Initiative - Manager, Media Planning

The role of a Media Planning Manager is to supervise and manage our integrated media planning product and assume an active role on the business. The Media Planning Manager will assist with the development of media strategies and operating procedures and will also be responsible for leading, mentoring, coaching and developing employees. This role requires you to work as part of an integrated media planning team to ensure the product is grounded in insights and experience, resulting in flawless media executions.

Accountable for leading the preparation, writing and presentation of integrated media plans, proposals and analysis that satisfy client objectives and that go beyond the brief. Maintain stewardship and accountability of the media plan, regularly evaluating and monitoring execution. Liaise and foster knowledge-sharing with other disciplines internally, partner agencies and other departments to ensure that media and client knowledge is current. Ensure that all media plans adhere to the agency’s values, philosophies and processes. Lead the preparation and presentation of evaluations of media opportunities, media trends and issues of interest to clients. Awareness of client KPIs and objectives, ensuring that tracking is in place for check-ins as required. Manage and lead a team of employees. Effectively communicate agency goals, manage workloads, provide ongoing performance feedback and support professional development. Interview and participate in hiring decision of employees if/when required. Accurately and effectively manage client’s day-to-day planning requirements, with a strong understanding of client’s business objectives and KPIs. Inform leadership of potential challenges and opportunities as it relates to client and/or people management. Influence decision making by encouraging appropriate strategies and benefits of offerings to clients. Participate in additional agency/team projects and new business presentations as required. Oversee financial media control, including purchase authorizations, billing and budget control reports and ensure that discrepancies are resolved in a timely fashion.

Post-Secondary education – University graduate and/or advertising/marketing College degree preferred. Minimum of six (6) years’ experience in integrated media planning. History of developing positive on-going business relationships with a focus on client service. Ability to develop and foster strong relationships and partnerships, both internally and externally. Demonstrated ability to effectively apply knowledge and insights gained from research resources to media planning. Previous experience managing and developing employees. Proactive approach to problem solving, supporting the team, self-development, etc. Proficient with media research tools (e.g. Clear Decisions, Vividata, Neilson), and media tools (e.g. Prisma). Strong learning agility, with a passion for continuous development. Strong presentation skills. Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal). Independent thinker with highly developed organizational skills and a strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work well under pressure and multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Ability to travel as required.

Initiative is different to other media agencies.

We are not trapped by a legacy structure primarily centered on paid advertising. Instead, we are liberated by a new world structure designed to deliver highly differentiated and highly effective communications strategies for our clients.

We’re not the biggest agency in town. So rather than outsize our competitors we must outsmart them. That’s why we’ve built the strongest strategic capability of any agency in the market. Core to this strategic capability is an obsession with culture and how brands can pivot from brand advertising (which is forgettable) to cultural branding (which is memorable).

Our new world model is comprised of four central “craft centers” – Client Advice and Management, Strategy, Communications Design and Partnerships.

OUR BEHAVIORS

Initiative respects that everyone has something unique to contribute to the agency.

We are a bunch of eclectic and brilliant misfits with diverse backgrounds that represent the unique fabric of consumers and culture.

We want you to be yourself. We want to hear your opinions. We want to see your passion and energy.

If you disagree with something you see or hear then speak up. We will never punish or penalize you for bringing something important to our attention.

If you believe you can improve something in the agency then speak up. We will always listen to your ideas and suggestions.

We will not tolerate harassment, bullying or corporate politics. We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We expect you to be responsible on social media and remember that you represent the agency and should not bring us into disrepute.

We are committed to your learning and development. The agency will organize regular training to enhance and accelerate your career – we expect you to prioritize training and actively participate.

We strive for world-class work on every client, every time.

We believe that good enough is not good enough.