Programmatic Ad Operations Specialist (LA Times Studios)

The Programmatic Ad Operations Specialist is responsible for the technical execution and management of programmatic advertising campaigns, ensuring accurate setup, delivery, optimization, and reporting across platforms such as Google Ad Manager (GAM), Supply-Side Platform (SSP). This role supports both internal and client-facing campaigns by maintaining high standards for campaign quality, performance, and compliance with industry specifications, in close partnership with Programmatic Account Executives and other internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Meet established turnaround times and service-level agreements (SLAs) for campaign launches, updates, and optimizations (e.g., 24-48 hours), ensuring timely and accurate execution of all operational tasks.
• Accurately enter campaign details, upload creative assets or ad tags, set targeting parameters (audience, location, device, etc.), and schedule campaigns within programmatic platforms.
• Conduct thorough pre-launch checks on creatives, targeting, and technical configurations to ensure compliance with specifications and industry standards.
• Collaborate with supply-side platforms (SSPs) and demand-side platforms (DSPs) to configure a private marketplace (PMP) and programmatic direct deals.
• Execute hands-on campaign setup, trafficking, bid strategies, pacing adjustments, budget reallocations, and in-platform optimization changes to improve performance against KPIs.
• Continuously monitor campaign delivery and performance metrics, troubleshoot issues, and make adjustments to optimize performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Generate campaign performance reports and provide actionable insights to support sales, marketing, and strategy teams.
• Partner with internal teams and vendors to resolve creative serving, pixel tracking, or tag implementation issues.
• Identify and implement workflow efficiencies, automation opportunities, and process documentation to enhance campaign execution and reporting accuracy.
• Stay current with programmatic technologies, best practices, and platform enhancements to continuously improve operational performance.
• Work closely with the Programmatic Account Executive to translate strategic recommendations into precise technical changes within DSPs and SSPs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business, or a related field and 2+ years of experience in programmatic ad operations, digital media buying, or campaign trafficking OR 5+ years of experience in programmatic ad operations, digital media buying, or campaign trafficking
• Experience with programmatic platforms (Google Ad Manager, DV360, The Trade Desk, or similar).
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret campaign performance data.
• Knowledge of ad trafficking, creative specifications, and technical compliance requirements.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ad serving platforms (e.g., Google Campaign Manager 360, Xandr).
• Familiarity with data management platforms (DMPs), audience segmentation, and first-party data usage.
• Google Marketing Platform or Trade Desk certification.
• Experience collaborating directly with vendors on automated campaign solutions.
• Knowledge of programmatic automation tools and reporting dashboards.

Client-provided location(s): El Segundo, CA

Job ID: LA_Times-1273

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-12-09T20:20:48