Group Manager, Advertising Trafficking & Advertising Operations

Group Manager, Advertising Trafficking & Advertising Operations

We are seeking an accomplished and highly strategic Group Manager, Ad Trafficking & Operations, with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in digital ad operations, including significant leadership and team management responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned expert in ad serving technologies, particularly Google Campaign Manager 360 (CM360), and will possess a deep understanding of the digital advertising ecosystem. This role requires exceptional leadership skills to manage and mentor a team of Ad Trafficking Coordinators and Managers, drive operational efficiencies, ensure flawless campaign execution, and contribute to the strategic evolution of our ad operations capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Department Oversight: Develop and implement strategic roadmaps for the Ad Trafficking and Operations department, aligning with overall company objectives and client needs. Lead and manage a group of Ad Trafficking Coordinators and Managers, fostering a high-performance culture, continuous improvement, and professional development. Oversee the entire ad trafficking workflow, from campaign setup to reporting, ensuring adherence to best practices, quality standards, and service level agreements (SLAs). Evaluate and recommend new ad tech solutions, tools, and processes to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Operational Excellence & Process Optimization: Drive the standardization and optimization of ad trafficking processes, naming conventions, and quality assurance protocols across the group. Implement robust pre-launch and post-launch QA strategies to minimize errors and ensure impeccable campaign execution and data integrity. Champion the adoption of automation and innovative solutions to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the team, driving accountability and continuous performance improvement.
• Advanced Ad Technology & Tracking Expertise: Provide expert guidance and oversight on complex campaign setups, advanced tracking methodologies, and intricate ad serving challenges across various platforms, including CM360, Innovid, Flashtalking, and other DSPs. Ensure the accurate implementation and rigorous verification of floodlight tags, conversion pixels, and various ad tags, maintaining superior data quality for reporting and optimization. Proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve sophisticated technical issues related to ad serving, creative rendering, tracking discrepancies, and data reporting, escalating to vendor support as needed.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a team of high-performing ad operations professionals, nurturing their skills and career growth. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate ongoing learning opportunities. Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment that encourages problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
• Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Serve as a primary liaison between Ad Operations and cross-functional teams, including Media Planning, Media Buying, Creative, Analytics, and Client Services. Communicate technical requirements, operational capabilities, and best practices effectively to internal and external stakeholders. Collaborate with sales and account teams to support new business pitches and strategic client initiatives, ensuring operational feasibility and excellence.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Manage relationships with key ad tech vendors (e.g., Google, Innovid, Flashtalking), staying abreast of product updates, new features, and troubleshooting support. Negotiate and manage service agreements with external partners as needed.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in digital ad operations, with at least 3-5 years in a managerial or group lead role, overseeing teams of ad traffickers/coordinators.
• 10+ years of experience in media, branding and advertising including managing teams
• Passionate about advertising and marketing and curious about new developments in the industry
• Deep expertise and hands-on experience with Google Campaign Manager 360 (CM360) is mandatory.
• Extensive knowledge of the digital advertising ecosystem, including DSPs, SSPs, DMPs, ad exchanges, and various ad formats (display, video, rich media, native).
• Proven ability to strategize, implement, and optimize complex ad trafficking workflows and processes.
• Strong understanding of web technologies, including HTML, JavaScript, and familiarity with web debugging tools (e.g., Chrome Developer Tools).
• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and team development skills.
• Superior problem-solving, analytical, and data interpretation abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and stakeholders in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Education:

• Bachelor's/University degree, Master's degree preferred (Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) or Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business Administration, or a related field is highly preferred)