Media planner

Role Summary - Media Planner 

As a part of Media Planning team, you will spearhead the development and implementation of sophisticated, integrated media strategies that drive measurable client success and business growth. In this pivotal role, you will oversee substantial media investments across multiple channels, provide strategic leadership to a team of planners, and foster collaborative relationships with internal departments and external media partners. Your data-driven approach will ensure campaigns are not only efficient and effective but also perfectly aligned with client objectives and evolving market dynamics. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Involvement 

• Architect and execute comprehensive end-to-end media strategies encompassing digital, offline, performance, and programmatic channels for assigned brands or accounts 

• Transform complex client objectives and audience insights into innovative media approaches that maximize ROI while meeting specific KPIs 

• Pioneer omnichannel planning frameworks that ensure seamless consumer experiences across the entire customer journey 

• Drive strategic pivots when necessary, based on real-time campaign performance data and changing market conditions 

Budget & Financial Management 

• Strategically manage and optimize annual media budgets of $3 million+, ensuring efficient allocation across platforms and channels 

• Develop detailed media investment scenarios to help clients understand potential outcomes across different spending levels 

• Create and implement pacing and budget allocation frameworks that maximize performance while maintaining fiscal responsibility 

• Collaborate with finance teams to establish consistent spend recognition procedures 

• Develop and maintain accurate financial forecasting models for client campaigns 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Orchestrate seamless collaboration with analytics, programmatic, SEO/SEM, creative, and client services teams to build truly integrated media plans 

• Facilitate regular cross-departmental planning sessions to ensure alignment on campaign objectives and execution 

• Partner with data science teams to develop advanced attribution models that accurately measure channel performance and inform optimization decisions 

• Coordinate closely with buying and ad operations teams to ensure flawless campaign implementation 

Insights & Innovation 

• Conduct comprehensive competitive analysis and media landscape assessments to identify strategic opportunities and threats 

• Stay at the forefront of consumer behavior trends and media consumption patterns to inform forward-thinking recommendations 

• Lead rigorous post-campaign analysis to extract actionable insights for future planning cycles 

• Develop test-and-learn frameworks to systematically explore new channels, formats, and targeting approaches 

Vendor & Partnership Management 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with platforms such as Google, Meta, TikTok, and premium publishers. 

• Negotiate advantageous rates, value-adds, and strategic partnerships to maximize client investment impact 

• Evaluate and onboard emerging media platforms that align with audience behaviors and client objectives 

• Secure early access to beta programs and exclusive advertising opportunities through proactive partnership development 

Client Communication & Reporting 

• Lead compelling presentations of media strategies, plans, and performance to senior client stakeholders 

• Present insightful Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) that demonstrate campaign value and strategic thinking 

• Develop clear, impactful performance dashboards and reporting frameworks that effectively communicate results 

• Translate complex media metrics into business outcomes that resonate with C-suite executives 

Compliance & Sustainability 

• Ensure all media plans adhere to rigorous brand safety guidelines and regulatory compliance standards 

• Implement media sustainability initiatives including carbon impact assessment via Scope3 methodology 

• Establish protocols for fraud prevention and viewability standards across all digital investments 

• Maintain thorough documentation of planning decisions and partner agreements for audit purposes 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or related field; MBA preferred 

• 2-5 years of progressive experience in media planning with demonstrated success managing substantial budgets 

• Proven track record of developing successful integrated media strategies across multiple channels 

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in media planning tools and performance analysis platforms 

• Excellent leadership abilities with experience managing and developing junior team members 

• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategies to diverse stakeholders 

• Deep understanding of media measurement methodologies, attribution models, and analytics frameworks 

• Experience with programmatic advertising platforms, data management platforms, and audience targeting solutions 

Success Metrics 

• Development and execution of media strategies that consistently meet or exceed client KPIs 

• Effective management of multi-million dollar budgets with demonstrated optimization results 

• High client satisfaction scores and relationship longevity 

• Contribution to agency growth through expanded client relationships and new business wins