Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported.

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better. 

The Role: 

The Digital Marketing team is seeking a talented Advertising Manager to join our team. Reporting to the Senior Director, Digital Marketing, the Advertising Manager will be instrumental in shaping, executing, and optimizing our programmatic advertising strategies, with a particular focus on DSPs (Demand-Side Platforms) and CTV (Connected TV). You will be responsible for driving efficient media buying, managing ad placements across programmatic channels, and collaborating with internal teams and agency partners to enhance brand visibility and drive customer engagement for Rakuten Kobo's diverse eReading services. Your primary focus will be to manage programmatic media planning, optimize ad placements, and collaborate with internal teams and agency partners to enhance brand visibility and drive customer engagement. You will leverage data-driven insights to refine campaign performance and ensure effective budget management, ultimately contributing to our overall marketing success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Programmatic Media Strategy & Execution: Own the end-to-end strategy, planning, and execution of programmatic media campaigns directly and in partnership with agency. This includes campaign setup, targeting, bidding strategies, budget allocation, and optimization across various DSPs.
• DSPs & CTV Expertise: Serve as the internal expert for programmatic media buying, specifically leveraging Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs) and managing campaigns across Connected TV (CTV) platforms. Deep understanding of the programmatic ecosystem, including SSPs, DMPs, and ad exchanges, is essential.
• Media and Advertising Oversight: Leverage hands-on experience in media and advertising, managing budgets and marketing strategy to position brand and product advertising in the digital marketing space.
• Campaign Optimization & Performance: Continuously monitor, analyze, and optimize programmatic campaigns to maximize performance against key KPIs such as reach, frequency, viewability, completion rates, and ultimately, user engagement and acquisition. Implement A/B testing and other optimization techniques.
• Ad Tech & Vendor Management: Evaluate, onboard, and manage relationships with DSPs, ad verification vendors, and other programmatic technology partners.
• Stay abreast of new features and capabilities to enhance campaign effectiveness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with sales and marketing teams to enable brand advertising solutions, fostering strong relationships and collaboration for improved performance.
• Data-Driven Insights: Derive data-driven insights to inform decision-making and ensure ongoing tracking of campaign impact and effectiveness.
• Communication and Storytelling: Exhibit exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, simplifying complex information into actionable insights and compelling strategies.

Skillset & Qualifications:

• 4+ years experience in programmatic media buying and planning, with a strong focus on DSPs and CTV.
• Demonstrable expertise in managing significant programmatic media budgets and driving measurable results against defined KPIs.
• Hands-on experience with leading DSPs (e.g., The Trade Desk, Google DV360, Amazon DSP, etc.).
• In-depth knowledge of the Connected TV (CTV) landscape, including inventory sources, measurement, and targeting capabilities.
• Expertise in driving brand KPIs and developing effective media strategies for diverse advertisers.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and teams.
• Familiarity with digital marketing trends and brand advertising for awareness and reach.
• Detail-oriented, data-driven, and a proactive self-starter.

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.  

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.  

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.  

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.  

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more: https://rakutenemploymentalert.com/

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