Company Description

Spark Foundry is one of four global media agency brands within Publicis Media. The force of acceleration, or the speed of change is so strong today that it has the potential to leave industries including our own behind. So, at Spark Foundry we are working towards driving positive change. For ourselves, our clients and society in general! We are an Acceleration Agency.

At Spark Foundry acceleration applies to every layer of our business. It refers to how we relish change, seek ever more innovative partners, embrace the increasing unknowns and continually learn, unlearn and learn everything again – all over again. We will continually live and work as if we are in beta (nerdy way for saying nothing is ever completed), in order to boost brand relevance for clients, drive brand value and grow their business and ours – today and in to the future. Our pursuit of what’s next will be relentless.

Job Description

Key responsibility in this role will be to become known within the company as someone who can tackle quality control for all media planning, oversee the team on day-to-day projects, and artfully translate strategies into innovative media – all while building robust client relationships and developing your team’s talent. Should have good organizational skills in handling a number of projects at the same time, being able to set priorities, keep to deadlines, work effectively under time pressure.

• Lead the development and execution of media plans for clients across a variety of industries.
• Work along with reporting manager taking into account both the client's and the agency's key performance indicators.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, including setting priorities, meeting deadlines, translating strategies into innovative media, and working well under pressure.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and execute effective media strategies.
• Manage day-to-day client relationships and communications.
• Build a strong rapport with clients and business partners.
• Mentor and guide junior planning team members.
• Quality control for all media planning.
• Overseeing team on day-to-day projects

Main Tasks

Technical & Product

• To develop sound channel strategy and activation in line with the communication plan
• To develop and own the projects related to: Media Strategy, Consumer Insights Analysis, Identification of business challenges facing the client, Competitive Landscape Analysis, Media selection, Maximizing cost-efficiency, Timing and laydown, Budget levels by market etc.
• To own and oversee all output from the executives/admin to ensure accuracy of the documents shared internally and externally
• To be responsible for efficient/accurate admin for the group 
•  
• "Ability to comprehend a client's requirements, pose appropriate inquiries, and devise a plan for utilizing media outlets (including creating a media plan and offering suggestions) in accordance with the client's goals.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data and market research
• Strong grasp of industry trends and best practices
• Ability to work on MS Office 365 software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc..)
• In-depth knowledge of and experience with various media planning and buying tools and platforms, such as Z/X Plan, Statex, Global web Index(GWI), Euromonitor, World Advertising Research Center (WARC), Similar Web, etc..
• In-depth knowledge of various industry digital planning tools such as DV360, Google Ads, Meta Business Manager, Snap Chat Ads Manager, Twitter Ads Manager, TikTok Ads Manager
• Familiar with and able to describe the characteristics and advantages of the Group's various products and services.
• Knowledge of digital media and emerging technologies
• Good commercial acumen, able to understand the importance of driving ROI for both business partners and agency whilst being both efficient and effective
• Development of sound channel strategy and activation in line with the communication plan
• Development and ownership of projects related to: Media Strategy, Consumer Insights Analysis, Identification of business challenges facing the client, Competitive Landscape Analysis, Media selection, Maximizing cost-efficiency, Timing and laydown, Budget levels by market etc.
• Ownership and oversight of all output from the executives/admin to ensure accuracy of the documents shared internally and externally
• Responsible for efficient/accurate admin for the group."

Business Acumen & Operational Efficiency

• Quality control and adjustments if required - in this role Media Manager takes full responsibility on output of Media Executives & Media Planners
• To conduct regular presentations to clients keeping them informed of all relevant media trends and development
• Strong grasp of & ability to develop channel specific strategies, media plans and reports across both Offline & Online Channels
• Strong media knowledge of the market, consumer and media research available
• Expertise in all relevant industry software and systems such as GWI, EuroMonitor, XPlan, SimilarWeb...
• A thorough knowledge of the media marketplace and opportunities available and build constructive relationships with key media owners where relevant
•  
• Deep understanding of the advertising and media industry and the role of media planning within it
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, clients, and stakeholders
• Strong project management skills, ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work under pressure
• Knowledge of how to measure ROI from media plan
• Ability to manage internal teams and external vendors and agencies
• Quality control and adjustments if required - in this role Media Manager takes full responsibility on output of Media Executives & Media Planners
• Conduct regular presentations to clients keeping them informed of all relevant media trends and development
• Strong grasp of & ability to develop channel-specific strategies, media plans and reports across both Offline & Online Channels
• Strong media knowledge of the market, consumer, and media research available
• A thorough knowledge of the media marketplace and opportunities available and build constructive relationships with key media owners where relevant.
• Innovative & Analytical Mindset
• An innovative approach: in use of media, exploration of new forms of communication, research, presentation techniques, etc
• Ability to think strategically, creatively, and analytically.
• Proven ability to identify new opportunities and develop effective solutions. 
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to innovate and improve current processes.

