Head of Programmatic

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary Head of Programmatic to lead our high-performing programmatic function and shape the future of digital media for scaling global brands. In this pivotal leadership role, you will completely own the strategic direction, operational excellence, and technological innovation across all programmatic channels. You will serve as a key driver of cross-functional alignment, leading an expert team to ensure programmatic media delivers measurable, macro-level business impact at scale.

About the Client

Our partner is a creative agency and strategic marketing partner. They bring together a diverse team of experts across social media, PR, influencer collaborations, and advanced analytics. As their exclusive recruitment partner, LionHires manages their full-cycle talent acquisition.

Location: Lisbon (Open to candidates currently based in, or willing to relocate to Lisbon)

What You Will Do

• Drive Leadership & Team Development: Inspire, mentor, and grow the programmatic department, defining team structures, development roadmaps, and hiring plans to foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning.

• Own Strategic Direction: Establish the long-term programmatic strategy across display, video, DOOH, CTV, and emerging channels, ensuring perfect alignment with overarching marketing and commercial objectives.

• Ensure Operational Excellence: Oversee full-funnel programmatic operations—including audience strategy, platform selection, bidding frameworks, and optimization methodologies—while establishing repeatable global playbooks.

• Manage Performance & Reporting: Lead the creation of advanced performance dashboards and executive-level presentations, translating complex data into actionable recommendations that influence company-wide decisions.

• Champion Innovation: Stay ahead of fast-evolving industry trends (such as AI, identity solutions, and privacy regulations) while building strategic relationships with major platforms, DSPs, SSPs, and ad tech vendors.
  
  

What You Bring

• Proven Leadership: 7+ years of experience in programmatic advertising, with at least 3 years directly leading, scaling, and managing high-performing ad tech teams.

• Ecosystem Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of the programmatic landscape, including auction dynamics, identity frameworks, measurement, and core ad tech infrastructure.

• Platform Mastery: Hands-on and managerial experience with major platforms such as DV360, Adform, The Trade Desk, Criteo, and AdRoll.

• Analytical & Stakeholder Skills: A deeply analytical mindset capable of translating complex datasets into business growth, paired with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders.

• Adaptability: The ability to navigate rapidly evolving technologies, industry privacy changes, and shifting market conditions with ease.
  
  

What's in It for You

• • Highly competitive executive salary package with performance-driven bonuses.

  • Full relocation support to the beautiful, tech-forward hub of Lisbon.

  • The autonomy to shape an entire programmatic function and choose cutting-edge tech stacks.

  • Collaboration with top-tier international experts in a rapidly expanding creative agency.