📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Media Buyer
🔹 Company: Strong Automotive
🔹 Location: Birmingham, AL
🔹 Job Type: Full Time
🔹 Category: Customer Service
🔹 Date Posted: June 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Negotiating and purchasing media across multiple platforms
- Securing added value opportunities across all markets and mediums
- Conducting and applying market research for new business pitches and client planning
- Building and executing strategic media plans tailored to each client
- Collaborating with clients and maintaining relationships with media vendors
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of various media platforms, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced advertising environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Negotiate and purchase media across multiple platforms: TV, radio, streaming, print, and outdoor
✅ Secure added value opportunities across all markets and mediums
✅ Analyze and review monthly added value reports
✅ Conduct and apply market research for new business pitches and client planning
✅ Build and execute strategic media plans tailored to each client
✅ Participate in client calls and meetings as needed
✅ Compile and deliver monthly media reports per client needs
✅ Maintain relationships with media vendors to maximize value and partnership
✅ Evaluate media packages and provide recommendations
✅ Ensure compliance with agency deadlines, from annual buys to daily client requests
✅ Provide guidance and support to junior members of the Media team
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in media buying, strong analytical skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with clients and vendors.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in advertising, marketing, communications, or a related field
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of media buying or planning experience required
Required Skills:
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with media planning software (e.g., Strata, MediaMind)
- Fluency in a second language
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating their skills and achievements will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $45,000 - $65,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Media Buyer with 2-5 years of experience in Birmingham, AL)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on automotive services and products
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Strong Automotive is a full-service advertising agency specializing in automotive dealership marketing. They offer a wide range of services, including direct contact marketing, traditional marketing, interactive marketing, broadcast advertising, creative development, and media planning & buying.
Company Size: Strong Automotive has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment where applicants can expect a more personal and collaborative work experience.
Founded: Strong Automotive was founded in 2006, giving it over 15 years of experience in the advertising industry.
Company Description:
- Strong Automotive is a one-stop-shop for automotive dealerships looking to drive traffic
- The company offers a comprehensive range of advertising services tailored to the automotive industry
- They are committed to delivering results-driven campaigns that help their clients succeed
Company Specialties:
- Direct Contact Marketing
- Traditional Marketing
- Interactive Marketing
- Broadcast Advertising
- Creative Development
- Automotive Advertising
- Media Planning & Buying
- Budget Management
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Graphic Design
Company Website: http://www.strongautomotive.com
ASSUMPTION: Strong Automotive's focus on the automotive industry allows it to provide specialized expertise and tailored solutions to its clients.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career professionals with 2-5 years of experience in media buying or a related field.
Reporting Structure: The Media Buyer will report directly to the Media Director and work closely with the Media team, as well as collaborate with clients and vendors.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, requiring the Media Buyer to work from Strong Automotive's office in Birmingham, AL.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to Senior Media Buyer or Media Director roles
- Expanding expertise in other areas of advertising, such as account management or creative services
- Potential to work on high-profile campaigns and contribute to the company's growth and success
ASSUMPTION: Strong Automotive's mid-sized company structure and focus on employee development provide ample opportunities for career growth and advancement.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Strong Automotive's office is located in a professional park setting, providing a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 201 Office Park Dr, #220, Birmingham, AL 35223, US
Geographic Context:
- Birmingham, AL is the most populous city in Alabama and serves as a major hub for the automotive industry
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Birmingham has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
Work Schedule: The Media Buyer will work a standard full-time schedule, Monday-Friday, with occasional overtime or weekend work as needed to meet client deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: Birmingham's vibrant and growing economy, combined with its affordable cost of living, makes it an attractive location for professionals in the advertising industry.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the Media Director
- Final interview with the agency's leadership team
- Background check and reference verification
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Media planning and buying expertise
- Attention to detail and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Strong Automotive's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in your resume and cover letter
- Demonstrate your understanding of the automotive industry and Strong Automotive's services
- Prepare examples of successful media campaigns you've worked on and the results you achieved
- Research Strong Automotive's clients and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their needs
ATS Keywords: Media Buying, Media Planning, Negotiation, Communication, Attention to Detail, Market Research, Strategic Planning, Client Relationships, Vendor Management, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint
ASSUMPTION: Strong Automotive's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the company and the applicant.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Media planning software (e.g., Strata, MediaMind)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new software as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Client-focused
- Collaborative
- Innovative
- Results-driven
- Accountable
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Team-oriented and collaborative
- Results-focused and goal-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable working with tight deadlines and managing multiple priorities?
- Do you have a strong client focus and a results-driven approach to your work?
- Are you able to adapt to new situations and learn quickly?
ASSUMPTION: Strong Automotive values a positive, collaborative work environment, and candidates who are a good fit for the company's culture will be more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client priorities and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to changes in the automotive industry and market trends
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with clients and vendors
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the media buying role and can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a results-driven approach.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Media Planner vs. Media Buyer: While both roles involve media planning, the Media Buyer is responsible for negotiating and purchasing media, while the Media Planner focuses on strategy and research.
- Account Executive vs. Media Buyer: Account Executives manage client relationships and oversee the execution of campaigns, while Media Buyers focus on negotiating and purchasing media.
- Career Path: The Media Buyer role can lead to advancement opportunities in media management, account management, or other areas of advertising, depending on the individual's skills and interests.
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between related roles and the potential career paths available can help applicants determine if this role is the right fit for their long-term goals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a strategic media plan for a new automotive dealership launch
- Negotiating media packages and securing added value opportunities for an existing client's annual campaign
- Conducting market research and analyzing data to inform media planning and buying decisions
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for success in the Media Buyer role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Strong Automotive support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in the automotive advertising industry, and how does Strong Automotive address them?
- How does the Media team collaborate with other departments within the agency?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Strong Automotive measure the success of its media campaigns, and how does the Media Buyer contribute to these metrics?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company and the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of successful media campaigns you've worked on and the results you achieved
- Research Strong Automotive's clients and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their needs
- Follow up with Strong Automotive one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
