📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Media Planning Manager
🔹 Company: Xero
🔹 Location: San Mateo, CA & New York, NY
🔹 Job Type: Permanent
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 6+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing in-house media planning practice
- Maximizing media effectiveness across digital channels
- Collaborating with regional teams and media agencies
- Driving brand awareness, consideration, and engagement
- Partnering with internal stakeholders and external agencies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, analytical skills, and expertise in digital media planning and optimization techniques.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design media plans to maximize effectiveness across digital channels
✅ Contribute to and integrate media planning learning agenda
✅ Partner with forecasting team on media channel spend and performance forecasts
✅ Ensure smooth execution of media buys in partnership with internal and external teams
✅ Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand campaign objectives and target audience demographics
✅ Partner with Applied Science, Brand Marketing, and Analytics to execute sophisticated Brand Marketing measurement
✅ Conduct research and analysis to identify optimal media platforms, channels, and tactics for reaching target audiences efficiently
✅ Partner with external agencies to integrate offline and online media channels into cohesive media plans
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: At least 6+ years of experience in media, with agency experience preferred
Required Skills:
- Deep media knowledge across all major digital channels
- Previous exposure at a tech/SaaS company with complex funnels
- Experience implementing media tracking technologies and analytics
- Deep understanding of digital media planning and buying techniques
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a media planning function at a large organization or agency
- Experience working cross-functionally to execute complex media plans
- Experience running regional digital media campaigns
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong analytical background and experience in digital media planning will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $112,000 - $154,000 per year
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Generous PTO and company holidays
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Learning and development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a Media Planning Manager role in the United States.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development, specifically accounting software
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 2006
Company Description:
- Xero is a global small business platform with a mission to make life better for people in small businesses, their advisors, and communities around the world
- Xero provides its users with a global small business platform that connects businesses with their advisors and other services
- The platform includes cloud-based accounting software, invoicing, bookkeeping, payroll, and more
Company Specialties:
- Accounting
- SaaS
- Banking
- Invoicing
- Design
- Business
- Billing
- Small Business
- Bookkeeping
- Software
- Platform
- Payroll
Company Website: http://www.xero.com
ASSUMPTION: Xero's focus on small businesses and global presence provides unique opportunities for growth and impact in this role.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Media Planning
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for hybrid or remote work in the future
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a leadership role as the media planning team expands
- Opportunities to work on global campaigns and collaborate with international teams
- Chance to develop expertise in a specific digital channel or tactic
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential as Xero continues to expand its media planning capabilities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces
Office Location(s): San Mateo, CA & New York, NY
Geographic Context:
- San Mateo, CA: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering a vibrant tech industry and diverse cultural scene
- New York, NY: Situated in the bustling city, providing access to a wide range of industries and networking opportunities
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The location of this role provides access to a diverse talent pool and opportunities for collaboration with other tech and marketing professionals.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the media planning team
- Final interview with the Head of Media Planning
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media planning expertise and strategic thinking
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Cultural fit and alignment with Xero's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant media planning experience and achievements
- Prepare examples of media plans you've developed and executed in the past
- Demonstrate your understanding of Xero's business and target audience in your cover letter
ATS Keywords: Media Planning, Digital Marketing, Analytics, Collaboration, Strategic Mindset, Optimization Techniques, Research, Media Buying, Forecasting, Campaign Management, Cross-Functional Execution, Testing Roadmap, Brand Awareness, Target Audience Identification, Digital Channels, Media Tracking Technologies
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's media planning expertise and cultural fit with Xero.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Analytics
- Adobe Analytics
- Social media advertising platforms (e.g., Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads)
- Display advertising platforms (e.g., Google Display Network, AdRoll)
- Media planning and buying software (e.g., Mediaocean, Adform)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the digital channels and tactics employed in Xero's media plans.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Human
- Inclusive
- Proactive
- Supportive
- Challenging
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Data-driven
- Agile
- Innovative
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to inform decision-making?
- Do you have a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous learning?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Xero's values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and conflicting priorities
- Keeping up with the rapidly evolving digital media landscape
- Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day execution
- Ensuring consistent brand messaging and quality across various digital channels
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, organization, and adaptability.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Media Planning Manager at other tech or SaaS companies, but may have more focus on in-house media planning and collaboration with internal teams
- Compared to agency roles, this position offers more exposure to the client's business and target audience, but may have less exposure to multiple clients and industries
- Career path may include progression to a leadership role within the media planning team or expansion into other marketing disciplines
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and impact within Xero's marketing organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive media plan for a global product launch
- Optimizing a regional media campaign to improve ROI and drive brand awareness
- Conducting a competitive analysis to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities for impact in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for Xero?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the media planning team currently?
- How does Xero support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the expected timeline for ramping up and making an impact in this role?
- How does Xero approach work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company culture.
📌 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 achievements
- Prepare examples of media plans you've developed and executed in the past
- Demonstrate your understanding of Xero's business and target audience in your cover letter
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission 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.
