Explore Senior Manager, Media Planning jobs and discover a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of marketing strategy, data analytics, and financial stewardship. Professionals in this senior position are responsible for architecting and executing comprehensive media strategies that drive brand growth and achieve key business objectives. They serve as the strategic linchpin, translating high-level brand and performance goals into actionable, integrated media plans that span the entire spectrum of channels, from digital platforms like social media, search, and programmatic networks to traditional avenues such as television, out-of-home (OOH), and audio. The core mission is to ensure the right message reaches the right audience at the right time and place, optimizing for both immediate impact and long-term brand equity. Typical responsibilities for a Senior Media Planning Manager involve overseeing the entire media planning lifecycle. This includes conducting audience and market research, allocating multi-million dollar budgets across channels, and defining key performance indicators (KPIs). They lead the day-to-day media planning operations, often managing a team or collaborating closely with external agency partners. A significant part of the role is fostering a culture of testing and learning, designing rigorous experiments like incrementality tests to measure true campaign lift and ROI. Furthermore, they are tasked with building and nurturing relationships with media vendors and platforms, skillfully negotiating rates and premium placements to maximize the value of every advertising dollar. Continuous analysis of campaign performance is paramount, requiring regular reporting and agile budget reallocations to capitalize on opportunities and improve efficiency. Candidates pursuing Senior Manager, Media Planning jobs generally possess 8+ years of progressive experience in media strategy, planning, and buying. A balanced expertise in both digital and traditional media landscapes is essential. Required skills extend beyond planning to include sophisticated data analysis, financial acumen for budget management, and exceptional presentation abilities to communicate strategies to senior leadership. Strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of how creative messaging interacts with different media channels are critical. Success in this high-stakes role demands a strategic yet adaptable mindset, the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and outstanding cross-functional collaboration skills to align with marketing, creative, analytics, and brand teams. For strategic thinkers passionate about shaping brand narratives and driving measurable business outcomes through media, these leadership jobs offer a challenging and rewarding career path at the forefront of modern marketing.
