📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager Media Planning
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading integrated media planning and strategy development
- Managing and mentoring a team of media planning professionals
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners
- Ensuring flawless media executions and driving client success
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, team leadership, and hands-on media planning skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in integrated media planning and experience managing teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and present integrated media plans, proposals, and analysis that satisfy client objectives and go beyond the brief
✅ Maintain stewardship and accountability of the media plan, regularly evaluating and monitoring execution
✅ Liaise and foster knowledge-sharing with other disciplines, partner agencies, and departments to ensure media and client knowledge is current
✅ Ensure media plans adhere to agency values, philosophies, and processes
✅ Lead the preparation and presentation of evaluations of media opportunities, trends, and issues of interest to clients
✅ Manage and lead a team of employees, providing ongoing performance feedback and supporting professional development
✅ Accurately manage client’s day-to-day planning requirements, with a strong understanding of client’s business objectives and KPIs
✅ Inform leadership of potential challenges and opportunities as it relates to client and/or people management
✅ Influence decision-making by encouraging appropriate strategies and benefits of offerings to clients
✅ Oversee financial media control, including purchase authorizations, billing, and budget control reports
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of media planning processes, client service, and team management. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in integrated media planning, with at least 2 years in a management role
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in integrated media planning and strategy development
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proficient with media research tools (e.g., Clear Decisions, Vividata, Nielsen) and media tools (e.g., Prisma)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with presenting to C-level executives
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
- Experience working with global clients
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in integrated media planning and experience managing teams will be well-suited for this role. Proficiency with media research tools and Microsoft Office Suite is essential.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 120,000 - 150,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Manager Media Planning role in Toronto)
Benefits:
- Generous paid time off, including vacation and 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 provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Manager Media Planning role in Toronto. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global), 11376 employees in Canada
Founded: 1997 (as part of Interpublic Group)
Company Description:
- IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG)
- Manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients
- Employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries
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 is a global leader in media and marketing solutions, offering a wide range of services and opportunities for career growth.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Media Planning
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Director or Vice President role
- Opportunities to work on global clients and projects
- Chance to develop leadership and management skills
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for candidates looking to advance their careers in media planning and leadership.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace
Office Location(s): 100 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, US (Global HQ), Calle de Enrique Jardiel Poncela, 6, Madrid, Community of Madrid 28016, ES (EMEA HQ)
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant business community
- Close proximity to major transportation hubs and attractions
- Access to a wide range of amenities and entertainment options
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for meetings and project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: The Toronto office offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with easy access to amenities and transportation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager
- Case study or presentation preparation and presentation
- Final interview with the Director of Media Planning
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media planning and strategy development skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant media planning experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and company
- Prepare a case study or presentation showcasing your media planning skills and strategic thinking
ATS Keywords: Integrated Media Planning, Media Strategy, Team Management, Client Service, Media Research Tools, Microsoft Office Suite
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's media planning skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit. Preparation and research are key to success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media research tools: Clear Decisions, Vividata, Nielsen
- Media tools: Prisma
- Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Project management tools: Asana, Trello, or similar
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with media research tools, media tools, and Microsoft Office Suite is essential for this role. Experience with project management tools is a plus.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Results-driven and accountable
- Adaptable and open to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you foster a collaborative work environment, and how have you done so in previous roles?
- Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or client requirement, and how did you handle it?
- How do you ensure that your team members feel valued and supported in their professional development?
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands values a collaborative, creative, and inclusive work environment. Candidates who align with these values and demonstrate strong teamwork and adaptability skills will be well-suited for this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with diverse teams and stakeholders, both internally and externally
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in media planning
- Adapting to changes in client objectives, market conditions, or media landscape
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong project management, communication, and adaptability skills. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other media planning roles, this position focuses on integrated media planning and strategy development, requiring a strong balance of strategic thinking and hands-on media planning skills
- IPG Mediabrands offers a global network of agencies and opportunities for career growth, setting it apart from other media agencies
- This role requires a unique blend of leadership, team management, and media planning skills, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced media planning professionals looking to advance their careers
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities and growth opportunities, making it an attractive choice for experienced media planning professionals looking to advance their careers.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing an integrated media plan for a global consumer packaged goods (CPG) client, including digital, social, and traditional media channels
- Conducting a comprehensive media audit and analysis for a retail client, identifying opportunities for cost savings and improved performance
- Managing a team to execute a complex media campaign for a financial services client, including multiple touchpoints and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Media Planning Manager, requiring strong strategic thinking, team management, and communication skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how does this role fit into the broader organization?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the client or the team currently, and how can this role address them?
- How does IPG Mediabrands support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does IPG Mediabrands foster a culture of inclusion and diversity, and what initiatives are in place to support this?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, enabling them to make an informed decision about the opportunity.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Greenhouse link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant media planning experience and achievements
- Write a cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and company, and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare a case study or presentation showcasing your media planning skills and strategic thinking
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