People & Leadership

• Seeks others' feedback to develop self-awareness, strengths and address development area.
• Is able to proactively raise issues to improve effective team working and collaboration.
• Is able to communicate confidently in a clear, concise and articulate manner.
• Collaborates with stakeholders and embraces an inclusive based environment.
• Is able to make valuable contributions to discussions and brainstorming sessions, providing insight and point of view.
• Able to build relationships quickly with others and engages personally with peers and clients.
• Treats others with respect, listens to other perspectives, especially when they are different from own.
• Able to tackle problems in a timely manner and develop contingency plans that focus on problem resolution.
• Drives a culture of trust with Peers, clients and all other stakeholders.

• Seeks others' feedback to develop self-awareness, strengths and address development area.
• Is able to proactively raise issues to improve effective team working and collaboration.
• Is able to communicate confidently in a clear, concise and articulate manner.
• Collaborates with stakeholders and embraces an inclusive based environment.
• Is able to make valuable contributions to discussions and brainstorming sessions, providing insight and point of view.
• Able to build relationships quickly with others and engages personally with peers and clients.
• Treats others with respect, listens to other perspectives, especially when they are different from own.
• Able to tackle problems in a timely manner and develop contingency plans that focus on problem resolution.
• Drives a culture of trust with Peers, clients and all other stakeholders.

Self

• Is able to take ownership for actions and deals with consequences in a mature manner.
• Able to adjust performance based on experiences and feedback and showcases agility and flexibility.
• Displays openness to the ideas of others and leverages them when beneficial for the business.
• Showcases curiosity and open mindset towards new ways of doing things.
• Is able to set high impact objectives and goes above and beyond to exceed performance.
• Demonstrates the Growth Mindset and is able to take ownership of personal development and growth.
• Capable of constructively challenging the status-quo and takes risks to challenge internal and external perspectives.
• Approaches situations and individuals with honesty, integrity and humbleness.
• Displays resilience and maintains drives and a positive outlook when faced with challenges.

• Is able to take ownership for actions and deals with consequences in a mature manner.
• Able to adjust performance based on experiences and feedback and showcases agility and flexibility.
• Displays openness to the ideas of others and leverages them when beneficial for the business.
• Showcases curiosity and open mindset towards new ways of doing things.
• Is able to set high impact objectives and goes above and beyond to exceed performance.
• Demonstrates the Growth Mindset and is able to take ownership of personal development and growth.
• Capable of constructively challenging the status-quo and takes risks to challenge internal and external perspectives.
• Approaches situations and individuals with honesty, integrity and humbleness.
• Displays resilience and maintains drives and a positive outlook when faced with challenges.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Required

Experience in UAE market is a must

• BS/MS degree in marketing or a related field

• A four-year college education and 5 to 7 years of media planning and/or buying experience - with at least three years of online experience

Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field.

5-7 years of experience in media planning or related role.

Proven ability to mentor and lead a team of planning executives.

Strong organizational skills, team player, ability to multitask, and work under pressure.

Digital Certifications across the major platforms, including Meta (FB & IG), Google, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.

Core Attributes

Analytical Thinking

Breaks down problems and issues into sub-components and then assesses the costs, benefits and risks of various options prior to selecting a particular approach.

Strategic Thinking

Can analyze organizational strengths and weaknesses and then combine these with knowledge of the industry, market and organization to develop long-term strategy.

Product Knowledge

Has a good understanding of product line features and benefits and uses that knowledge to optimize sales with each client. Understands the product market and uses this knowledge to increase personal credibility and product sales. Keeps abreast of competitors' activities and typically responds quickly to what the competition is doing.

