Paid Media Specialist - Programmatic Lead

Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your Role and Responsibilities
IBM is seeking an experienced, dynamic, data-driven individual with expertise in paid media, to join our Corporate Paid Media team to lead our global Programmatic media channel. You will play a key role in managing the media agency and DSP partnerships that support IBM's programmatic advertising and paid media efforts. You will be a thought leader and strategic partner to the business, agency team, and the subject matter expert within IBM in the dynamic world of automated buying platforms, platform capabilities, and our ad tech stack. You will provide direction and guidance for the existing systems, processes, and tools that support the programmatic strategy and execution as well as identification of opportunities to improve current systems and to create systems where they do not exist.

You have deep knowledge and POVs in inventory management, data targeting and strategy, audience-first buying, supply path optimization, global programmatic nuances, and improving bid strategies. You should understand log level data, automating processes, and integrating emerging channels. This role will leverage existing long-term partnerships to enhance our programmatic media planning, buying and advanced optimization efforts. You have extensive knowledge of online ad technology, including third party ad servers, Exchange/RTB platforms, DSP functionality, and industry trends. You will work closely and collaborate with other paid media specialists as well as business segment leaders to drive transformation and greater ROI. You will apply analytics, and design thinking to create the next generation of systems, tools, and processes for IBM marketers.

The Corporate Paid Media team is a multi-discipline and operational arm at IBM which ensures that the systems, processes, and tools to plan, execute, track, and optimize paid media buys are done so effectively and according to industry standards and best practices. We combine the expertise and reputation of a longstanding brand with an entrepreneurial spirit. We work to create user-centric and streamlined experience across the entire customer journey to business professionals from Chief Executive Officers (CEO's) to frontline software developers. Reliance on face-to-face selling for solutions and offerings is shifting to digital discovery, engagement and delivery, with digital sellers engaging at just the right moments along the buying journey. We are looking for curious, forward thinkers to help transform how we market IBM to the world.

Responsibilities:
The preferred candidate is passionate about digital advertising and has a desire to architect the future of how IBM approaches and buys digital media. They are a digital and programmatic advertising expert, who is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the agency, DSPs, and other channel partners, and works agilely to lead cross-functional teams to set and meet deadlines for multiple simultaneous projects while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in deliverables. They will have hands-on project management experience with both short and long-term digital media campaign development which includes the following:

• Serve as the main contact between IBM and DSPs, collaborating and partnering with them and our agency to design IBMs programmatic strategy, execution and tech stack
• Evangelize programmatic advertising internally and externally
• Identify new areas of opportunity for IBM paid media in the programmatic and ad tech space
• Own the effective, efficient, and timely delivery of systems, tool, processes, and content
• and assure the viability and functionality of said systems usage
• Stay ahead of trends and industry changes and maintain relationships with industry and media partners to stay abreast of the latest opportunities and challenges globally and to test new-to-market offerings
• Work with agency partners to provide strategic planning direction, execution excellence and advanced optimization of global programmatic campaigns.
• Prioritize projects and develop roadmaps for improved performance and long-term viability
• Bring multiple stakeholders together to develop delivery schedules and resource allocation while proactively seeking out and resolving issues that could negatively impact the release/sprint schedule

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• BA/BS degree required at minimum, MBA a plus
• 7+ years of experience in digital advertising experience, including experience at an agency trading desk and/or demand side platform or sell side platform with demonstrated success of establishing meaningful partnerships and 4+ years of experience leading teams
• Programmatic subject matter expert
• In-depth understanding of digital advertising landscape from either media planning or sales planner perspective
• Experience with B2B/Technology and/or demand driven digital media campaigns including webcasts, Content Syndication, emerging media platforms, and drive to registration activity is a plus
• Working on global clients is a plus
• Solution-focused and takes initiative to work effectively and efficiently independently or collaboratively with marketing colleagues and business leaders at all levels
• A strong ability to work cross-functionally to drive complex projects involving multiple stakeholders to completion on time and within spec
• Self-starter and confidence and ability to tackle new initiatives with little guidance
• Creative thinker and positive attitude a must.
• Knowledge in marketing
• Knowledge in programmatic media
• Knowledge in dynamic creative solutions
• Knowledge in problem solving and analytical skills

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

• Media and/or Advertising Agency or programmatic DSP experience strongly preferred