At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead programmatic strategy and guide a team to deliver impactful campaigns.
- Company: Starcom, a global leader in communications planning and media.
- Benefits: Pension, private medical cover, reflection days, and inclusive workplace initiatives.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive culture and make a real impact in the media landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience at Account Director level with strong programmatic knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
With a history that dates back over 80 years, Starcom is a global communications planning and media leader. We are an agency still grounded in our founding principle that people are at the centre of all we do. Each day, we apply this belief to harness the transformative power of data and technology to inspire and move people and business forward.
Overview
We are hiring a Programmatic Account Director. This is a senior, client‑facing leadership role for an experienced programmatic professional who knows how to turn complexity into clarity. As a trusted strategic partner to clients and internal teams, you’ll own programmatic strategy across a portfolio of accounts while leading a team of specialists to deliver consistently high‑quality work. Sitting within Performics and working closely with Investment and wider Publicis Media teams, you’ll play a critical role in driving growth, protecting revenue and elevating our programmatic offering. This role reports into the Head of Programmatic and works closely with a Business Director to align client ambition with commercial outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Owning client strategy for programmatic, acting as a senior advisor to clients and internal stakeholders
- Translating complex technical solutions into clear, memorable narratives that resonate with non‑technical audiences
- Leading and coordinating a team of channel specialists to plan and deliver campaigns across multiple programmatic platforms
- Partnering with your Business Director to manage revenue forecasting, commercial performance and long‑term growth
- Championing best practice across planning, activation, optimisation, reporting and financial governance
- Driving adoption of Publicis Media’s in‑house solutions, including APEX, Epsilon, Guaranteed Outcomes and Precision inventory
- Representing the programmatic discipline confidently in inter‑agency collaboration, pitches and senior forums
Qualifications
- Proven experience operating at Account Director level, or ready to step up with strong ownership of client strategy
- Deep hands‑on platform experience across The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon and CM360
- Strong understanding of the programmatic ecosystem, including DSPs, SSPs, adservers and the wider UK media landscape
- Confidence advising large‑budget advertisers and influencing senior stakeholders with credibility
- A track record of leading teams, supporting development and setting clear standards for quality and progression
- Commercial acumen, with experience identifying growth opportunities beyond standard media buying
- Clear, engaging communication skills with the ability to simplify complexity and bring others with you
Additional Information
Starcom offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees. Full details are shared when you join, but highlights include core benefits such as Pension, Life Assurance, and Private Medical cover, alongside enhanced policies like Reflection Days and Shared Parental Leave.
Starcom is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age, citizenship, relationship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing a fair, accessible, and inclusive recruitment process.
Programmatic Account Director employer: Starcom
At Starcom, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. As an Analytics Solutions Lead, you will have access to unparalleled growth opportunities, working alongside talented professionals in a vibrant environment that encourages creativity and strategic thinking. Our commitment to employee development and a supportive atmosphere makes Starcom a truly rewarding place to advance your career in the heart of the marketing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programmatic Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to programmatic strategies. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your storytelling skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your successes in programmatic campaigns. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Programmatic Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Programmatic Account Director role. Highlight your experience with programmatic strategies and how you've turned complexity into clarity in past roles. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves translating complex ideas into clear narratives, be sure to demonstrate your communication prowess in your application. Use engaging language and examples that show how you've successfully communicated with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Highlight Leadership Experience:As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead teams effectively. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams, supported their development, and set standards for quality. This will help us see your potential as a leader within our agency.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about our culture and values there, which can help you tailor your application even further!
How to prepare for a job interview at Starcom
✨Know Your Programmatic Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of programmatic advertising, especially platforms like The Trade Desk and DV360. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles and how they can benefit the clients you'll be working with.
✨Simplify the Complex
Since you'll need to translate complex technical solutions into clear narratives, practice explaining intricate concepts in simple terms. Think about how you would explain programmatic strategies to someone without a technical background.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving results. Be ready to discuss how you've supported team development and set standards for quality in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Values
Starcom places a huge emphasis on people and inclusivity. Familiarise yourself with their D&I initiatives and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to share how you can contribute to their supportive culture.
