Looking for Senior Traditional Media Planner/Buyer jobs? You are exploring a pivotal and strategic career at the heart of advertising’s most established channels. A Senior Traditional Media Planner/Buyer is a seasoned professional responsible for architecting and executing paid media campaigns across non-digital platforms such as television (broadcast and cable), radio, print (newspapers, magazines), and out-of-home (billboards, transit advertising). This role is the critical bridge between a client’s marketing objectives and the tangible media placements that drive brand awareness and reach mass audiences. Professionals in these senior jobs move beyond basic execution to become strategic advisors. Their core responsibility is to develop comprehensive media plans that align with campaign goals, target audience demographics, and budget parameters. This involves deep analysis of market research, Nielsen ratings, circulation data, and demographic reports to select the optimal mix of media properties. The “buyer” aspect is equally crucial, requiring expert negotiation to secure the most advantageous rates, premium placements, and added value from media vendors. They steward significant client budgets, ensuring every dollar is optimized for maximum impact and efficiency. A typical day involves analyzing proposals from media sales reps, constructing persuasive media plan presentations for clients, negotiating contracts, overseeing the trafficking of creative materials, and meticulously monitoring campaign flight dates. Post-campaign, a key duty is conducting thorough post-buy analyses, comparing promised deliverables (like GRPs or impressions) against actual performance to prove ROI and inform future strategies. While specialized in traditional media, those in Senior Traditional Media Planner/Buyer jobs today are increasingly expected to understand how these channels integrate with digital campaigns for a holistic marketing approach. The skill set for these roles is both analytical and interpersonal. Mastery of media planning software (such as Strata, MediaOcean) and advanced Excel for data manipulation is standard. Candidates must possess exceptional negotiation skills, sharp analytical abilities to decipher complex data, and outstanding communication skills to articulate strategies to clients and internal teams. Typically, employers seek individuals with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, or communications, coupled with 4-7 years of direct experience in traditional media planning and buying. For strategic thinkers who thrive on data, negotiation, and shaping the public presence of major brands, Senior Traditional Media Planner/Buyer jobs offer a dynamic and influential career path at the core of the advertising industry.
