Media & Entertainment — Ad Tech Consultant

Responsibilities

• Apply deep knowledge of advertising technology ecosystems spanning programmatic buying and selling, ad serving, audience targeting, and inventory monetization across linear, digital, and streaming environments
• Analyze client ad-tech platforms, and identify gaps, inefficiencies, and growth opportunities
• Develop transformation roadmaps and modernized ad tech architectures aligned to client monetization goals and emerging industry standards
• Apply working knowledge of major ad-serving and programmatic platforms (e.g., Magnite, Freewheel, The Trade Desk, Google Ad Manager) to design practical, scalable solutions
• Shape and support OTT/CTV monetization strategies, retail media network buildouts, and programmatic direct and open marketplace initiatives
• Stay current on emerging ad tech trends in M&E including identity resolution, privacy-safe data sharing, alternative ID solutions, and the evolution of the cookieless ecosystem and translate them into actionable client strategies
• Lead and support engagements end-to-end: work planning, requirements documentation, stakeholder workshops, stakeholder management, solution design, deliverable ownership, and team oversight
• Manage client expectations throughout the project lifecycle and provide alternative recommendations when needed to keep objectives on track
• Build trusted relationships with mid- to senior-level business and technology stakeholders
• Develop and deliver client presentations, workshops, and written work products that translate complex ad tech concepts and monetization strategies into clear business language
• Quickly assess client challenges and engage cross-functional partners to develop the right solutions
• Anticipate and mitigate project risks with sound judgment on when to escalate to senior leadership
• Partner with EPAM Client Partners and sales teams to engage prospects across the full sales lifecycle, from initial scoping through proposal and close
• Lead the authoring of proposals and statements of work for complex engagements
• Design project teaming models and produce accurate effort and cost estimates
• Clearly communicate scope, assumptions, and risk to both technical and executive audiences
• Support pursuit activities and contribute to EPAM's Media & Entertainment go-to-market strategy
• Contribute to EPAM's point of view in the Media & Entertainment space through internal communities, white papers, and external-facing content
• Mentor junior consultants and contribute to raising the quality bar across the practice
• Support recruiting, methodology development, and internal growth initiatives

  Requirements

  • 4+ years of experience in M&E consulting and advisory
  • 8+ years of client-facing roles (e.g. management consulting, media technology, or as an M&E practitioner)
  • Hands-on knowledge of programmatic protocols (OpenRTB, VAST/VMAP) and major ad-serving platforms (e.g., Magnite, Freewheel)
  • In-depth understanding of the buy-side and sell-side ecosystems (DSPs, SSPs, DMPs, SSP wrappers, header bidding)
  • Familiarity with Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) such as Adobe Real-Time CDP, Salesforce Data Cloud, or Tealium
  • Proven ability to translate business challenges into technology and process solutions and communicate them to executive audiences
  • Clear understanding of current industry headwinds, including third-party cookie deprecation, privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA), and alternative identity solutions
  • Experience implementing or scaling Retail Media Networks (RMN) or monetizing streaming/OTT/CTV inventory
  • Strong analytical skills including process mapping, business case development, and solution evaluation
  • Certifications in major advertising or cloud platforms
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree a plus
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfort building and presenting client-facing materials (PowerPoint, Visio, Excel)