Associate Director, Media Planning

Publicis Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Zenith, the ROI Agency and part of Publicis Groupe, is seeking a dynamic Media Planning Associate Director to lead the development and execution of strategic media plans across multiple channels, ensuring alignment with client objectives and delivering measurable results.

You will manage a team of media planners, collaborate with clients and internal teams, and guide campaigns from conception through optimization.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive responsibility in media planning, buying and management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiating skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Strong command of media research and reporting resources.

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with key clients, especially at the senior level.
• Evaluate media recommendations, presentations and clearly identify key media deliverables in terms of accountability and performance.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of client business from current perspective as well as historical.
• Responsible for overseeing media financial management of all Client business.
• Maintain positive relationships with media vendors, request continuous ideas to be shared with clients.
• Lead vendor management strategies, negotiations and deal development on behalf of clients.
• Keep informed regarding media trends, technologies and new media opportunities.
• Educate clients and provide thought leadership on changing media, consumer and marketplace dynamics that impact strategic direction.
• Participates in new business and in the overall management of departmental operations.
• Interview and make hiring recommendations for team.
• Monitor timesheet preparation and vacation scheduling for team.
• Manage performance evaluations and facilitate cascading goals amongst the team.
• Ensure continuous learning and development of team ie. Set training agendas

Skills

Media planning

Team leadership

Client management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Company description

Zenith is the ROI Agency. Our more than 6,000 specialists across 95 markets offer unparalleled capabilities in Media, Data, Technology, Commerce and Content. We put effectiveness at the heart of our work to solve complex challenges, drive successful business outcomes, and grow our clients’ businesses. Zenith is part of Publicis Media, the media arm of Publicis Groupe.

Over the past year, Publicis Media hasbeen transforming the way we do our business. From structuring our investment practice around data and digital to bringing our strategy, data sciences and research practice under one house, we’ve been shaping Publicis Media to be the media network of tomorrow. One that both you and I want to work at.

Publicis Media Canada is proud to be Great Places to Work™ certified and recognized with Best Workplaces™ for Today’s Youth. We provide continuing opportunities for career growth by fostering a diverse work environment that respects and supports individual contributions and opinions.

We also offer our employees market leading benefit and incentive programs. You’ll be provided with 3 weeks minimum vacation to start plus additional long weekend Publicis days, holidays closures, your birthday off, free Headspace memberships, wellness and technology credits, and a market leading savings plan.

We strive to provide what matters to you personally with the ability to choose and modify programs to suit your lifestyle

Overview

Position Overview

We are looking for a dynamic Media Planning Associate Director to join our team. In this role, you will lead the development and execution of strategic media plans across various channels, ensuring alignment with client objectives and delivering exceptional results. You will manage a team of media planners, work closely with clients, and collaborate with internal teams to drive the success of media campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with key clients, especially at the senior level
• Evaluate media recommendations, presentations and clearly identify key media deliverables in terms of accountability and performance
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of client business from current perspective as well as historical
• Responsible for overseeing media financial management of all Client business
• Maintain positive relationships with media vendors, request continuous ideas to be shared with clients
• Lead vendor management strategies, negotiations and deal development on behalf of clients
• Keep informed regarding media trends, technologies and new media opportunities
• Educate clients and provide thought leadership on changing media, consumer and marketplace dynamics that impact strategic direction
• Participates in new business and in the overall management of departmental operations
• Interview and make hiring recommendations for team
• Monitor timesheet preparation and vacation scheduling for team
• Manage performance evaluations and facilitate cascading goals amongst the team
• Ensure continuous learning and development of team ie. Set training agendas

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university
• 7+ years of progressive levels of responsibility in media planning, buying and management
• Challenges traditional boundaries and demonstrates consistent creative approaches to business problems
• Demonstrated business acumen and a track record of success in the media services profession
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Strong negotiating skills
• A keen sense of curiosity
• Solid interpersonal and teamwork abilities
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong analytical abilities
• Strong command of media research and reporting resources

Additional information

Salary

Transparency matters to us. The salary range for this position is $85-90,000 per year. Actual compensation within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and applicable certifications. This range reflects what we reasonably expect to offer based on current market data.

AI Use

We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of our hiring process, such as reviewing applications or analyzing resumes. These tools assist our recruitment team but never replace human decision‑making. We believe in a human‑first approach, where your experience and potential are recognized by people.

Zenith is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome and encourage applications from all interested parties. Accommodations are available, upon request, for all stages of the interview and employment process for those with a disability or medical need during any stage of the recruitment process. We thank all candidates for their interest in Zenith , however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.