Digital Activation Manager (SEM & Programmatic)

At Spark Foundry we bring HEAT to brands, Higher Engagement, Affinity and Transaction. Engagement with consumers, customers and stakeholders, affinity with brands, and transactions, that materially impact our client’s businesses. Spark is uniquely positioned to deliver HEAT because we have an aligned set of beliefs that guide how we navigate a changing media landscape, a structure that is designed for total accountability and a repeatable methodology to bake continuous improvement into everything we do.

In order to bring this vision to life, we seek alignment around key values from our talent. Diverse thinkers with diverse thinking—what we call Allsorts—are essential to tackle challenges through the lens of different disciplines and perspectives. To succeed at Spark, you must thrive on the belief that great ideas are only great if they work. It’s not enough to be new, cool, or interesting; our solutions must drive business results. You need to embrace both the art and the evidence—right and left brain, imagination and activation, insight and technology in the pursuit of big ideas that are forensically measured. If you are motivated by these values, we welcome you to apply to become a Sparkie.

We're looking for a Digital Activation Manager to lead the performance and evolution of digital media activity across two of Australia's most recognised and sophisticated automotive brands. This is an opportunity to work on large-scale, high-investment campaigns spanning SEM and Programmatic, with exposure to vehicle launches, audience activation strategies, always-on performance marketing and emerging digital channels.

You'll play a key role in shaping the future direction of these accounts, partnering closely with clients, stakeholders and cross-functional specialists across media, analytics and strategy. This role is ideal for someone who combines strong technical expertise with strategic thinking, enjoys solving complex business challenges through data and innovation, and wants the autonomy to make a genuine impact within a high-performing team.

If you’re looking a Senior Digital Executive or Senior Performance Executive ready for that next step up, where you can deepen your existing SEM and programmatic expertise, broaden your exposure across digital channels, and be part of a collaborative, high-performing team doing exciting work - this could be the move for you.

What key accountabilities does this role have?

• Lead the planning, activation, optimisation and performance of SEM and Programmatic campaigns across multiple business initiatives and brand priorities.
• Develop performance media strategies aligned to client objectives and deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Manage campaign forecasting, budget pacing, KPI delivery and ongoing performance optimisation.
• Translate campaign results into meaningful insights and strategic recommendations for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Drive innovation through experimentation, automation, audience-led activation and emerging platform opportunities, including AI-powered search and digital technologies.
• Collaborate with media, analytics, strategy and client leadership teams to deliver integrated solutions and exceptional client experiences.
• Take ownership of key initiatives, challenge existing ways of working and contribute to the ongoing development of best practice across digital activation.
• Coach and support junior team members, fostering a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and requirements for this role?

• 3+ years' experience in digital media, performance marketing, search, programmatic or digital activation roles.
• Strong hands-on experience managing campaigns within Google Ads, including Search, Shopping and Performance Max. Appetite to lean into Generative Search is a big plus!
• Working knowledge of Programmatic Media, including experience with DV360 and audience activation strategies.
• Experience managing client relationships and confidently presenting performance insights, recommendations and strategic opportunities.
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret data and turn it into actionable recommendations.
• Experience using measurement and reporting platforms such as GA4, Looker Studio, Power BI or similar tools.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining high attention to detail.
• Experience mentoring, coaching or supporting the development of junior team members.
• A proactive, curious mindset with a passion for innovation, experimentation and continuous improvement.
• Advanced capability in Excel and comfort working with planning, reporting and media tools.
• Comfortable translating performance data into clear insights, learnings and recommendations.
• Strong organisational skills, bringing structure, clarity and accountability to your work.
• A client‑first mindset, with clear, professional communication skills.

What does life at Spark look like?

We offer progressive flexible working options to everyone at all levels – It’s not a policy. It’s behaviour led and reinforced through our values. Mental health and wellbeing is something we take seriously – It’s championed by our own people internally and is a regular conversation. We have a lot of fun – Even in this virtual world, we are constantly looking at reinventing how we connect with each other.

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Publicis Groupe benefits: Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family, recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the world's most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses. You can learn more about us at www.publicisgroupeanz.com.

Enjoy all the perks that come with our network offering:

• A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical, mindful, and financial wellbeing.
• A creative, lively, and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other, supported by our Publicis Liberté flexibility approach — "working your way with us."
• Access to our Global AI Platform Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network.
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform, Marcel Classes.
• A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program.
• A committed Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva Women, Égalité, enABLE, EmbRACE, and Écologique committees.
• Leave benefits including Birthday Leave, Flexible Public Holidays, and an additional 5 days of leave after 2 years of service.
• Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year.
• Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks based on tenure, paid primary carer leave, secondary carer swap, and Cub Care leave.
• Access to counsellors, psychologists, and professionals through Sonder, an all-in-one digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological, medical & safety needs.
• A workplace that stands together to provide a more open, supportive, and recovery-forward culture for all employees with life-threatening illnesses. Read more about our Working With Cancer Pledge: https://workingwithcancerpledge.com/
• Proud partners of Diversity Council Australia, Pride in Diversity, Family Friendly Workplaces, Supply Nation, and the Australian Disability Network.

If you don't tick every box in this ad, please don't rule yourself out. Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity rather than ticking boxes — so if this role resonates with you, please apply.

Diversity. Inclusion. Equity. More than just words; these are part of our DNA. At Publicis Groupe, we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, and religious affiliation. We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients, our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate. We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions.

Uniqueness is powerful; without it, we wouldn't be where we are today. So be you — we like it that way.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact us via [email protected]; your personal information will be kept confidential.