Programmatic Manager

Company description At Spark Foundry we bring HEAT to brands, Higher Engagement, Affinity and Transaction

Engagement with consumers, customers and stakeholders, affinity with brands, and transactions, that materially impact our client’s businesses

Spark is uniquely positioned to deliver HEAT because we have an aligned set of beliefs that guide how we navigate a changing media landscape, a structure that is designed for total accountability and a repeatable methodology to bake continuous improvement into everything we do

In order to bring this vision to life, we seek alignment around key values from our talent

Diverse thinkers with diverse thinking—what we call Allsorts—are essential to tackle challenges through the lens of different disciplines and perspectives

To succeed at Spark, you must thrive on the belief that great ideas are only great if they work

It’s not enough to be new, cool, or interesting; our solutions must drive business results

You need to embrace both the art and the evidence—right and left brain, imagination and activation, insight and technology in the pursuit of big ideas that are forensically measured

If you are motivated by these values, we welcome you to apply to become a Sparkie

Overview We’re looking for a Programmatic Manager to join our Sydney team, working exclusively on a leading FMCG and consumer health client patch that includes some of Australia’s most trusted brands

You’ll play a key role in driving digital excellence across a high-profile consumer health portfolio, leading end-to-end programmatic delivery while helping shape smarter, more effective media outcomes for clients

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who combines strong trading and optimisation capability with commercial thinking, client confidence and a passion for innovation

You’ll work across a broad mix of brands and campaigns, lead programmatic responses to briefs, influence strategy, and bring fresh thinking to how we test, learn and improve performance

You’ll deliver best-in-class programmatic media solutions across the funnel, contribute to ongoing product and process improvement, and help ensure every campaign is executed to a consistently high standard

You’ll be trusted to take ownership, supported to stretch your skills, and encouraged to build a long‑term career within Spark Foundry and the wider Publicis Groupe ANZ network

If you’re looking for a role where you can deepen your programmatic expertise, broaden your exposure across digital channels, and be part of a collaborative, high-performing team doing exciting work - this could be the move for you

What key accountabilities does this role have

Lead the end-to-end delivery of programmatic campaigns, ensuring campaigns are planned, activated, optimised and reported on effectively Develop strong, insight-led programmatic media recommendations in response to client briefs Own campaign performance across your portfolio, ensuring activity delivers against client KPIs and business objectives Monitor pacing, quality and delivery across campaigns, escalating issues early and solving problems proactively Translate campaign and platform data into clear insights and actionable recommendations for clients and internal teams Build and implement test-and-learn frameworks to improve campaign effectiveness and uncover new opportunities Manage day-to-day workflow across offshore digital activation support, helping to maintain quality, consistency and timely delivery Act as a trusted client contact, supporting regular communication, campaign updates, business reviews and education sessions Collaborate with internal teams across activation, strategy and client leadership to deliver integrated, high-quality outcomes Contribute to quarterly reviews, innovation initiatives, product development and broader programmatic growth opportunities Support client leads with WIPs, presentations and strategic conversations, bringing clarity and structure to every interaction Bring performance to life by translating data into clear insights and recommendations clients can genuinely act on Proactively flag risks, improvements and smarter ways of working — you don’t wait for problems to land What are the key skills and requirements for this role? 3+ years’ experience in a Programmatic Manager, Programmatic Trader or digital activation role within a media agency or in-house environment Strong hands-on knowledge of programmatic buying platforms, ideally including DV360, Amazon DSP, and other major DSPs Confidence managing campaign delivery across multiple workstreams, with a sharp eye for detail, quality control and performance Proven ability to analyse data, identify trends and turn insights into practical recommendations that improve results Experience building client relationships and confidently communicating campaign performance, recommendations and updates Strong understanding of digital media channels, programmatic strategy, and how different channels work together across the customer journey Experience working with ad operations, trafficking, verification tools and campaign reporting environments Knowledge of SSPs, supply path optimisation, brand safety and campaign measurement best practice Comfortable leading workflow and supporting the development of others in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment Clear and confident communicator with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset Some exposure working on FMCG, consumer health or pharma brands (highly regarded, but not essential) Highly numerate with a proven track record of accuracy — confident managing budgets, forecasts, reconciliations, POs and financial reporting Advanced capability in Excel and comfort working with planning, reporting and media tools Comfortable translating performance data into clear insights, learnings and recommendations Strong organisational skills, bringing structure, clarity and accountability to your work A client‑first mindset, with clear, professional communication skills What does life at Spark look like

We offer progressive flexible working options to everyone at all levels – It’s not a policy

It’s behaviour led and reinforced through our values

Mental health and wellbeing is something we take seriously – It’s championed by our own people internally and is a regular conversation

We have a lot of fun – Even in this virtual world, we are constantly looking at reinventing how we connect with each other. #LI-LJ1 Additional information Publicis Groupe benefits: Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family, recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the world's most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses

You can learn more about us at www.publicisgroupeanz.com

Enjoy all the perks that come with our network offering: A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical, mindful, and financial wellbeing

A creative, lively, and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other, supported by our Publicis Liberté flexibility approach — "working your way with us." Access to our Global AI Platform Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network

Extensive Learning & Development opportunities including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform, Marcel Classes

A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program

A committed Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva Women, Égalité, enABLE, EmbRACE, and Écologique committees

Leave benefits including Birthday Leave, Flexible Public Holidays, and an additional 5 days of leave after 2 years of service

Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year

Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks based on tenure, paid primary carer leave, secondary carer swap, and Cub Care leave

Access to counsellors, psychologists, and professionals through Sonder, an all-in-one digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological, medical & safety needs

A workplace that stands together to provide a more open, supportive, and recovery-forward culture for all employees with life-threatening illnesses

Read more about our Working With Cancer Pledge: https://workingwithcancerpledge.com/ Proud partners of Diversity Council Australia, Pride in Diversity, Family Friendly Workplaces, Supply Nation, and the Australian Disability Network

If you don't tick every box in this ad, please don't rule yourself out

Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement

We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity rather than ticking boxes — so if this role resonates with you, please apply

Diversity

Inclusion

Equity

More than just words; these are part of our DNA

At Publicis Groupe, we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, and religious affiliation

We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients, our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate

We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions

Uniqueness is powerful; without it, we wouldn't be where we are today

So be you — we like it that way

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process

If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact us via [email protected]; your personal information will be kept confidential.