Media Buyer

JOB SUMMARY:

The Media Buyer works day-to-day on their assigned brands and is expected to support the outputs and deliverables as directed by their managers. The Buyer must understand the client’s brand and marketing objectives and steward a portion of the execution process. The Buyer provides recommendations that meet client objectives using factual analytical rigor, research and judgement.

The Media Buyer must manage timelines and deliverables while keeping their managers apprised of progress and challenges. The Planner is expected to have a strong desire to learn and appropriate working knowledge of all media channels especially digital. They should have mastery of available media research, resources and tools. The Media Planner may be asked to support new business.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Team Management

- Help train the Assistant Media Buyer by ensuring they are set up with the appropriate programs and files and that deadlines/expectations are clear and feasible

Budget and Billing

- Partner with Assistant Media Planner to ensure budget/billing documents are complete and accurate, ensures that PRISMA is up to date

Campaign Execution

- Update traffic worksheets, issues insertion orders, maintain contracts with publications for advertising space, compile data base on product journal advertising for account groups

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Media Execution:

- Assists Supervisor in drafting documents related to the tactical plan (RFPs)

- Assists in developing buying strategies to maximizing media value and impact while supporting media negotiations

- Compiles and provides digital specs to creative AORs (plan specific)

- Ensures appropriate QA is conducted and monitored throughout campaign, identifying and elevating issues

- Understands intricacies of various tracking/targeting services holding media partners accountable for performance

- Works in conjunction with Assistant Buyer on billing and invoicing to maintain consistent process keeping abreast of all invoice, billing and delivery issues; knows when to escalate discrepancies to Supervisor

- Works collaboratively with Assistant and/or Data Analyst to cleanse data and develop performance reports based on client scoped cadence; analyses of all required variables including but not limited to segment, platform, vendor/partner, creative, etc. drawing implications that impact go-forward plans

- Writes POVs as needed and evaluate new technology, media innovation and/or opportunities

- Maintain relationships with media partners and meet regularly to understand changes in capabilities

Client & Internal Relationships:

- Supports day-to-day client interactions while building credibility and being responsive, when appropriate

- Helps organize deliverables for team and clients

- Oversees training and development of Assistant, when applicable

- Works closely with cross-functional teams (Planning, Analytics, SEM, Social, SEO, Creative AOR, Ad Ops) to improve performance and resolve issues including but not limited to tagging, tracking and brand safety

- Participates in and supports client and media partner meetings, when appropriate

- Builds positive relationships with internal and external teams and sets good example for Assistants

Strategic Thinking & Leadership:

- Works with internal team (Supervisor/AD/Media Director) to support development of media plans and buy strategies

- Assesses problems and concerns in a systematic, logical and rational manner

- Proactively stays up to date on industry and client business news and new opportunities

- Proactively resolves issues, know when to and to whom to escalate

- Provides training and guidance to new team members and nurtures/promotes positive team environment

- Works with Supervisor to develop management skills while overseeing and training junior team

- Proficient at time management, assuring projects are completed on time and adhered to within budget

- Contribute to accurate, honest and timely performance management documents

- Manages multiple deliverables and seamlessly transitions between them

EDUCATION:

A bachelor's degree is preferred

EXPERIENCE:

1 years of experience related to media work is required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Competency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Teams.
• Hands-on experience in use of media applications, including Prisma.
• Strong organization and time management
• Successfully manage multiple projects at once
• Inquisitive nature
• Comfortable asking questions/support when needed
• Proactive/eagerness to get involved
• Collaborative spirit
• Strong communication (written and oral)
• Accountable for responsibilities assigned
• Assist Sr. Buyer in guiding and educating Assistant Buyer
• Develop own project timelines and appropriate deadlines
• Prioritize tasks and execute them efficiently
• Keep managers apprised of project process and challenges as they arise
• Effectively train and manage Assistant Buyer
• Begin to identify problems and also bring solutions

COMPETENCIES:

Organization: Creates clear goals, identifies and finds the resources (i.e. people, material) needed to achieve them, and schedules tasks so that work is completed on time

Communication: Attentive and shows interest in the subject; expresses ideas clearly, concisely and professionally in oral and written communications

Attention to Detail: Takes pride in being accurate and reliable in deliverables, being diligent in checking work, and effective completion of repeatable tasks

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING:

This Job Description is not a contract of employment but serves as a reference for your mutual understanding of the terms and conditions associated with the position.

Your role may vary from this description, and you may be asked to perform other duties or have additional responsibilities outside of what’s outlined above. If you think that there are elements of this job description that are inaccurate, please speak with your manager and/or HR Partner.

There are three types of Employee Work Arrangements that classify where a person conducts work: In-Office, Hybrid, and Fully Remote. The amount of time an employee spends working virtually versus in person is dictated by their work arrangement classification, the demands of the role, the needs of the agency and their team, and a person’s performance.

This job description is not intended to include modifications consistent with providing a Reasonable Accommodation.