Marketing Media Strategist - Manager

About The Role

The Media Operations Specialist is responsible for operations and execution of media strategies that align with our internal clients' marketing objectives.

The Media Operations Specialist will have a deep understanding of media channels, audience targeting and performance measurement. The Media Operations Analyst will lead the implementation of B2B digital media campaigns on behalf of Cognizant marketing teams.

As a key team member within the Global Marketing Centre of Excellence (COE), the Media Operations Specialist will collaborate closely with Campaign Management, Brand, Performance marketing and Field Marketing internal clients to deliver effective media programs with speed and agility.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated media strategies that align with client goals and drive business results, across various campaign types, including full-funnel, ABM and lead generation.

• Partner with Field marketing teams on media strategies & planning, including audience analysis, forecasting, re-targeting and budget allocation.

• Execute media plans across various digital channels, including social, connected TV, and digital out-of-home.

• Collaborate with in-house Brand & Creative teams, MarTech and Analytics teams to ensure cohesive and effective full-funnel campaign execution.

• Utilise data and insights to optimise media performance and provide actionable recommendations.

• Develop and track key metrics & KPIs for campaign/program success and report on performance on behalf of internal client teams.

• Fully understand Cognizant’s MarTech stack and ensure media tactics leverage campaign operations requirements on a daily basis.

• Manage relationships with media vendors and negotiate media buys to achieve the best value for clients.

• Share information related to industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in media strategy and execution.

• Support end to end media processes that support delivery of stakeholder briefs in an effective and agile manner.
• Manage ongoing spend forecasting, tracking and reporting to support vendor payments requirements.

Additional responsibilities

Planning:

• Develop thorough understanding of Cognizant offerings and propositions, B2B technology marketing & competitor analysis, media channel insights and target audience analysis.

• Partner with Campaign operations to ensure media channels are appropriately integrated into campaign architecture and tracking.

• Maintain budget forecasting and tracking across platforms and channels.

• Partner with Field Marketing media strategist on media planning, buying and operations requirements.

Execution, Optimisation:

• Develop and execute media campaigns in accordance with campaign briefs.

• Brief in-house creative teams on media asset requirements.

• Manage IO process and budget pacing for all media campaigns in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

• Track and measure against pre-defined KPIs across channel, tactic and media partner.

• Optimize channel mix and budget allocation as required.

Project management & best practices:

• Project / traffic manage all media requests including methods for prioritisation and rejection.

• Develop close partnerships with Campaign Operations management and in-house creative teams to ensure optimal turn-around times.

• Build and own end to end media process documentation, creation of media playbooks and best practices for knowledge sharing.

• Develop benchmarks for post campaign reporting.

Candidate Profile

Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field is preferable but not essential.

• 7+ years of experience in B2B media planning strategy and buying across core channels and platforms (including lead generation), with a focus on integrated campaigns.

• Proven track record of successfully developing and executing media strategies that drive business outcomes.

• Comprehensive understanding and experience with DSPs.

• Some media agency experience preferred.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to inform strategic decisions.

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.

• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.

• Hands-on proficiency in media planning tools and software.

• Experience working with in-house procurement teams and managing vendor relationships.

Relevant Knowledge and Certifications:

• SDFC Admin, LinkedIn Manager, Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Similar Web. SEM Rush, 6Sense, CRM tools, Content Syndication platforms & vendors, CM360, LiveRamp, DemandBase, Triblio

• Workfront management.