Head of Planning

The Manager, Media Planning oversees a team of media professionals in developing media plans that drive cost efficiencies , whilst ensuring that client objectives/KPIs are met . The Manager, Media Planning leads the team in pursuing innovative, well-targeted, communication and connection solutions across a variety of media (TV, Radio & Print) to meet or exceed client objectives & drive business. This includes leading the team in the unearthing of insights to inform the human experience plan and resulting tactical activations. The Manager, Media Planning manager ensures flawless execution on all fronts, including working collaboratively with the Investment and Strategy teams on the Vodacom business.

Job Title:

Head of Planning

Job Description:

• Recognized as media (planning and buying) expert within the team and with other stakeholders within the company
• Develops process improvements and best practices to ensure consistency, flexibility and efficiency resulting in solutions that meet or exceed clients expectations
• Leads by example via work ethic, team building approach, attitude and overall collaboration
• Works closely with the BUD & Account Directors to continually assess group members' professional development to determine where group members are along their career path and supports vision and mission of the company. Identifies development plans and supports group members growth into positions of progressive responsibility with increased levels of contribution
• Proactively communicates performance goals, as well as accomplishments and improvement needs to staff members on a regular basis.
• Effectively trains and develops media implementation planners & strategists in company practices as well as planning and/or buying strategies and execution. Trains Junior planners & interns to support client needs.
• Ensures productive working relationships among team members and between agency departments, other agencies, clients and media Owners

Ensures that client relationships continue to be strengthened by quality of deliverables and client satisfaction.

• Maintains an in-depth knowledge of client business, from current and historical perspectives
• Able to demonstrate to clients how proposed media solutions will show expected return on investment.
• Actively listens to clients and continually identifies opportunities that have the potential to build clients businesses and make the company indispensable to clients, and, at the same time, is able to professionally and persuasively push back and redirect clients (saying no) when necessary
• Ensures the quality of work for all client deliverables
• Continually looks for opportunities to improve the planning team / processes / product.
• Recognized as an internal leader among peer group and clients

Manages client business and staff in support of overall company objectives

• Ensures current staff is fully utilized and operating effectively / efficiently to meet client needs
• Anticipates client needs in response to changing business / market landscapes and provides proactive information / solutions
• Communicates client objectives to internal stakeholders / staff members and clearly outlines a plan to meet them
• Actively participates in the overall management of the planning teams, offering solutions and supporting management decisions / direction
• Takes a leadership role in the training and development of new staff members within the planning team.

Holistic Approach

• A holistic approach in planning and executing media is a must,

Maintain overall control of work-flow and assigned subordinate responsibilities within the group

• Oversee the progress of all planning projects
• Provide assistance, where necessary, to assure timely completion of projects

Maintain quality control of all group projects

• Ensure that projects are produced completely, correctly and with a maximum of manpower efficiency
• Intercede as much as possible as to encourage individual subordinate initiative and to observe their personal abilities and growth

Stimulate subordinate productivity and growth by:

• Allocation of assignments which combine to make productive and effective use of each persons skills, as well as motivating their interests and challenging their minds
• Encouraging thorough evaluation of media proposals and alternative media opportunities
• Supporting direct contact with account groups and clients

Assists internal management team in providing formal training of strategy teams and clients on media landscape, tools and processes

• Prepare and execute all special department assignments requested by management
• Provides direction, management and support to individuals within group
• Works closely with the BUD & Account directors to continually assess group members' professional development to determine where group members are along their career path and supports vision and mission of the company. Identifies development plans and supports group members growth into positions of progressive responsibility with increased levels of contribution
• Effectively and professionally handles performance issues as they occur
• Effectively trains and develops media implementation planners, strategists, supervisors in company practices as well as planning and/or buying strategies and execution.
• Ensures productive working relationships among team members and between agency departments, other agencies, clients and media owners

Behaviors and deliverables consistently demonstrate thought leadership and innovation.

• Recognized as media (planning and buying) expert with team and with other groups within the company
• Develops process improvements and best practices to ensure consistency, flexibility and efficiency resulting in solutions that meet or exceed clients expectations
• Leads by example via work ethic, team building approach, attitude and overall collaboration

Requirements

• 6+ years of progressive levels of responsibility in media planning, buying , management.
• Demonstrated business acumen and a track record of success in the media services profession
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Strong negotiating skills
• Solid interpersonal and teamwork abilities
• Able to build and strengthen client relationships
• Demonstrated leadership and supervision skills
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving abilities
• Strong analytical abilities
• Strong command of media research and reporting resources

Asset

Experience in Tele-communication industry is a definite asset for this role.

Location:

Sandton

Brand:

Carat

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent