Associate Business Director - Media

Lead the development and execution of media plans across multiple clients and industries, taking into account both the client's and the agency's key performance indicators.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute effective media strategies.

Manage day-to-day client relationships and communications, including ongoing communication and relationship building to improve client satisfaction and grow their business.

Mentor and guide junior planning team members.

Identify new business opportunities and generate leads.

Represent the company in client and industry meetings and presentations.

Contribute to the overall business and strategic direction of the media planning team.

Play a role in shaping the overall direction and success of the media planning team.

Drive growth in various assigned areas of focus, utilizing cross-functional synergies to improve efficiency and support the client's broader goals.

Oversee the development and implementation of media strategies, including day-to-day operations.

Effectively manage resources and work to enhance the skills and capabilities of team members through mentoring and training.

Foster a strong partnerships with clients through effective communication and relevant advice.

Develop educational programs to expand clients' knowledge and understanding of media strategy.

Possess a comprehensive understanding of communications strategy and advertising principles.

Technical & Product

• Ability to comprehend client requirements, pose appropriate inquiries, and devise a plan for utilizing media outlets in accordance with the client's goals.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data and market research.
• Strong grasp of industry trends and best practices.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office 365 software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
• Expert level knowledge of and experience with various media planning and buying tools and platforms, such as Z/X Plan, Statex, Global Web Index (GWI), Euromonitor, World Advertising Research Center (WARC), Similar Web, etc.
• Expert knowledge of various industry digital planning tools such as DV360, Google Ads, Meta Business Manager, Snap Chat Ads Manager, Twitter Ads Manager, TikTok Ads Manager.
• Strong understanding of Publicis Media products and services and ability to effectively communicate their features and benefits to clients.
• Strong understanding of digital media and emerging technologies.
• Strong & In-depth commercial acumen, able to drive ROI for both business partners and agency while being efficient and effective.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, strong selling skills, strong numeracy, literacy and accuracy.
• Proficient project management and organizational skills.
• Proactively manage clients' expectations.
• Develop and sell communication plans as the lead planner or as part of a planning team, depending on the size and complexity of the business.
• Ensure internal and external marketing of the agency's work in regional and international awards.
• Contribute valuable ideas, opinions and feedback and communicate in an open and candid manner.
• Monitor day-to-day aspects of junior employees' work to ensure high quality output.
• Lead by example and inspire others to undertake challenging tasks and projects.
• Carry out appraisals for the team and proactively manage team motivation and growth.
• Provide on-the-job training and learning opportunities for junior employees.
• Be a strong team player within Account/Planning teams, Buying and specialist teams.
• Undertake additional projects beyond client responsibilities as requested, such as help on new business or analysis for regional offices.

Business Acumen & Operational Efficiency

• Proficient understanding of the advertising and media industry and the role of media planning within.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, clients, and stakeholders, with strong project management skills and the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Knowledge of how to measure ROI from media plans.
• Ability to manage internal teams and external vendors and agencies.
• Strong understanding of budgeting and forecasting and a strong understanding of business strategy.
• Strong grasp of & ability to develop channel-specific strategies, media plans and reports across both Offline & Online Channels.
• Strong media knowledge of the market, consumer, and media research available.
• Expert communication abilities and ability to interpret client objectives.
• Strong ability to train and develop analytical skills in staff.
• Assist & develop team members capabilitie including crafting a career growth plan for them.
• Collaboration with Buying and Finance team to provide investment briefs, oversee implementation plans, address any issues with ongoing plans and report on media investments.
• Responsible for overseeing and ensuring smooth functioning of relationships with clients, suppliers, and other departments.
• Quality control and adjustment to ensure seamless and comlpliat operation.
• Proactively involved in company wide initiatives as appropriate to the role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all specialist teams and ability to sell relevant services to clients.
• Sound understanding of trading issues and how they impact media strategy.
• Innovative & Analytical Mindset
• Ability to think strategically, creatively, and analytically, and to identify new opportunities and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, ability to innovate and improve current processes, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong team player and leadership skills.
• Expertise in all research data, including client research such as sales data, awareness tracking, competitive data, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of the media marketplace and opportunities available, and the ability to build constructive relationships with key media owners where relevant.
• Ability to break down problems and issues into sub-components, assess the costs, benefits, and risks of various options, and select an appropriate approach.
• Ability to analyze organizational strengths and weaknesses, combine that with knowledge of the industry, market and organization to develop long-term strategy.

People & Leadership

• Takes initiative to challenge an established point of view with respect and openness.
• Able to use storytelling to connect with internal and external stakeholders in a compelling manner to influence and inspire.
• Able to handle complex issues and make decisions even when missing information.
• Capable of proactively developing meaningful relationships with key decision makers.
• Accepts responsibility for client problems, manages conflict and actively works to solve issues internally and externally.
• Able to build succession plans and grow and mentor future talent.
• Able to provide constructive feedback to others in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates a collaborative and positive spirit and showcases inclusivity towards all people.
• Listens and proactively seeks views from others to create an environment that is transparent and comfortable for others to share.
• Able to motivate their team to pursue goals and deliver beyond their beliefs.
• Able to assess ideas and people on merit alone, without bias or favoritism and gives recognition when due.
• Empowers individuals to solve problems with full support when needed.
• Capable of coaching and supporting others by aligning career expectations providing actionable, open and constructive feedback.
• Capable of persuading others with integrity by understanding their motivations and identifying their concerns and work toward solving them.
• Proactively and continuously work towards improving effective team working and collaboration.
• Able to handle complex messages and is able to convey issues to facilitate others' understanding.
• Able to initiate and lead open conversations with internal and external stakeholders to build a culture of trust.
• Capable of creating opportunities for others to grow and demonstrate their learning agility.
• Drives a culture of trust with peers, clients and other stakeholders.

Education and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field.
• 8-11 years of experience in media planning or related role.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead teams of planning managers. Strong organizational skills, team player, ability to multitask, and work under pressure.
• Experience in business development, and industry representation.
• Digital Certifications across the major platforms, including Meta (FB & IG), Google, Snap Chat, Twitter & TikTok, in addition to an in-depth understanding of industry developments & initiatives I.e.: commerce, Metaverse, NFTs, etc.