Associate Business Director - Media Planning

Company Description

Starcom is a world-renowned media communications agency that architects connected human experiences to create value through precision marketing, content and technology solutions. With more than 5,000 employees worldwide, Starcom partners with the world's leading marketers and new establishment brands, including Airbnb, Bank of America, Kellogg Company, Kraft Heinz, Novartis, Samsung, Visa and more. Starcom is part of Publicis Media—the global media solutions group

Overview

• 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.
  
  

Responsibilities

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.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field.
• 9 -12 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.
  
  

Additional Information

R-2798P-3165