Offline Media Buyer

Offline Media Buyer & Planner - Whiteley/Southampton Area.

General role

Supports the day to day running of the media buying unit and cooperates with other team members to have a positive impact on the unit and the wider organisation. Supports the media team in the delivery of a client service that exceeds the expectations of the team and the client. Helps to instils total confidence in the team and the client regarding the ‘media buying and planning’ of the account.

Media planner / buyers combine creative thinking with factual and statistical analysis to develop appropriate strategies to ensure that campaigns reach their target audiences as effectively as possible. They apply knowledge of media and communication platforms to identify the most appropriate mediums for building awareness of a client's brand. At a senior level the expectation is to deliver this in a quicker more effective manner, drawing on previous experience and insight.

Client Service - Accountabilities

* Identify which offline media platforms would best advertise a client's brand or product. (TV, OOH, Radio) They enable their clients to maximise the impact of their advertising campaigns through the use of a range of media and strong negotiations on rates.

* Proactively managing the day-to-day activities of assigned accounts with clients - providing and requesting information required for media campaign planning and bookin

* Knows the status of individual client projects. Is able to manage small to medium sized clients with input from senior management

* Recommends the most appropriate types of media to use, and the most effective time periods and locations

* Negotiates on behalf of the client to ensure the best rates and add value wherever possible, whilst building strong relationships with suppliers and media owners

* Proactive input into media tactics and opportunities, in line with client’s business objectives and briefings, using experience as a media professional

* Develops an understanding of the client’s product, the market in which that product is sold and the various target audiences for communications

* Gathers and organizes and presents competitive research and spending data

* Is accessible to clients and provides solutions or undertakes to find solutions where appropriate. Responds to communications in a timely and professional manner

* Is active in assisting the account team to forward plan from a media point of view

* Understands client processes and timelines integrating these with agency processes

* Works with the media manager / director to ensure clients receive timely communication (proposals / schedules etc) in line with agency process

* Assists in preparing plans and results for client meetings, develops skills in interpreting results and optimising activity

* Maintains an up to date interest across all media and is able to discuss specialist areas in depth during client and agency meetings.

* Preparing comprehensive post campaign analysis reports where appropriate

Internal Service - Accountabilities

* Need to be able to manage workload effectively and deliver to deadlines in a fast-paced environment

* Is proactive in understanding market information that impacts the accounts of the agency

* Regularly reconciles all bookings made and client plans

* Is accurate with information supplied internally and externally to ensure smooth account running

* Has the capacity to mentor and develop junior members of the team to help them develop their individual goals

* Is able to brief others on specialist media skills

* Has a good understanding of reporting and research systems and works to develop this into detailed skills and knowledge. Can run and prepare reports as requested.

Competencies

* Strong numeracy and analytical skills, comfortable working with data for insight and post campaign analysis

* Negotiation skills.

* Attention to detail.

* Good communication skills, internal and external – must be able to present to clients

* Multi-tasking, time management.

* Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

* Able to demonstrate detailed knowledge in at least one specialist area.

Values:

Our values are what shape us, as an agency and as individuals. It’s what we stand for and how we operate as an agency.

TEAMWORK: No one is as smart as we are together.

CLARITY: Working transparently with no fluff, no flannel.

PRIDE: Take pride in what you do and do your best.

ENERGY: Be tireless in the pursuit of outstanding work, service and results.

HONESTY: No false promises, we admit our mistakes.

Experience

* 12 – 24 Months media planning and buying experience is required in this position