Activation Manager

About us

First and foremost, PHD is a business about people. We are proud (and lucky) to have some of the cleverest and most creative brains in the business on our team. It is thanks to the smarts, creativity, and passion of our people, and clients, that we are who we are.

Despite our 20-year history, we aren't the ones to get comfortable. True to our ethos, we are always trying to make the leap for our clients to deliver the most innovative media products by going beyond the obvious and rejecting the notion of a typical media agency.

If not a typical media agency, who are we? PHD Group in New Zealand is made up of several agencies specialising in offline and online media, Search, Programmatic, Data Analytics, PR, Content, Activation, and Social Media. We don't book ad space or create Facebook posts. We merge the latest technologies, world-class strategy, marketing data, and knowledge of human decision-making with planning and buying expertise to deliver best-in-class communications solutions for our clients.

We are a part of the Global Marketing Company Omnicom Media Group (OMG) and encompass three integrated communications agencies covering media, digital, PR, social media, content and activation.

About the role

As the Activation Manager, you are responsible for the day-to-day execution of a world-class activation product (programmatic, search & paid social) with additional exposure to emerging channels & technology platforms. Specifically, this will include fully understanding briefs, building responses and channel strategies that are rational and relevant with the support of the Activation Director.

You will be overseeing the day-to-day activation operations (programmatic, search & paid social) including the setup of campaigns, technical implementation, troubleshooting, quality assurance to deliver best-in-class trading in all platforms, doing data and trend analysis to improve overall performance to ensure the delivery against campaign strategy and account KPIs. You will do this to ensure your clients always receive a high-quality product experience, efficient delivery, and automation of processes.

This person is responsible for managing a high-performing team of Executives and Assistants, you will constantly push for better client results and a leading-edge product across all paid digital media channels. Strong people management skills, an aptitude for technology, a desire to find success for clients, and a passion to succeed in digital marketing are keys to job satisfaction. This includes multi-tasking, problem-solving, managing multiple timelines, keeping calm under pressure, and working across functions. You will also play a key role to support the success of the agency client service teams, digital operations, technology, and analytics teams.

Skills and Experience
- 3+ years' relevant work experience within digital activation (Search, Social or Programmatic) within agency, publisher, trading desk, technology company, or other.
- 1+ years' experience in managing and mentoring junior team members
- Proven experience working in a digital agency with large enterprise clients is a must. An understanding of how media agencies operate would be an advantage.
- Strong knowledge across key activation platforms: Google Ads, Bing, Apple, SA360, DV360, TTD, Amazon, Yahoo, Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, LinkedIn etc.
- Some knowledge of supply-side platforms, ad verification, tag management, analytics, data management platforms, customer data platforms and clean rooms would be an advantage.
- Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure and dynamic environment.
- A passion for working within digital activation and a drive to constantly upskill and learn new technical expertise.
- A passion for working collaboratively with your teammates and the broader agency groupnot every problem has a one-sided solution
- A ‘can do' attitude and a thirst for knowledge and learning
- Intermediate to Advanced skills using Microsoft Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word & Excel)

So why PHD you say?

Community & Culture

PHD has an amazing culture thanks to our people and we regularly get together for regular free lunches and barbecues on our sunny deck Your mornings will start with a fresh coffee from our state-of-the-art coffee machine and we always have a fully stocked wine and beer fridge for Friday drinks. We do charity events and go away as an agency to our annual ski, surf, or camping trip

Health & Wellness

With Yoga every Wednesday, discounted health insurance, discounted gym membership options, free life insurance, massages, and much more, we offer a comprehensive wellness programme which many benefits to ensure you are happy and healthy, both in and out of work.

Other benefits