Media Strategy Client Consultant

Havas Media Network; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 138,000 - 207,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Competitive compensation package

Access to Havas global network

Job summary

Havas Media Network seeks an experienced Media Lead to support leadership during maternity leave on a nine-month, part-time contract (24 hours/week). This role provides strategic consultation, QA of media plans, and seamless operational leadership across multiple client portfolios.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in media planning/buying with a proven leadership track, and excels at proactive problem solving and client-facing preparation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive media planning/buying experience in an agency setting.
• Proven leadership experience with deep client portfolio knowledge.
• Strong capabilities in operations, project management, and advisory support.
• Experience supporting leadership teams and managing client relationships.
• Deep understanding of media agency workflows and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an internal strategic consultant for account leads across client portfolios.
• Provide guidance on media strategy, planning, buying, and optimization.
• Review and QA media plans and client deliverables for quality and impact.
• Lead internal projects and coordinate cross-functional initiatives for leadership.
• Support onboarding and transitions, interfacing with clients when needed.
• Act as escalation point and trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Media planning

Media buying

Leadership

Project management

Strategic consulting

Stakeholder management

Client onboarding

Team empowerment

Operational excellence

Communication

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Media Lead to provide interim support to our leadership team during a maternity leave. This part-time role requires a seasoned media professional who can work behind the scenes to empower our account teams, provide strategic consultation, and drive operational excellence across multiple client portfolios.

This is a nine (9) months, PT (24 hours/week), contract

: Internal Consultation & Account Team Support

• Serve as an internal strategic consultant and resource for account leads across multiple client portfolios
• Provide expert guidance on media strategy, planning, buying, and campaign optimization
• Act as an escalation point for account teams facing complex challenge
• Review and QA media plans, recommendations, and client deliverables
• Share best practices and insights to elevate team capabilities and outputs
• Support account teams in preparation for client presentations and meetings
• Act as a strategic consultant and trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders
• Support client onboarding processes, ensuring smooth transitions and serve as senior project lead on specific client projects as needed, interfacing directly with clients
• Provide expert counsel on media strategy, planning, and execution for project-based work
• Act as an escalation point when client-facing support is required

Operational Leaders

• hip Oversee day-to-day media operations ensuring workflows run smoothly and efficiently
• Partner with planning, buying, digital, and analytics teams to maintain seamless collaboration
• Ensure quality control and consistency across all media deliverables
• Monitor campaign execution and troubleshoot operational issues
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance team productivity and efficiency
• Support resource allocation and workload management across teams

Project Management

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives for the leadership team
• Manage executive-level priorities, ensuring timely delivery of key objectives
• Develop project plans, timelines, and status reports for leadership visibility
• Track progress across multiple workstreams and proactively address roadblocks
• Facilitate internal meetings and maintain clear communication across stakeholders
• Drive accountability and follow-through on key deliverables

Leadership Support

• Act as a trusted right-hand to the leadership team during this transition period
• Provide oversight and guidance to ensure business continuity
• Handle sensitive or complex situations with discretion and sound judgment
• Support team development and mentorship initiatives

Required Qualifications/Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in media planning/buying at an advertising or media agency
• Proven track record in senior or leadership roles with deep client portfolio knowledge
• Demonstrated experience in operational and project management within a media agency environment
• Previous experience supporting leadership teams or in a similar advisory capacity
• Experience with client onboarding and managing project-based client relationships
• Deep understanding of media agency workflows, processes, systems, and best practices
• Strong consultative mindset with ability to guide teams through complex challenges
• Excellent project management skills with ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively across all levels
• Comfortable working behind the scenes while being able to step into client-facing situations when needed
• Strategic thinker with meticulous attention to operational details
• Ability to work autonomously, make sound decisions, and anticipate needs
• High emotional intelligence and ability to build credibility quickly

Proficiency with media tools and platforms

What We're Looking for

The ideal candidate is a seasoned media professional who thrives in a behind-the-scenes role—someone who gets satisfaction from empowering teams to do their best work. You understand the intricacies of agency operations, can quickly diagnose challenges and provide solutions, and excel at keeping multiple initiatives moving forward. You're equally comfortable supporting teams internally and stepping into client-facing project leadership when the situation calls for it. You're the steady hand that ensures nothing falls through the cracks during this transition.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work with leading brands and a talented team
• Competitive benefits and compensation package
• Flexible work environment
• Access to Havas global network and resources

Additional information:

This role represents an active vacancy at Havas. You will be joining a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where ideas are encouraged and career development is supported.

The pay range for this position is CAD 100-150 per hour, with final compensation determined based on factors such as work location, skills, experience, and background.

Havas uses artificial intelligence-enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made by our recruiting and hiring teams.