📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, Media Planning
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 13, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading integrated media planning and execution
- Managing and developing a team of employees
- Fostering client relationships and understanding their business objectives
- Monitoring and evaluating media plans, and ensuring adherence to agency values
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, leadership, and client management skills. It's ideal for experienced media planning professionals looking to take the next step in their career.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and present integrated media plans that meet client objectives and go beyond the brief
✅ Monitor and evaluate media plans, ensuring flawless execution and adherence to agency values
✅ Liaise with internal teams, partner agencies, and other departments to maintain current media and client knowledge
✅ Lead a team of employees, managing workloads, providing performance feedback, and supporting professional development
✅ Manage client's 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 planning, team management, and client service. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.
🎯 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
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
- Proficient with media research tools (e.g., Clear Decisions, Vividata, Neilson) and media tools (e.g., Prisma)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with presenting
- Proactive approach to problem-solving
- Curiosity and passion for continuous development
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in media planning, with experience in team management and client service. Proficiency in media research tools is essential.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 90,000 - 120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Manager, Media Planning role in Toronto)
Benefits:
- Generous paid time off (37 paid days off, including vacation and wellness days)
- Flexible hybrid work model
- Focus on personal development with formal training opportunities
- Chance to grow within a global network of agencies
- Opportunity to contribute to company culture through community-based employee groups
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range 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 & Marketing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global), Medium-sized team in Toronto
Founded: 1997 (Global), Toronto office established in 2005
Company Description:
- UM is a global media agency committed to Futureproofing clients' businesses
- Leverages data and insights to maximize growth and activate the full consumer journey
- Operates in over 100 countries with more than 3,000 people, including a team of 100+ in Toronto
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: umww.ca
ASSUMPTION: UM is a well-established global media agency with a strong presence in Toronto. They offer a comprehensive range of media services and have a diverse client portfolio.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior, with potential for growth into a Director role
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director, Media Planning
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a Director role
- Opportunities to work on diverse client accounts
- Access to formal training and development programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a good balance of strategic thinking, team management, and client service. It provides opportunities for growth and development within the agency.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space
Office Location(s): Toronto, ON
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant business community
- Easy access to public transportation and amenities
- Close proximity to major highways and the downtown core
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The Toronto office offers a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to amenities and public transportation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Case study or presentation, depending on the role
- Final interview with the Director or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media planning and strategy skills
- Team management and leadership abilities
- Client service and relationship-building skills
- Communication and presentation skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant media planning experience and achievements
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this role
- Prepare for case study or presentation by demonstrating your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Show enthusiasm for the role and the company during interviews
ATS Keywords: Integrated Media Planning, Team Management, Client Service, Media Research Tools, Microsoft Office Suite, Strategic Thinking, Problem-Solving
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess the candidate's media planning skills, team management abilities, and cultural fit with the agency.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media research tools: Clear Decisions, Vividata, Neilson
- Media tools: Prisma
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in media research tools and Microsoft Office Suite is essential for this role. Familiarity with Prisma is also beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Courage
- Client-centricity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and strategic
- Adaptable and flexible
- Client-focused and results-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you foster a collaborative work environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you used data to inform a strategic decision?
- How do you adapt to changes in priorities or project scope?
- How do you ensure client satisfaction and achieve their business objectives?
ASSUMPTION: UM values a collaborative, data-driven, and client-centric work environment. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their fit with these values and work styles.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client accounts and priorities
- Keeping up with industry trends and changes in media landscape
- Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day tactical tasks
- Managing and developing a team of employees
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical tasks. Managing multiple client accounts and a team of employees can also present challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other media planning roles, this position requires a balance of strategic thinking, team management, and client service
- UM's global presence and diverse client portfolio offer unique opportunities for growth and development
- This role provides a clear path for career progression into a Director role
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities and opportunities for growth within a global media agency.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing an integrated media plan for a new client launch
- Conducting a media audit and recommending strategic changes for an existing client
- Managing a team to execute a complex, multi-channel media campaign
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning to tactical execution and team management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics?
- How does UM support the professional development of its employees?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the team or the agency currently?
- How does UM approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring and workplace practices?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: These questions help candidates understand the team dynamics, company culture, and expectations for the role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: Apply Now
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant media planning experience and skills
- Prepare for case study or presentation by demonstrating your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
