Senior Associate: Programmatic + Platform Media
About Criterion Global
Criterion Global is a media agency focused on paid media strategy and international media buying across markets and media types. We specialize in omni-channel, multinational campaigns with on-the-ground expertise and precision.
We are seeking a Senior Associate for Programmatic + Platform Media to own, scale, and optimize our paid media performance. This role will drive full-funnel digital advertising with an emphasis on programmatic media across demand side platforms (DV360/CM360 and Amazon DSP), as well as large platforms such as Google, Meta and other platforms, ensuring best-in-class execution that aligns with rigorous strategy and financial accountability.
This Role
This is a senior associate role for an individual who understands how full-funnel digital media investment translates into business outcomes—for clients and for the agency. Ideal candidates have versatile ‘hands on keyboard’ experience, a strong track record of managing and scaling paid media campaigns, including awareness/performance-focused strategy, and data-driven decision-making.
Core Responsibilities
Paid Digital Media Strategy & Execution
- Develop, execute, and optimize multi-channel paid media campaigns across biddable media platforms with a focus on DV360/CM360, Amazon DSP, Google Ads, Meta (Facebook & Instagram), and other digital platforms.
- Own and manage campaign budgets, bid strategies, audience segmentation, and performance forecasting to maximize efficiency, ROAS and client business outcomes.
- Identify opportunities for in-housing paid media activity, optimizing processes for greater control, efficiency, and agility.
- Collaborate with creative teams to produce, test, and scale compelling Ad creatives, using data to inform decision making.
Performance Analysis & Optimization
- Continuously track, measure, and report on key paid media KPIs, including CTR, CPA, ROAS, LTV, and attribution performance.
- Leverage A/B testing, dynamic ad strategies, and advanced analytics to refine targeting, messaging, and bidding strategies.
- Implement and use first-party data, CRM insights, and audience segmentation to drive higher personalization and efficiency.
- Manage ad operations, including trafficking campaigns, setting up and monitoring pixel tracking for performance measurement, and optimizing ads to ensure accurate targeting and measurable results.
- Stay ahead of algorithm changes, industry trends, and new ad formats, proactively adjusting strategies to maintain competitive performance.
Collaboration & Innovation
- Ensure timely, on-plan programmatic and platform paid media investment in alignment with client brand positioning and that investment is reportable to business goals.
- Partner with social, influencer and marketing teams to integrate paid social amplification into broader brand campaigns.
- Lead data-driven creative strategies, working with designers and copywriters to develop high-performing ad assets.
- Identify and test new paid channels, placements, and audience segments to scale brand awareness and sales within high-value consumer groups.
Requirements & Qualifications
Experience & Expertise
- 3-5 years of hands-on experience in paid media management within agency environments.
- Strong understanding of programmatic/biddable platforms (DV360, TTD, Amazon DSP, Google Ads (Search, Display, YouTube, PMax), Meta Ads (Facebook, Instagram), as well as platforms like Reddit, Spotify, Pinterest, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.
- Deep experience with performance reporting and various incrementality testing tools and/or MMM, with ability to speak through how to build reporting flows and track record of success.
- Biddable expertise with broader understanding of its role in paid media activity, including ad tracking, ad serving, attribution, and audience segmentation, as well as interest in custom algorithm workflows.
Skills & Capabilities
- Analytical & Data-Driven: Ability to interpret performance data, extract actionable insights, and optimize accordingly.
- Technical Knowledge: Fluency in Google Marketing Platforms (Google Analytics, CM360, Amazon DSP, TTD, DV360, etc.), Meta Business Manager, TTD/Amazon DSP, plus additional performance and biddable channels (LinkedIn, Reddit, Spotify, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.) as well as external bid management tools, MMM, dashboard and BI tools and attribution modeling.
- Creative & Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance data-driven decision-making with brand storytelling.
- Collaboration & Communication: Experience working cross-functionally with creative, marketing, eCommerce, and developer teams.
What Success Looks Like
- Consistently drives high-performing, full-funnel paid media campaigns across programmatic and major digital platforms, delivering measurable business outcomes such as ROAS, CTR, CPA, and LTV improvements.
- Leverages data and advanced analytics to optimize targeting, bidding strategies, and creative testing, demonstrating a clear link between insights and campaign performance.
- Collaborates seamlessly across creative, marketing, and eCommerce teams to scale campaigns, integrate paid media with broader brand initiatives, and maximize impact.
- Champions innovation in paid media, identifying new channels, technologies, and in-housing opportunities that enhance efficiency, control, and audience engagement.
What We Offer
- A dynamic and inclusive work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- The opportunity to work on high-profile projects with leading brands.
- A supportive and collaborative team that values innovation and creativity.
- Competitive base salary plus a comprehensive benefits package.
- 401(k) Savings Plan with competitive matching, annual learning stipend, healthcare stipend, and more.
- This role is open to candidates in multiple jurisdictions. Please indicate where you are currently authorized to work so we can assess the appropriate engagement structure.
- See notes below for further details.
Apply for Senior Associate: Programmatic + Platform Media
Notes
Criterion Global is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, which means we are committed to creating and celebrating diverse thoughts, cultures, and backgrounds throughout our organization.
Employment at Criterion Global is based on substantive ability, objective qualifications, and work ethic—not an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sex offenses, reproductive health decision, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
Base pay is based on market location and may vary further depending on individualized factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Depending on these same considerations, the total compensation package may also include other elements, including bonuses or additional awards, along with healthcare, educational, and/or other benefits (subject to eligibility criteria such as 401(k) participation). Details of any benefit plans will be provided if an offer is extended.
If hired, employment will be at-will, and the company reserves the right to modify base salary and any discretionary compensation or benefits programs at any time based on individual performance, department performance, company performance, or market factors.
Disclaimer
Fake job scams are increasingly common, and scammers may impersonate personnel to seem more convincing. Criterion Global does not use instant messaging to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. We never require prospective employees to send personal information or incur fees as part of our recruiting process.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please call +1 646 330 4673.