Senior Mainline Media Buyer & Planner

Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategically-minded Senior Mainline Media Buyer & Planner to oversee and optimize all traditional (Above-The-Line / ATL) advertising investments. This pivotal role requires an individual with a proven track record of deep industry connections across agencies, media vendors (TV, Print, Radio, OOH), and clients. The primary objective is to leverage these relationships to secure premium placements, achieve superior negotiated value, and drive innovative, high-impact mainline media campaigns that deliver measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities

I. Strategic Media Planning & Insights

High-Level Strategy Development : Design and lead the development of comprehensive mainline media strategies (TV, Print, Radio, Out-of-Home) aligned with overarching business objectives and specific campaign goals.

Audience Expertise : Utilize advanced media research tools (e.g., BARC, IRS, RAM) to interpret complex audience data, competitive intelligence, and market trends, translating them into differentiated media plans.

Budget Mastery : Manage multi-million dollar budgets, ensuring maximum Return on Investment (ROI) and optimal allocation across channels, periods, and markets.

Forecasting & Modeling : Develop robust media models for forecasting reach, frequency, GRPs (Gross Rating Points), and CPRP (Cost Per Rating Point) to predict campaign effectiveness.

II. Expert Media Buying & Negotiation

Elite Negotiation : Lead high-stakes negotiations with top-tier media owners (broadcasters, publishers, property owners) to secure the best possible rates, prime inventory, and added-value opportunities far surpassing standard market offerings.

Contract & Booking Management : Direct the meticulous execution of all media buys, including contract review, insertion order management, trafficking, and quality control checks for flawless campaign launch.

In-Flight Optimization : Proactively monitor live mainline campaigns (e.g., TV viewership / TRPs, OOH footfall) and initiate real-time adjustments to schedules, ensuring performance targets are met or exceeded.

Post-Buy Analysis : Conduct rigorous post-buy reconciliation and analysis, ensuring media was delivered as contracted and providing detailed variance reports with actionable insights.

III. Industry Relations & Business Development (Critical Requirement)

Key Relationship Management : Act as the primary point of contact for senior executives at major media houses, agencies, and key clients. Cultivate and maintain long-term, trusted professional relationships that drive preferential treatment and early access to inventory.

Market Intelligence : Leverage industry connections to gather real-time market intelligence on inventory availability, competitor activities, pricing shifts, and emerging mainline opportunities.

Cross-Agency Collaboration : Partner effectively with creative agencies, client marketing teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure media strategy is integrated and cohesive across all touchpoints.

Thought Leadership : Represent the company / client at industry events, leveraging your network to enhance the organization's reputation and identify potential partnerships.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience & Technical Skills

[4+] years of progressive experience in Media Planning and Buying, with a heavy emphasis on Mainline / ATL channels (TV, Radio, Print, OOH).

Demonstrable history of securing exclusive or highly preferential media deals based on established industry relationships.

Expert proficiency in national and regional media planning and buying software (e.g., Media Tools, planning software, and relevant research systems like BARC / Nielsen / ComScore for data analysis).

Deep understanding of mainline media metrics (Reach, Frequency, GRPs, CPRP, SOV, etc.) and their direct link to business outcomes (e.g., sales, awareness).

Core Competencies (Relationship-Driven)

Exceptional Negotiation & Persuasion : Proven ability to influence decisions and secure favorable terms with high-level media vendor contacts.

Strategic Interpersonal Skills : Innate ability to build and maintain trust and rapport with a diverse set of senior stakeholders (Clients, Vendors, Agency Partners).

Commercial Acumen : Strong business sense with a focus on commercial outcomes, profit margins, and driving the client / company's bottom line through strategic media investment.

Resilience and Adaptability : Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, managing tight deadlines and complex campaign logistics with grace.