Job Description
About Nike
NIKE Inc. is the world’s leading designer, marketer, NIKE Inc. is the world’s leading designer, marketer, and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories.
Founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight in 1972, Nike has grown over the last 50 years into one of the most valuable, most loved and most emulated brands in the world, singular in its ability to create cultural conversation within the world of sports and fashion and far beyond.
Nike’s mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world; a mission expressed every day through product design, digital and physical retail consumer experiences, and brand communications. Kinesso partners with Initiative to create best in class solutions for Nike. Initiative is Nike’s and Jordan brands media agency of record for EMEA, responsible for strategy, integrated media planning and activation, measurement, and data & technology services across 34 countries.
Partnering with Nike is an extraordinary opportunity requiring extraordinary talent. Our vision is to build the best integrated team connecting brand and performance to deliver best in class outcomes. The Nike Initiative EMEA team will be a highly diverse team, attracting the sharpest emerging and established media experts across all disciplines in the industry. With the chance to grow and do great work people all over the region will see, admire, and respond to.
Role Overview
The Programmatic Associate Director – Sports is responsible for defining, driving, and delivering bestinclass programmatic strategy and execution for Nike Sports. This highly clientfacing role requires a strategic thinker who can integrate programmatic activity into broader media plans, translating complex digital environments into clear, actionable strategies that support Nike’s business goals.
You will lead a dedicated programmatic activation team and act as a trusted programmatic expert for Nike stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Campaign Strategy & Execution
Develop and deliver bestinclass programmatic campaign strategies across all Nike Sports activity.
Define clear optimization paths across all programmatic levers (inventory, audiences, bids, etc.) with fullfunnel impact in mind.
Establish inventory and asset priorities to support campaign objectives.
Build and evolve testing frameworks with Campaign Managers to drive consistent, marketleading performance.
Own the insights and reporting narrative for all Sports campaigns, ensuring learnings are captured, shared, and applied across sports categories.
Translate complex performance drivers into clear, compelling narratives and decisive recommendations.
Reporting & Insights
Prepare and present actionable insights and comprehensive performance reports.
Continuously refine strategies based on data, ensuring campaigns deliver bestinclass outcomes.
Communicate campaign stories effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
Client & Stakeholder Management
Serve as a key point of contact for Nike clients on programmatic execution and performance.
Support the Programmatic Lead in communicating campaign narratives, results, and strategic recommendations.
Influence stakeholders through clear, datadriven storytelling.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of Campaign Managers.
Drive programmatic knowledge growth and learning across the team.
Contribute to the education and upskilling of programmatic teams, Initiative teams, and Nike IM teams.
Mentor junior specialists and foster a collaborative, highperformance culture.
Budget & Financial Management
Support accurate management of Nike’s programmatic investment.
Contribute to financial reporting and ensure transparency on tech costs and media suppliers.
Key Requirements
5–8 years of experience in digital/programmatic media, ideally with bluechip clients or leading agencies.
Proven experience delivering fullfunnel, brandled media experiences and brandconsistent acquisition programs.
Deep understanding of the EMEA digital media ecosystem, targeting methodologies, and programmatic platforms (DSPs, ad exchanges, etc.).
Strong knowledge of media planning principles and how to apply them within programmatic.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, set direction, and drive accountability.
Expertise in targeting, media formats, creative testing, and internet technologies.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence through datadriven storytelling.
Experience in agency, ad network, or publisher environments.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract actionable insights from large datasets.
Proven ability to manage programmatic projects endtoend and translate digital trends into actionable plans.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and collaborate effectively within fastpaced, matrixed organizations.
As part of the House of Challengers, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, such as:
- 27 days off per year, including 26 vacation days and 1 “Celebrate You” day (based on a 40-hour workweek)
- Hybrid and flexible working options to support a healthy work-life balance—and even work from abroad for up to 14 days per year
- Comprehensive growth support, smooth onboarding with a 100-day plan and personal buddy, plus ongoing development through a strong Learning & Development team
- An inspiring environment where you’ll work with leading A-brands, collaborate with experienced international colleagues, and have the freedom and trust to take initiative and shape your role
- Healthy catering in the office, free lunch twice a week, plus a variety of healthy snacks always available
- Referral Bonus – bring someone you know to MediaBrands and enjoy a generous referral reward in return.
- A variety of group sports activities, from marathons and cycling events to walking races and internal company tournaments.
- Fun social events, including a Summer and End of Year party, pub quizzes, team outings, and themed events like Diversity Day celebration and Partners Festival
- Lease bicycle plan and travel reimbursement to support your commute and sustainable mobility
- Exclusive discounts: enjoy great deals on fashion, electronics, and leisure activities all year round
