Cricbuzz - Lead - Programmatic Advertising

About Us:

We are the No. 1 Cricket Scores digital platform delivering real-time scores, news, and engaging video and editorial content to millions of passionate cricket fans across India and globally. Were looking for a performance-driven Programmatic Advertising Lead to maximize indirect revenue across our web and mobile applications.

Role Overview:

As the Programmatic Advertising Team Lead, you will own and scale Cricbuzzs programmatic/indirect ad revenue engine. You'll be responsible for optimizing demand sources, eCPMs, managing ad mediation layers, improving fill rates, and maximizing ARPU, total daily and monthly revenues across our high-engagement user base.

You'll work cross-functionally to ensure monetization enhances rather than disrupts the user experience. You will work closely with ad tech partners and internal teams to drive incremental revenue. Your expertise with Google Ad Manager (GAM) and understanding of multiple ad networks (native, video and display) will be critical to our monetization strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

- Own and optimize the programmatic advertising strategy across web and app platforms.

- Manage inventory via Google Ad Manager (GAM) and ensure optimal ad delivery, fill rate, CPM, and eCPM.

- Set up and manage Header Bidding, Open Bidding, and Private Marketplaces (PMPs).

- Onboard and maintain relationships with multiple ad networks (e.g., Meta, Amazon, InMobi, Xandr, PubMatic, etc.

- Analyse performance metrics (CPMs, viewability, fill rates) to identify opportunities for yield improvement.

- Conduct A/B testing for new ad layouts, formats, and network prioritization.

- Monitor ad quality and user experience to ensure brand safety and minimal disruption.

- Stay updated with industry trends (e.g., privacy regulations, cookie-less solutions, ad tech innovations).

- Work closely with content, product, and tech teams to ensure seamless ad integration and optimal performance.

- Develop and own dashboards for ad performance & revenue reporting and campaign insights.

- Drive measurable growth in ad revenues.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

- 6 to 10 years of experience in programmatic advertising, ad operations, or yield management preferably in RMG or Content/News publishing business.

- Deep expertise with Google Ad Manager (GAM) including optimising and managing Ad Units, Line Items, Yield Groups, eCPMs and Reporting.

- Strong knowledge of the programmatic ecosystem, including SSPs, DSPs, and Header Bidding and Prebid.js.

- Experience managing display and native ad monetization across web and mobile apps.

- Familiarity with ad networks/platforms such as AdMob, TAM, Taboola, Outbrain, and Google AdX, InMobi, Xandr, Liftoff, Trade Desk etc.

- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Google Analytics, Clever Tap, Looker Studio, or Excel for monetization insights.

- Ability to work cross-functionally and drive results in a fast-paced digital environment.

- Passion for sports and understanding of the digital sports content landscape is a plus.

- Knowledge of legal, privacy and compliance requirements (GDPR, CCPA, TCF, etc.