Digital Ad Sales Operations Inventory Manager

This is a Full Time Job

As more advertisers embrace digital media, the need for media companies to effectively manage their ad inventory grows dramatically. The ability for Account Executives and Sales management to know what is available, and when, is essential to the business process.

In this role, the team is seeking a Manager who will be an exceptional addition to our Digital Ad Sales Operations Team. As a Digital Inventory Manager, you will manage a team of Analysts responsible for the oversight of inventory forecasts. This role will also work closely with individual station sales teams to provide inventory forecasting as well as fulfill ad hoc reporting requests. This role will work collaboratively with a range of cross-functional partners such as site leaders (local & national), research, sales, ad ops and campaign management to be the voice of expertise on our Inventory availabilities and trends for NBCU local brands (NBC, Telemundo & Regional Sports Network).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Manage a team of Inventory Analysts that oversees the day-to-day inventory requests.
• Evaluate the performance of Analysts and help improve and develop their confidence and skills.
• Troubleshoot and investigate under pacing lines and discrepancies with forecasting.
• Coordinate and profitably allocate digital advertising inventory across NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations Digital sites, NBC Sports, Peacock, and more.
• Oversee and manage inventory reporting, capacity, and forecast tools to ensure data is clear and accurate, timely and useful for key stakeholders.
• Provide strategic oversight of inventory and work closely with sales in providing analytical support to utilize inventory efficiently.
• Leverage diverse sales channels to evaluate opportunities, assess risk and inform strategic decisions.
• Partner with Digital Campaign Managers, Ad Operations, Research, Tech Solutions, and the Ad Sales Analytics/Automations Manager to evaluate and implement any/all new inventory management tools and systems.
• Forecast, monitor and recommend appropriate inventory levels for areas where inventory cannot be reliably predicted.
• Collaborate with Ad Solutions in the oversight of digital ad product catalogue. Recommend changes/updates and create new ad products in response to market demand.
• When necessary, handle escalations related to inventory utilization with the Analysts, Digital Campaign Managers and Sales Account Executives.
• Develop and maintain inventory documentation.
• Q/A Inventory Tools
• Assist with various projects/reports and assignments, as needed

Qualifications

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Experience in online media (3 years) with specific experience in inventory, planning, operations, and people management.
• Knowledge of financial and operational principles specifically related to digital ad sales.
• Knowledge of ad-serving systems (Freewheel, Google Ad Manager, Operative One or other OMS).
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. High proficiency in advanced Excel functionality (pivot tables, vlookups, formulas, macros, etc.)

Desired Characteristics
• Prior experience in Inventory, Sales Planning or Sales Operations.
• Able to communicate information at the appropriate level to salespeople, middle, and senior management.
• Ability to help Team resolve conflicts by creating a positive, inclusive, and safe environment.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills with ability to perform independently and proactively while working in a team environment.
• Demonstrated success working on developing business initiatives or emerging departments.
• Strong computer skills especially in Excel, Power Point, and Word.
• Ad Serving software and tracking knowledge such as Freewheel and Google Ad Manager
• Knowledge of management tools such as Monday.com is a plus.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Attraction to continuous change and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a continuously changing environment.
• Well-organized and strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and resourceful.
• Fluency in the language of digital media and online measurement: Impressions, CTR, CPMs, eCPMs, uniques, pageviews, visits, viewability, etc. preferred.
• Basic sports knowledge is a plus!

This position has been designated as fully remote, meaning that the position is expected to contribute from a non-NBCUniversal worksite, most commonly an employee’s residence.