Ad Operations & Direct Sales Manager

Job Description

Objective: To fully monetize the publisher’s ad inventory by managing and optimizing Google Ad Manager (GAM), and by executing direct ad sales strategies to ensure 100% fill rate at the highest possible CPM. Key Responsibilities: 1. Google Ad Manager Operations Oversee the setup, maintenance, and optimization of ad units within Google Ad Manager. Monitor fill rates, CPMs, and overall ad performance across display, video, and mobile inventory. Troubleshoot ad delivery issues, latency, discrepancies, or underperformance. Implement A/B tests to optimize yield from different demand sources (AdSense, Ad Exchange, Header Bidding partners). Ensure compliance with ad policies and maintain quality standards. 2. Direct Ad Sales & Partnerships Identify, approach, and pitch potential advertisers and media buyers for direct ad placements. Develop rate cards and media kits tailored to different audience segments and inventory types. Negotiate rates, package deals, and custom ad solutions with advertisers to maximize CPM and revenue. Maintain relationships with advertising agencies, brands, and programmatic buyers. Manage contracts, billing, and reporting for direct deals. 3. Revenue Optimization Track and analyze all revenue streams (programmatic + direct) to identify growth opportunities. Optimize inventory allocation between programmatic and direct sales to balance fill rate and CPM. Work closely with editorial/content teams to align ad placements with audience engagement. 4. Reporting & Forecasting Generate detailed weekly/monthly reports on ad performance, revenue, and inventory utilization. Forecast inventory availability and revenue based on traffic trends and seasonality. Provide insights and recommendations to management on ad strategy and pricing models. Key Qualifications: Proven experience in Google Ad Manager (essential). Strong understanding of ad tech ecosystem including AdSense, AdX, programmatic, and header bidding. Demonstrated success in B2B sales, preferably in digital advertising or media. Strong analytical and Excel/reporting skills. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Proactive, self-driven, and results-oriented mindset. Preferred Experience: 3+ years in ad operations and/or ad sales roles at a digital publisher, ad network, or media agency. Experience with yield management platforms (like Prebid, Amazon TAM, or similar). Familiarity with analytics platforms (Google Analytics, Looker Studio, etc.). Show more Show less