Planning

Develops the steps necessary to accomplish long-term goals. Identifies long and short-term goals and establishes realistic plans to reach them. Allocates required resources, allows for contingencies and ensures that plans fit with the larger needs of the organization. Sets milestones to measure progress along the way.

Presentation Skills

Comes across as confident and well-prepared when making group presentations. Makes effective use of visual aids or presentation software and looks at ease while handling questions from the audience. His/her presentations hold the audience's attention and tend to be the right length for the amount of information covered.

Productivity

Meets or exceeds productivity standards that have been established for his/her organizational level or position. Has successfully combined skills, ability and effort level to ensure that expectations related to results/output are achieved.

Teamwork

Is an effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas, opinions and feedback. Communicates in an open and candid manner and can be counted upon to fulfill any commitments made to others on the team.

Negotiation Skills

Demonstrates the ability to negotiate compromises that leave various stakeholders feeling that their interests and positions have been understood and that the resulting solution is even-handed and fair to all parties. Accomplishes this through listening to differing points of view and taking each view into account. Looks for common interests and helps parties explore and reach middle-ground solutions.

Interpersonal Skills

Shows genuine sensitivity to the needs, feelings and capabilities of other people. Deals with others in a pleasant manner. Treats others with respect and consideration.

Leadership

Articulates a vision that others choose to follow. Models behaviors expected of others and inspires others to undertake challenging tasks and projects (leading by example).

Time management

Prioritizes tasks and manages time to ensure that deadlines are met. Plans his or her time and sticks to those plans. Prevents or manages interruptions until the highest priority tasks are accomplished. As well as, keeping a work / life balance in perspective.

Communication

Communicates effectively and appropriately. Uses good judgment as to what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to get that accomplished. Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience. Listens to others and allows them to make their point.

Education and Self Development

Makes it a practice to take charge of self-development by soliciting feedback, setting priorities, and then acquiring or strengthening skills and knowledge through coursework or other methods.

Initiative (Employees)

Recognizes opportunities and initiates actions to capitalize on them. Looks for new and productive ways to make an impact. Demonstrates this characteristic when it comes to generating new ideas or processes, capitalizing on new business opportunities, seeking out and taking on increasing responsibility or resolving problems as they occur. Uses sound judgment about when to take action and when to seek guidance or permission. This is in contrast to those who fail to notice opportunities, wait to be asked or instructed before taking action, seldom offer new ideas or express reservations about taking on additional responsibilities.

Quality of Work (Employees)

Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high quality work and encourages others to have similar standards.

Creativity (Employees)

Applies creativity and originality in the work setting, when appropriate. Suggests or applies new ways of addressing ongoing work issues and challenges. Sees possibilities that others have not yet seen, or combines ideas and approaches suggested by others in a unique manner that results in breakthroughs and improvements. Understands when to be creative and when to stick with what exists now.

Meeting Targets (Manager)

Meets or exceeds financial goals while selling an appropriate product mix. The product mix reflects both a broad knowledge of the product line as well as successful efforts to educate customers or prospects.

Entrepreneurial Orientation (Managers)

Takes an active role in identifying new business opportunities, assessing the risks involved and comparing these to the potential advantages of taking action. Influences decisions by examining financial costs and potential benefits and by providing realistic risk-assessments. This is in contrast to those who fail to look for new business opportunities or do an inadequate assessment of risks and benefits and/or either tend to avoid opportunities or embrace ventures that fail to produce the expected payback on the resources invested.

Encouraging Client Focus (Managers)

Consistently conveys that clients are the highest priority. Respects clients’ needs and expectations and lets clients know if their expectations cannot be met. Refrains from complaining about (or speaking negatively about) client behavior or expectations. Communicates in a manner that promotes and sustains client satisfaction and encourages others to do the same. Achieves these outcomes by ensuring that client needs and deadlines are realistic and that they are met. Publicly recognizes those who deliver excellent client services.

Analytical Thinking

Breaks down problems and issues into sub-components and then assesses the costs, benefits and risks of various options prior to selecting a particular approach.

Strategic Thinking

Can analyze organizational strengths and weaknesses and then combine these with knowledge of the industry, market and organization to develop long-term strategy.

