Media Planning / Buying Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Media Planning / Buying Director

🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands

🔹 Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: Mon Mar 31 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading planning and execution of impactful media campaigns.
• Identifying opportunities beyond traditional media partnerships.
• Collaborating closely with clients and cross-functional teams.
• Working on campaigns that impact Australia, notably through working with the Australian Government.

ASSUMPTION: The role emphasizes strategic and innovative media planning to leverage creative media solutions beyond traditional advertising methods.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the team in developing and executing media connections plans.

✅ Foster seamless collaboration with various disciplines, including Design Directors, to deliver perfect connections solutions.

✅ Develop the Senior Partnerships Managers and other team members, guiding them to explore non-traditional partnerships.

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with agency partners to create new connections opportunities.

ASSUMPTION: Responsibilities mentioned primarily revolve around leadership, innovation in media partnerships, and team development, highlighting the capability to work with extensive teams and clients.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified, likely preference for a degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field.

Experience: Significant experience in media investment and trading, particularly in offline channels, and a deep understanding of the Australian media landscape.

Required Skills:

• Media Investment and Trading
• Negotiation Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Client Relationship Management
• Team Leadership

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with non-traditional media partnerships
• Strong innovation and creativity in media solutions

ASSUMPTION: A combination of strategic thinking and tactical execution capabilities is essential for success in this role; the candidate should also know how to motivate and develop a large team of professionals.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified; industry context suggests competitive salary based on experience and market standards.

Benefits:

• Industry-leading leave entitlements (Birthday Leave, Extra annual leave days, and Paid Parental Leave)
• Flexible working arrangements with hybrid and international remote opportunities
• Agency perks such as early finish Fridays, wellness programs, and an onsite gym

Working Hours: 40 hours per week; potential for flexibility depending on project demands.

ASSUMPTION: The extensive list of benefits implies a focus on work-life balance and employee well-being, likely reflecting the company's commitment to retaining top talent through attractive non-monetary benefits.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services - engaging a global network of brands in digital marketing, content creation, and strategic media placement.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees, a robust infrastructure offering extensive networking and career development opportunities.

Founded: Date not specified; operates as a significant segment of Interpublic Group, highlighting its longstanding presence in the advertising sector.

Company Description:

• Manages over $47 billion in global marketing investments, indicating substantial market influence.
• Provides extensive media and marketing services through its branded agency networks.
• Employs a diverse workforce of over 18,000 professionals worldwide, ensuring varied perspectives and industry insights.

Company Specialties:

• Media Planning & Buying
• Automation & Programmatic Services
• Branded Content and Sponsorship Marketing

Company Website: https://www.ipgmediabrands.com/

ASSUMPTION: As a leader in the industry, IPG Mediabrands provides vast resources for professional growth, benefiting from innovation-driven strategies that leverage a global presence.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level position requiring advanced strategic and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Senior Media Executives and collaborates extensively with cross-disciplinary teams.

Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site with hybrid options, fostering a dynamic work environment that supports team collaboration and flexibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Exposure to large-scale media projects and strategic planning with significant clients like the Australian Government.
• Ability to pioneer innovative media solutions, expanding expertise and influence within the industry.
• Leadership roles within a global company, providing career mobility and potential for advancement.

ASSUMPTION: The role encompasses the scope for leveraging creativity and strategic insight to grow both personal career prospects and the company’s innovative initiatives.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: High-energy, collaborative spaces designed to stimulate creativity and productivity.

Office Location(s): Located centrally in Sydney, NSW, within reach of significant business and cultural hubs.

Geographic Context:

• Sydney is a vibrant city known for its dynamic economy and multicultural environment.
• Offers easy access to leading media and advertising events and conferences.
• Proximity to strategic clients allows for seamless client interactions and relationship building.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours with potential for flexible arrangements to accommodate project needs.

ASSUMPTION: The office setting and location encourage networking and continuous professional development, enriched by Sydney's robust business ecosystem.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial application review by recruitment team.
• Conduct phone screening to assess qualifications.
• Technical and behavioral interviews with department leadership.
• Final interviews focusing on strategic fit and organizational culture.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and innovation in media planning.
• Leadership capabilities in guiding and developing large teams.
• Client management and relationship-building skills.

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience in media investment, particularly with high-impact campaigns.
• Demonstrate leadership in innovative media concepts.
• Emphasize successful multimedia campaigns and partnership strategies.

ATS Keywords: Media Investment, Trading, Australian Media, Partnership Opportunities, Team Management.

ASSUMPTION: The hiring process likely emphasizes alignment with company values and the ability to drive client-focused innovation and partnerships.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Media Planning Software
• Data Analytics and Reporting Tools
• Collaboration platforms for cross-functional team management

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in industry-standard media planning and data analysis tools will be crucial to effectively perform the job functions.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation and creativity in media solutions.
• Diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
• Commitment to sustainability and community impact.

Work Style:

• Proactive and collaborative approach to projects.
• Adaptability to fast-paced, dynamic work environments.
• Emphasis on continual learning and professional development.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you utilize innovative strategies to enhance media planning?
• What approaches do you take when developing a new team initiative?
• How do you ensure successful client relationships and satisfaction?

ASSUMPTION: A cultural fit will likely depend on the candidate's ability to embrace innovation, diversity, and collaboration to achieve high-quality media outcomes.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating rapidly changing media landscapes.
• Balancing traditional and innovative media strategies.
• Effectively aligning team goals with client expectations.
• Managing large-scale projects within tight deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: Challenges may arise from the need to balance strategic innovation with retaining effective traditional media practices to meet client demands.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Other media director roles may require similar leadership skills yet differ in the focus on non-traditional media initiatives.
• Positions in smaller firms may not offer the same scale of projects and resources available here.
• Global firms may differ in cultural and operational dynamics affecting role functions.

ASSUMPTION: The distinct emphasis on Australian Government projects and partnerships may not be a feature in similar roles elsewhere, highlighting unique challenges and rewards.

📝 Sample Projects

• Government campaign focusing on public health awareness.
• Multimedia campaign that integrates digital and traditional media channels.
• Corporate social responsibility initiative with cross-platform media focus.

ASSUMPTION: The position may involve cornerstone projects that leverage IPG’s extensive resources for societal impact, not typically found in comparable roles.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the company incorporate innovation into its media strategies?
• What has been the most impactful campaign the team has executed recently?
• How does the company foster professional growth within the team?
• What are key challenges currently facing the media team?
• How does the role contribute to the overall strategy of IPG Mediabrands?

ASSUMPTION: Asking about innovation and growth reflects an understanding of the strategic importance of this role within the wider organizational goals and culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided company portal or application link.
• Craft a resume that emphasizes relevant media planning and leadership experience.
• Include a cover letter detailing interest and fit for high-impact media projects.
• Prepare examples of strategic innovation and client relationship successes to discuss during interviews.
• Connect with current employees on professional networks to gain insights into company culture.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.