Company description
Spark Foundry blends the agility of a startup with the scale of Publicis Groupe, delivering innovative, data‑driven media solutions across 50+ countries. The agency offers end‑to‑end services across data, tech, content, commerce, and performance and was named Media Agency of the Year at the 2024 KSA Smarties.
Overview
The Senior Manager – Media leads the development and execution of integrated media strategies and plans across a portfolio of clients, ensuring alignment with client objectives and agency KPIs. The role oversees end‑to‑end media planning quality, manages client relationships, leads cross‑functional collaboration, mentors the planning team, and drives business growth through strategic media solutions and new business opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Develop strategic media plans and recommendations aligned with client objectives
- Analyze market, campaign, and research data to generate actionable insights
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of industry trends, digital media, and emerging technologies across all media channels
- Manage media planning, buying, and digital advertising across platforms such as DV360, Google Ads, Meta Business Manager, Snapchat Ads Manager, X (Twitter) Ads Manager, TikTok Ads Manager, and others
- Identify ROI opportunities, forecast budgets, and present media ROI to clients and stakeholders
- Prepare campaign analysis, reporting, and optimization recommendations
- Lead project management activities, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in fast‑paced environments
- Collaborate with internal departments (Buying, Finance, etc.) and external partners or vendors to ensure seamless project execution
- Maintain high quality standards and guide the team through ongoing improvement initiatives
- Mentor and develop junior planners and managers within the team
Technical & Product
- Strong analytical skills to interpret market and campaign data
- Expert knowledge of media planning and digital advertising platforms
- Commercial acumen with ability to identify ROI opportunities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and project management tools
- Ability to conduct reporting, optimization, and strategy development from client briefs
Business Acumen & Operational Efficiency
- Manage multiple projects, clients, stakeholders, and competing priorities
- Strong project management, prioritization, and deadline‑management skills
- Understanding of media ROI, budgeting, and forecasting
- Develop channel‑specific media strategies and reports based on market and consumer research
- Maintain strong client and partner relationships and vendor management
Innovative & Analytical Mindset
- Think strategically, creatively, and analytically to solve problems
- Identify new opportunities and develop effective solutions
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Continuously innovate and improve current processes
People & Leadership
- Use storytelling to inspire and influence stakeholders
- Make decisions with respect, openness and inclusivity
- Build relationships with key decision makers and provide constructive feedback
- Mentor future talent and build succession plans
- Promote transparency, trust, and collaboration across teams
- Motivate the team to pursue goals and deliver beyond expectations
Self
- Adapt performance based on feedback and maintain agility
- Embrace growth mindset, take justified risks and accountability
- Demonstrate resilience, ethical actions, and integrity in all decisions
Qualifications
- 8‑10 years of experience in media planning or a related role
- Proven ability to mentor and lead a team of planning managers
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills under pressure
- Digital certifications across major platforms (Meta, Google, Snap Chat, Twitter, TikTok) and familiarity with emerging industry developments
- Experience in business development