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Programmatic Trader Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction ... As a Programmatic Media Buyer, you'll plan, build, and execute programmatic video campaigns across ...

... trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction ... As a Programmatic Media Buyer, you'll plan, build, and execute programmatic video campaigns across ...

We're experts in data science, analytics and programmatic trading, and we're always ready to react and solve challenges quickly, to make sure our clients are always spending their media investments ...

We're experts in data science, analytics and programmatic trading, and we're always ready to react and solve challenges quickly, to make sure our clients are always spending their media investments ...

Showing results 41-60

Programmatic Trader information

See Illinois salary details

$38.3K

$93.8K

$261.2K

How much do programmatic trader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for programmatic trader in Illinois is $93,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $102,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by programmatic traders in optimizing campaigns, and how can they be addressed?

Programmatic Traders often encounter challenges such as fluctuating inventory quality, rapidly changing bidding landscapes, and tight campaign performance targets. Staying on top of these requires a strong analytical approach, frequent campaign monitoring, and proactive communication with account managers and clients. Utilizing advanced data analytics tools and regularly testing different bidding strategies can help address these issues. Additionally, collaborating closely with creative, data, and sales teams ensures alignment on campaign objectives and helps overcome obstacles more effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a programmatic trader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Programmatic Trader, you need a solid understanding of digital advertising, data analysis, and campaign optimization, typically supported by a degree in marketing, business, or a related field. Experience with demand-side platforms (DSPs), ad servers, and analytics tools such as Google DV360, The Trade Desk, or Adobe Analytics is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals excel in managing campaigns and collaborating with clients and internal teams. These skills and tools are crucial for driving efficient, data-driven ad performance and achieving clients' marketing objectives in a competitive digital landscape.

What does a programmatic trader do?

As a programmatic trader, your job is to help optimize a marketing campaign by conducting an analysis of ad performance across various platforms. In this role, you perform analysis to decide when and where to display online ads. You may also help manage an advertising budget and interact directly with people at various levels of the company. Aside from managing ad purchases, a programmatic trader may help develop realistic expectations about ad performance while looking for ways to improve the overall effectiveness of ad buys. A programmatic trader often helps select target audiences for each campaign.

What is the difference between Programmatic Trader vs Digital Media Buyer?

AspectProgrammatic TraderDigital Media Buyer
CredentialsRelevant marketing, advertising, or data analysis experience; certifications like IAB or Google AdsSimilar credentials; often holds certifications in digital advertising platforms
Work EnvironmentData-driven, real-time bidding platforms, programmatic ad exchangesAd campaign planning, negotiations, direct media placements
Industry UsagePrimarily in digital advertising agencies, media firms, and tech companiesUsed across advertising agencies, brands, and media outlets

Programmatic Traders focus on automated, data-driven ad buying through technology platforms, while Digital Media Buyers often handle manual negotiations and direct placements. Both roles require digital advertising knowledge, but Programmatic Traders specialize in real-time bidding and automation, making their skills more tech-centric.

What is a programmatic trader?

Programmatic traders are professionals who use automated technology and algorithms to buy and sell digital advertising space in real time. They analyze data and set up campaigns across various platforms, optimizing bids and targeting to reach specific audiences efficiently. Their role involves monitoring ad performance, adjusting strategies, and ensuring that campaigns meet the desired goals within budget constraints. Programmatic traders often work closely with digital marketing teams and use demand-side platforms (DSPs) to manage large-scale advertising efforts.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programmatic Trader jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Programmatic Trader jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Programmatic Trader jobs in Illinois? For Programmatic Trader jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Programmatic Trader jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Programmatic Trader jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Programmatic Trader jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Programmatic Trader job openings:
Infographic showing various Programmatic Trader job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,776 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Senior Associate, Programmatic

WPP Media

Chicago, IL

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


WPP Media rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 76 rated media


Job description

About WPP Media
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.
WPP Media is WPP's global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com.
At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It's what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media's shared core values:

  • Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
  • Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
  • Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

WPP Unite

There's never been a more exciting time in marketing, as media and commerce continue to merge to drive meaningful consumer experiences. As one of the most innovative CPG companies in the world, Unilever, the maker of iconic brands such as Dove, Hellmann's, TRESemme, Degree and many others, is adapting to this rapidly changing landscape with the help of WPP and its unparalleled network of agencies.

The newly-created unit, WPP Unite, will be the pioneering force at this intersection, led by two of WPP's most dynamic agencies: GroupM and Barrows, operating as ONE end to end strategy, design, and execution powerhouse.

WPP Media will bring its media thought-leadership and performance expertise, combined with the retail and commercial expertise of Barrows to deliver integrated, end-to-end programs for the entire Unilever portfolio of iconic, household brands. True to its name, the team operates with a unified vision, from initial strategy to final execution, leveraging our collective expertise in design, engineering, and media integration to craft world-class brand programming.

WPP Unite, comprised of the best talent in the industry, will pioneer a truly integrated agency model and drive unprecedented growth for Unilever in the years to come. 

Role Summary

As a Senior Associate, you will support teams responsible for creating and executing programmatic media plans using industry-leading media technology platforms. In this role, you will gain exposure to emerging digital media technologies, publishers, and programmatic strategies that will help create a valuable foundation for a career in digital media. Senior Associates are also typically responsible for managing entry-level team members.

Key Responsibilities

  • Implement client campaign objectives into programmatic activation strategies, including building audiences and sourcing relevant inventory opportunities.
  • Manage campaigns within DV360, The Trade Desk, and other relevant DSPs, by ensuring budgets are pacing effectively and tactics are being optimized towards relevant objectives and KPIs.
  • Own operational tasks including budget management, billing and campaign creative trafficking.
  • Maintain reports and conduct ad-hoc analysis to identify opportunities for campaign improvement and ensure stakeholders are kept informed on performance.
  • Build relationships and own communication with members of the broader digital account teams including planning, investment, operations and analytics.
  • Work with publishers to implement, troubleshoot and optimize programmatic deals to help secure access to high-quality media inventory.
  • Develop technical skillsets in the utilization of relevant digital ad technology platforms, including Ad Servers, DMPs and Third-Party Verification tools.
  • Train, onboard, manage the day-to-day responsibilities, and review the work of entry-level direct reports.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
  • 1+ Years working within Programmatic, Paid Search, Paid Social, Ad Operations, Digital Analytics or Digital Planning.
  • Familiarity with key programmatic or digital media platforms.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills, and a detail-oriented mindset.
  • Strong analytical abilities and quantitative skills.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we're just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
WPP Media is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with WPP Media, please send an e-mail to GroupM Leave Administration at Leave.Administration@groupm.com or call (212) 297-8507 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.


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