Account Director, Planning

Publicis Media; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media agency is seeking an Account Director to oversee client campaigns and lead a team of specialists. The role requires strong leadership, communication skills, and extensive experience in digital media. The ideal candidate will drive strategic initiatives and foster client relationships while ensuring campaign effectiveness and compliance with financial requirements.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in digital and performance media.
• Strong business acumen in data-driven marketing environments.
• Experience in managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional team to deliver digital-led integrated campaigns.
• Develop partnerships with senior clients to advance projects.
• Mentor performance media managers and conduct reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in advertising, marketing, business administration, communications, or related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

Campaign management tools (Prisma, DDS, Media tools, Ad Ops)

Job description

Company description

Starcom is a part of Publicis Media within Publicis Groupe, one of the world’s leading communications groups. Our team spans across our Windsor, Toronto, and Montreal offices. We love the world of Media and Advertising, viewing the planning and buying process as an art backed by empirical data.

One core tenet of our approach is that human experiences drive impact through tangible results. We aim to deeply understand our clients’ businesses and what motivates consumers, designing experiences that lead to meaningful actions—Move People, Move Business.

We are part of a well-recognized agency with accolades such as:

• Great Places to Work certified two years in a row
• Ranked in LinkedIn’s Top 25 Great Places to Work
• 2022 Media Agency of the Year
• 2023 Media Agency of the Year finalist

As part of Publicis Media Canada, we are committed to providing career growth opportunities in a diverse, supportive environment that values individual contributions and opinions.

Overview

As an Account Director, your primary role is to deliver results for our clients. You will use data to inform decisions and oversee the full implementation of plans from strategy to online and offline execution. You will lead a cross-functional team of performance media specialists to deliver successful digital-led integrated campaigns. You will also serve as the senior client lead, managing communication with senior marketing leaders across their respective lines of business.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership to a cross-functional team of performance media specialists to deliver successful digital-led integrated campaigns.
• Develop strong partnerships with senior client stakeholders to advance key projects, improve workflows, and deepen understanding of their business.
• Proactively identify and implement processes to streamline operations.
• Promote continuous optimization of accounts and seek ways to improve campaign activity and marketing effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the team to plan and execute strategies that meet marketing objectives within budget and deadlines, based on client briefs.
• Build cutting-edge strategies and tactical plans to drive brand and product acquisition.
• Develop media budgets and scenarios to create strategic and effective media plans.
• Ensure compliance with finance and legal requirements, including overseeing budget pacing to meet forecasts.
• Mentor performance media managers and the extended team, conducting semi-annual reviews and identifying development opportunities.
• Support Group Account Directors and COE leadership in delivering best practices and thought leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in advertising, marketing, business administration, communications, or related fields.
• 8+ years of progressive experience, emphasizing digital and performance media.
• Strong business acumen with experience in data-driven performance marketing environments.
• Advanced understanding of online and offline channels, including video, programmatic, social media, paid search, TV, radio, and OOH.
• Ability to express complex ideas simply and clearly.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and adopt new technologies and opportunities.
• Quantitative and analytical skills, embracing a mix of art and science.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with campaign management tools such as Prisma, DDS, Media tools, and Ad Ops.
• Experience in the financial category; completion of Facebook Blueprint and Google Certifications is a strong asset.

Additional information

Starcom is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We foster a vibrant work environment that celebrates diversity and attracts top talent. We accommodate candidates with disabilities or accessibility needs upon request. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.