You have a clear understanding of programmatic advertising technology, data management platforms (DMPs) and demand-side platforms (DSPs).
• You are familiar with managing multiple campaigns and projects simultaneously and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of campaigns.
• You have an appetite to test & learn innovative partners to help develop clients’ programmatic strategies.
• You have excellent analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• You stay informed about emerging technologies, including AI and are open to exploring how automation and AI tools can enhance creativity, performance and efficiency in media.
• You can lead, mentor and support junior team members to foster professional growth, collaboration and high performance.

About the Agency:

PHD UK is a growth-focused media agency driven by innovation and creativity. It is the reigning Campaign AND Media Week Awards Media Agency of the Year and in March 2026 was named as the most awarded media agency in the World in the annual Warc Media 100 rankings. 

Founded in London in 1990, we were the first media agency to offer strategic and creative planning at a time when the industry was about buying cheaply and quickly.

Our founders saw a bright future where smart thinking and clever planning could help brands grow faster than their competitors.

Over the subsequent 3 decades, we have continued to build on this defining ethic — with our evolution shaped by a continual investment in thought leadership and a culture of Ingenuity.  

Today, with over 100 offices in 74 countries, we continue to create remarkable campaigns that lead to remarkable growth – using the extending canvas of data and technology.

www.phdmedia.com/london

www.phdmedia.com/manchester