📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Initiative - Manager, Media Planning
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Manager-Director level
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the development and execution of integrated media plans
- Managing and mentoring a team of employees
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders
- Ensuring media plans adhere to agency values and processes
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, leadership, and operational excellence to drive media planning success.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and present integrated media plans, proposals, and analysis that meet client objectives and exceed briefs
✅ Monitor and evaluate media plan execution, ensuring adherence to agency values and processes
✅ Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to maintain current media and client knowledge
✅ Lead the preparation and presentation of evaluations of media opportunities, trends, and issues of interest to clients
✅ Manage client day-to-day planning requirements, understanding their business objectives and KPIs
✅ Oversee financial media control, including purchase authorizations, billing, and budget control reports
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic, tactical, and management responsibilities, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field
Experience: Manager-Director level experience in integrated media planning
Required Skills:
- Proficient in media research tools (e.g., Clear Decisions, Vividata, Neilson) and media tools (e.g., Prisma)
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to travel as required
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with presenting
- Proven ability to develop and foster strong relationships
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills
- Curiosity and learning agility
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in integrated media planning, excellent communication skills, and experience managing employees will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 120,000 - CAD 160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for Manager-Director level roles in Toronto)
Benefits:
- Generous paid time off (minimum of 37 paid days off, including vacation and monthly wellness days)
- Flexible hybrid work model
- Focus on personal development with formal training opportunities
- Opportunity to contribute to company culture through employee groups
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for meetings and project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in Toronto. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services. IPG Mediabrands is part of Interpublic Group (IPG), a global advertising and marketing holding company.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, IPG Mediabrands offers diverse opportunities and resources for employees.
Founded: 1930 (as McCann Erickson). IPG Mediabrands was founded in 2012 as the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group.
Company Description:
- Manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients
- Offers full-service agency networks (UM, Initiative, Mediahub) and specialized business units
- Serves a broad portfolio of industry sectors, including automotive, personal finance, CPG, pharma, entertainment, and more
Company Specialties:
- Media Planning & Buying
- Automation & Programmatic
- Digital Media
- Branded Content
- Media Barter
- Online, Mobile, and Social Media Marketing
- Sponsorship and Sports Marketing
- ROI and Consumer Research
- Hyper-Local and Multicultural Marketing
- Out-Of-Home Advertising
Company Website: www.ipgmediabrands.com
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands' extensive client portfolio and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and learning.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Manager-Director level. This role is suited for experienced professionals seeking to lead media planning efforts and manage a team.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Media Planning or similar role.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid. This role requires on-site presence for collaboration and client meetings, with flexibility for remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to Director or Senior Director level roles
- Expansion into specialized business units or full-service agency networks
- Cross-functional collaboration and learning opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong potential for career advancement within IPG Mediabrands' extensive network of agencies and business units.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in downtown Toronto.
Office Location(s): 100 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, US (Global Headquarters); Calle de Enrique Jardiel Poncela, 6, Madrid, Community of Madrid 28016, ES (European Headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene
- Close proximity to public transportation, restaurants, and attractions
- Competitive job market with numerous advertising and marketing agencies
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for meetings and project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: The Toronto office offers a dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Director or similar role
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media planning and strategy skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with IPG Mediabrands' values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant media planning experience and achievements in your resume
- Prepare examples of integrated media plans you've developed and executed
- Demonstrate your ability to manage and develop employees in your interview
- Research IPG Mediabrands' clients and industry trends to show your enthusiasm and knowledge
ATS Keywords: Integrated Media Planning, Media Strategy, Team Management, Client Service, Media Research Tools, Prisma, Microsoft Office Suite
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and rank applications based on relevant keywords and qualifications.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media research tools: Clear Decisions, Vividata, Neilson
- Media tools: Prisma
- Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and using new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and proactive
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody IPG Mediabrands' values in your work?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you handle it?
- How do you approach developing and mentoring employees?
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands values a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their fit with these values and work styles.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client accounts and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to changes in client objectives or market conditions
- Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day operational tasks
- Developing and retaining top talent within the team
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective time management to overcome.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on integrated media planning and team management
- Industry-specific context: Advertising Services. IPG Mediabrands' extensive client portfolio and global presence set it apart from other agencies
- Career path comparison: This role offers a clear path to Director or Senior Director level positions within IPG Mediabrands' network of agencies and business units
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider how this role's unique focus on integrated media planning and team management aligns with their career goals and interests.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing an integrated media plan for a major retail client, including TV, digital, social, and out-of-home channels
- Managing a team to execute a media campaign for a pharmaceutical client, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and industry best practices
- Presenting a media analysis and recommendations to a client, demonstrating a deep understanding of their business objectives and KPIs
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, tactical, and management aspects of the Manager, Media Planning role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and agencies within IPG Mediabrands?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role?
- How does IPG Mediabrands support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and provide valuable insights into the work environment and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant media planning experience and skills
- Prepare examples of integrated media plans you've developed and executed
- Demonstrate your ability to manage and develop employees in your cover letter
- Research IPG Mediabrands' clients and industry trends to show your enthusiasm and knowledge
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