Product Knowledge

Has a good understanding of product line features and benefits and uses that knowledge to optimize sales with each client. Understands the product market and uses this knowledge to increase personal credibility and product sales. Keeps abreast of competitors' activities and typically responds quickly to what the competition is doing.

Planning

Develops the steps necessary to accomplish long-term goals. Identifies long and short-term goals and establishes realistic plans to reach them. Allocates required resources, allows for contingencies and ensures that plans fit with the larger needs of the organization. Sets milestones to measure progress along the way.

Presentation Skills

Comes across as confident and well-prepared when making group presentations. Makes effective use of visual aids or presentation software and looks at ease while handling questions from the audience. His/her presentations hold the audience's attention and tend to be the right length for the amount of information covered.

Productivity

Meets or exceeds productivity standards that have been established for his/her organizational level or position. Has successfully combined skills, ability and effort level to ensure that expectations related to results/output are achieved.

Teamwork

Is an effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas, opinions and feedback. Communicates in an open and candid manner and can be counted upon to fulfill any commitments made to others on the team.

Negotiation Skills

Demonstrates the ability to negotiate compromises that leave various stakeholders feeling that their interests and positions have been understood and that the resulting solution is even-handed and fair to all parties. Accomplishes this through listening to differing points of view and taking each view into account. Looks for common interests and helps parties explore and reach middle-ground solutions.

Interpersonal Skills

Shows genuine sensitivity to the needs, feelings and capabilities of other people. Deals with others in a pleasant manner. Treats others with respect and consideration.

Leadership

Articulates a vision that others choose to follow. Models behaviors expected of others and inspires others to undertake challenging tasks and projects (leading by example).

Time management

Prioritizes tasks and manages time to ensure that deadlines are met. Plans his or her time and sticks to those plans. Prevents or manages interruptions until the highest priority tasks are accomplished. As well as, keeping a work / life balance in perspective.

Communication

Communicates effectively and appropriately. Uses good judgment as to what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to get that accomplished. Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience. Listens to others and allows them to make their point.

Education and Self Development

Makes it a practice to take charge of self-development by soliciting feedback, setting priorities, and then acquiring or strengthening skills and knowledge through coursework or other methods.

Initiative (Employees)

Recognizes opportunities and initiates actions to capitalize on them. Looks for new and productive ways to make an impact. Demonstrates this characteristic when it comes to generating new ideas or processes, capitalizing on new business opportunities, seeking out and taking on increasing responsibility or resolving problems as they occur. Uses sound judgment about when to take action and when to seek guidance or permission. This is in contrast to those who fail to notice opportunities, wait to be asked or instructed before taking action, seldom offer new ideas or express reservations about taking on additional responsibilities.

Quality of Work (Employees)

Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high quality work and encourages others to have similar standards.

Creativity (Employees)

Applies creativity and originality in the work setting, when appropriate. Suggests or applies new ways of addressing ongoing work issues and challenges. Sees possibilities that others have not yet seen, or combines ideas and approaches suggested by others in a unique manner that results in breakthroughs and improvements. Understands when to be creative and when to stick with what exists now.

Meeting Targets (Manager)

Meets or exceeds financial goals while selling an appropriate product mix. The product mix reflects both a broad knowledge of the product line as well as successful efforts to educate customers or prospects.

Entrepreneurial Orientation (Managers)

Takes an active role in identifying new business opportunities, assessing the risks involved and comparing these to the potential advantages of taking action. Influences decisions by examining financial costs and potential benefits and by providing realistic risk-assessments. This is in contrast to those who fail to look for new business opportunities or do an inadequate assessment of risks and benefits and/or either tend to avoid opportunities or embrace ventures that fail to produce the expected payback on the resources invested.

Encouraging Client Focus (Managers)

Consistently conveys that clients are the highest priority. Respects clients’ needs and expectations and lets clients know if their expectations cannot be met. Refrains from complaining about (or speaking negatively about) client behavior or expectations. Communicates in a manner that promotes and sustains client satisfaction and encourages others to do the same. Achieves these outcomes by ensuring that client needs and deadlines are realistic and that they are met. Publicly recognizes those who deliver excellent client services.