Machine Learning Manager - Ads Targeting Modeling
Job Summary
The role involves leading the engineering strategy for Reddit’s Ads Targeting products, focusing on developing machine learning-powered features to improve ad targeting effectiveness. Key responsibilities include defining technical vision, managing execution, and scaling the team through recruiting and mentorship. Candidates should have extensive experience in managing ML engineering teams, building large-scale ML products, and possess deep technical expertise in areas such as machine learning and recommender systems. The position also emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams and supporting ad tech platform development.
Required Skills
Benefits
Job Description
In this role, you will define and drive the engineering strategy for Reddit’s Ads Targeting products—solutions critical to scaling our business and serving tens of thousands of advertisers. You will develop machine learning–powered features that identify and target highly qualified users and content, thereby maximizing outcomes for a diverse group of advertisers. Ads Targeting products rely on rich user, content, and advertiser models that accurately match users with campaigns. We are looking for an industry leader in machine learning recommendations, optimization, and marketplace dynamics, with a strong technical background, solid business acumen, and excellent cross-functional stakeholder management skills. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity with broad influence across Reddit’s Ads platform.
The ideal candidate understands the value that ads can bring to our users, advertisers, and Reddit as a whole. As the Machine Learning Manager for the Ads Targeting Modeling team, you will partner closely with Engineering Managers, Product Managers, and Data Scientists to:
- Define the vision and product strategy for Ads Targeting Modeling.
- Optimize and evolve existing targeting products.
- Build new ML-powered targeting solutions to help advertisers reach relevant audiences at scale.
Responsibilities
Technical Vision & Strategy:
- Lead the development and optimization of first-party and automation-based targeting products that scale with Reddit’s growing Ads business.
- Shape a long-term technical vision that balances performance, personalization, and scalability while delivering measurable advertiser outcomes.
Execution & Delivery:
- Own the execution of your team’s roadmap and ensure consistent, predictable, and high-quality delivery.
- Prioritize initiatives effectively, balancing long-term innovation with emergent needs.
- Coach engineers and technical leads on execution, project management, and architectural tradeoffs.
- Identify risks early and communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical partners.
Recruiting & Team Growth:
- As the Ads Targeting Modeling team scales rapidly, you’ll be responsible for growing your team—writing job descriptions, sourcing, interviewing, and helping close top-tier talent.
- You’ll be supported by an experienced recruiting team but will be directly accountable for hiring and team scaling.
Career Development:
- Guide engineers in setting and achieving career goals.
- Create development plans, provide mentorship, and foster a team culture focused on growth and accountability.
- Encourage engineers to stretch beyond their comfort zones, grow their leadership skills, and become force multipliers for the organization.
Requirements
- Experience managing and growing ML engineering teams, ideally having scaled a team by more than 100%.
- Proven track record in building and shipping large-scale, end-to-end machine learning products.
- Technical expertise in at least one of the following areas: Machine Learning, NLP, Ranking, Search Engines, Recommender Systems, or Knowledge Graphs.
- Experience managing engineering teams, including hiring, onboarding, and talent development.
- Demonstrated success launching new products (0 → 1) and scaling mature product lines.
- Hands-on technical skills—you are capable of solving complex problems yourself, though you prefer to guide your team in doing so.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across remote teams and communicate complex topics with technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience with data-driven decision making and using data to guide roadmap priorities.
- Exposure to developing and executing multi-year technical strategies.
- Passion for building high-performing, inclusive teams and working closely with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Product Management, Product Marketing Management, Data Science, Sales).
- Experience mentoring and growing individual contributors.
- Management experience in the advertising domain or within ad tech platforms.
- Familiarity with marketplace dynamics and auction-based ad delivery systems.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health benefits
- Retirement Savings plan with matching contributions
- Workspace benefits for your home office
- Personal & Professional development funds
- Family Planning Support
- Flexible Vacation & Reddit Global Days Off
#LI-Remote
Reddit is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse communities we serve. Reddit is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation during the interview process, please let your recruiter know.
A social media platform where users create and participate in communities (subreddits) to discuss a wide range of topics, share content, and connect.
See more jobsSafe Remote Job Search Tips
Verify Employer Thoroughly
Research the company's identity thoroughly before applying. Check for a professional website with contacts, active social media, and LinkedIn profiles. Verify details across platforms and look for reviews on Glassdoor or Trustpilot to confirm legitimacy.
Never Pay to Get a Job
Legitimate employers never require payment for applications, training, background checks, or equipment. Always reject upfront payment requests or demands for bank details, even if they claim it's for purchasing necessary work gear on your behalf.
Safeguard Your Personal Information
Protect sensitive data like SSN, bank details, or ID copies. Share this only after accepting a formal, written job offer. Ensure it's submitted via a secure company system or portal, never through insecure channels like standard email attachments.
Scrutinize Communication & Interviews
Watch for communication red flags: poor grammar, generic emails (@gmail), vague details, or undue pressure. Be highly suspicious of interviews held only via text or chat apps; legitimate companies typically use video or phone calls.
Beware of Unrealistic Offers
If an offer's salary or benefits seem unrealistically high for the work involved, be cautious. Research standard pay for similar roles. Offers that appear 'too good to be true' are often scams designed to lure you into providing information or payment.
Insist on a Formal Contract
Always secure and review a formal, written job offer or employment contract before starting work or sharing final personal details. Ensure it clearly defines your role, compensation, key terms, and conditions to avoid misunderstandings or scams.