Associate Director, Programmatic

Associate Director, Programmatic

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Director, Programmatic based in Canada.

As an Associate Director, Programmatic, you will lead the strategic development and expansion of programmatic advertising services within a performance-driven digital marketing environment. You will shape campaign strategies, oversee activation, and help deliver measurable revenue growth for B2B and SaaS clients. Combining strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise, you will drive innovation across programmatic platforms and advertising channels. You will manage and develop a high-performing team while strengthening collaboration across internal departments and external partners. Through advanced measurement frameworks and performance analysis, you will identify opportunities to optimize campaigns and improve client outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to influence departmental strategy, contribute to new business growth, and establish best practices in programmatic advertising.

Accountabilities

In this leadership role, you will own the strategic direction and operational development of programmatic services, ensuring campaigns deliver measurable business impact and align with broader client and organizational objectives. Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement comprehensive programmatic strategies that strengthen advertising capabilities and drive client growth.
• Lead the expansion and continuous improvement of programmatic service offerings.
• Oversee programmatic media planning, campaign activation, optimization, and performance measurement.
• Establish relevant KPIs and measurement frameworks to evaluate campaign effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze campaign performance and translate data into actionable recommendations that support client objectives and revenue growth.
• Lead, coach, and motivate programmatic team members, encouraging professional development and high performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align programmatic initiatives with broader marketing strategies and business goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with programmatic partners, vendors, and advertising platforms.
• Provide strategic guidance on how programmatic advertising integrates with paid and organic channels to improve overall marketing performance.
• Contribute programmatic expertise to new business opportunities, including campaign audits, pitches, and client presentations.
• Act as a subject matter expert and thought leader, sharing industry insights and developing perspectives that advance the department's capabilities.
• Support learning and development initiatives by promoting best practices, technical expertise, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is an experienced programmatic advertising leader with a strong combination of strategic vision, technical knowledge, and people management capabilities. You should have a proven ability to grow client accounts, lead teams, and deliver measurable results in complex B2B and SaaS marketing environments. Key qualifications include:

• At least 7 years of experience in programmatic advertising roles within publishers, advertising agencies, or ad tech companies.
• At least 2 years of demonstrated people management experience, including coaching, motivating, and developing teams.
• Proven experience driving programmatic growth for B2B and SaaS clients with monthly advertising budgets exceeding $50,000.
• Strong understanding of how programmatic advertising works alongside other paid and organic marketing channels to achieve broader client objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in programmatic media planning and the development of campaign measurement frameworks.
• Recent hands-on experience building, managing, and optimizing campaigns within Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs).
• Experience with The Trade Desk (TTD), Nexxen, and DV360 is preferred.
• Account-Based Marketing (ABM) experience.
• Experience supporting new business development through programmatic audits, strategic recommendations, and presentations.
• Ability to provide clear strategic perspectives and subject matter expertise to support departmental growth and learning initiatives.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and experience working directly with clients and external partners.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a results-oriented approach.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Annual base salary: CAD $100,000–$130,000, with eligibility for additional bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as disability and life insurance for employees and their families.
• 100% employer-paid insurance coverage for employees and a 50% employer contribution toward dependent coverage.
• Access to certified therapists through Spring Health and a Headspace membership.
• Gympass membership to support physical well-being.
• Unlimited paid time off, with a minimum of two weeks encouraged.
• Paid company holidays and an additional day off for your birthday.
• Annual end-of-year company closure from December 24 to January 1.
• Paid parental leave.
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) retirement plans with a 3% company match.
• Annual bonus that increases based on tenure.
• Annual anniversary trip with colleagues and executive leadership.
• Fully remote work arrangement, with the flexibility to work from a home office anywhere in Canada, subject to established work authorization and residency requirements.
• Opportunities to contribute to strategic initiatives, develop leadership capabilities, and shape the future of programmatic services.