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The Guardian

Programmatic Operations Manager

The Guardian, New York, New York, United States, 10286

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Job Description

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe.

It's the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced and detail-oriented

Programmatic Operations Manager

to lead the management of our programmatic ad stack. In this role, you'll work closely with the Head of Digital Optimization and teams across the business to ensure our programmatic infrastructure-from partner integrations to OpenRTB standards-is technically sound, well maintained, and optimized for performance. You'll be responsible for maintaining compliance and transparency across the supply chain, managing documentation and best practices, and supporting the deployment of new technologies that help increase the value of our inventory.

A key part of the role is managing our relationships with SSPs and other ad tech partners, ensuring alignment across platforms and driving sustainable programmatic revenue growth. The role also involves regular reporting and deep-dive analysis, with insights and recommendations shared with senior stakeholders. This is a strategic, hands-on position for someone who combines technical expertise with a strong commercial focus and a collaborative, values-led approach.

Department:

Global Programmatic

Reports to:

Head of Digital Optimization

Location:

New York, New York

Hybrid/Remote/In-Person:

Hybrid

Terms and conditions:

Permanent, Full time

Key Responsibilities Ad Stack Management

Work closely with the Head of Digital Optimization to ensure the programmatic ad stack-from partner integrations to campaign execution-is configured to maximize revenue. Manage and maintain ads.txt, app-ads.txt, sellers.json, and OpenRTB standards, promoting a transparent and compliant supply chain. Collaborate with global programmatic teams to ensure technical and strategic alignment across platforms. Maintain a suite of best practices, technical documentation, learning resources, and implementation guides. Produce regular performance reports and in-depth analyses for senior leadership, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities. Govern the use of third-party advertising tags across Guardian properties, providing clear guidelines and liaising with Privacy & Ethics to ensure compliance.

Programmatic Partner Management

Lead the technical integration, configuration, and ongoing support of SSPs and other supply-side platforms. Evaluate and onboard new programmatic partners and technologies, ensuring compatibility, contractual alignment, and commercial potential. Work with Commercial Development and external partners to deploy new tools and solutions aimed at increasing the value of Guardian inventory.

Troubleshooting and Relationship Management

Act as the primary point of contact for diagnosing and resolving ad stack issues, including discrepancies, delivery failures, or quality concerns. Build strong working relationships with SSPs and technology partners, staying informed on industry best practices and emerging trends.

Values and Behaviours

Embody and promote the Guardian's values-fairness, courage, integrity, honesty, and a sense of duty to the reader and community-and help ensure these are reflected in day-to-day decision-making.

About You A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience 6+ years of experience working in programmatic advertising, ideally within a publisher or media environment Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, or Google Workspace equivalents Hands-on experience with key ad tech platforms, including Google Ad Manager and Salesforce (or similar tools) Familiarity with digital advertising operations across multiple sales channels; experience within a publisher context is a strong plus Highly organized and detailed-oriented; able to multi-task and work on multiple ongoing projects Comfortable in a fast-paced and changing environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently but must be a team player Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and all levels of management (internally and externally) Passion and alignment for Guardian's vision and values

How to Apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.

Compensation and Benefits Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 annually with commercial incentive 20 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays and 2 personal days Unlimited sick time Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services) 401(k) Match Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts Generous parental leave with 100% pay Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance Life insurance Commuter benefits Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

Culture & Wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

Learning & Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.