Director of Media

JR United Kingdom; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agency in Cardiff is seeking a visionary Director of Media & Creative to shape strategic media and creative initiatives. The role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, enhancing client satisfaction, and driving commercial success through innovative strategies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in media strategy and a passion for creativity and innovation.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Attractive benefits package

Hybrid working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in an integrated agency or media-focused environment.
• At least 3 years in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the strategic direction for all media channels.
• Inspire and manage a cross-functional team.
• Drive commercial success through operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Media Strategy

Creative Innovation

Client Engagement

Job description

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We are seeking an accomplished, visionary leader to take on the role of Director of Media & Creative for our esteemed Cardiff-based integrated agency client. This is a pivotal senior leadership role that blends strategic oversight, creative innovation, and commercial impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping and executing the strategic vision of the Paid Media, Earned, Shared, and Owned (E,S,O) Media, and—ideally—the Creative departments.

As the Director of Media & Creative, you will serve as a key architect behind how brands connect with their audiences across diverse platforms. You will play a central role in defining how media planning and buying, brand storytelling, and creative execution work seamlessly together to produce campaigns that are not only impactful and memorable but also drive measurable results aligned with client goals.

You will lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams across media and creative disciplines, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives, elevating creative output, and enhancing client satisfaction and retention.

This is a high-impact role ideal for a strategic thinker with a passion for integrated communications, media innovation, and creative excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Define and drive the strategic direction for all media channels (Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned) in alignment with broader agency objectives.
• Shape the agency's creative vision and ensure it integrates seamlessly with media strategies to drive maximum impact.
• Guide the long-term roadmap of the Media & Creative departments, ensuring scalability, adaptability, and future relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
• Lead the development of integrated campaign strategies, from conception to execution and measurement.

2. Team Management & Development

• Inspire, manage, and grow a cross-functional team of media planners, buyers, content creators, creatives, and strategists.
• Foster a high-performance culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Identify and nurture emerging leaders within the team, developing individual growth plans and supporting career progression.
• Set clear goals, KPIs, and performance benchmarks for team members and hold regular performance reviews.

3. Commercial and Client Impact

• Drive the commercial success of the Media & Creative functions through operational efficiency, margin optimization, and innovative media solutions.
• Partner with the Director of New Business and Director of Client Services to support pitch development and conversion.
• Play a key role in maintaining and expanding existing client relationships through excellent service delivery and strategic guidance.
• Translate campaign performance into business value for clients, with a focus on ROI, brand equity, and customer engagement.

4. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to align departmental strategies with the wider agency mission and commercial targets.
• Act as a senior point of contact internally and externally, representing the agency’s media and creative capabilities to clients, partners, and prospects.
• Provide thought leadership and strategic counsel to senior client stakeholders, ensuring confidence in agency expertise and innovation.

5. Budgeting, Forecasting & Resource Management

• Oversee departmental budgets and resource allocation, ensuring efficient and profitable delivery of campaigns.
• Forecast resource needs and plan for future team scaling to support growth and changing client demands.
• Implement systems and processes that ensure quality, consistency, and timely delivery across all projects.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience within an integrated agency or media-focused environment, with at least 3 of these in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in media strategy, planning, and execution across Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned channels.
• Strong experience leading or working closely with Creative teams to develop and deliver high-quality, engaging brand campaigns.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with a track record of building high-performing, collaborative teams.
• Deep understanding of the commercial dynamics of agency life and ability to balance creativity with profitability.
• Excellent client-facing skills, with the ability to communicate complex strategies in a clear and compelling manner.
• A passion for innovation, storytelling, and staying ahead of media and cultural trends.

Why Join?

• Work with a portfolio of top-tier clients across diverse sectors.
• Be part of a highly regarded, award-winning agency with a reputation for creative excellence and media innovation.
• Join a culture that celebrates collaboration, creativity, and continuous growth.
• Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and attractive benefits package.
• Hybrid working environment with flexibility and work-life balance in mind.

Ready to Lead the Future of Media & Creative?

If you're a visionary leader who thrives at the intersection of media, creativity, and strategy—and you’re ready to make a real impact at one of Cardiff’s most respected agencies—we want to hear from you.