Associate Director - Media Buying

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V; Mumbai; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V is seeking an Associate Director - Media Buying in Mumbai to lead end-to-end mainline media buying across TV, Print and Radio. You will develop and implement strategic buying plans, negotiate with media partners, and drive campaign delivery and performance insights.

The role requires 8-10 years of experience in media buying, strong client management skills, and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of relevant experience in mainline media buying.
• Strong expertise across TV, Print, Radio.
• Proven ability to manage large media spends and deliver cost-efficient solutions.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience in leading and mentoring teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end mainline media buying across TV, Print, Radio, and offline channels.
• Develop and execute media buying strategies aligned with client objectives and KPIs.
• Drive negotiations, rate benchmarking, and inventory planning with media partners.
• Build relationships with media houses, publishers, broadcasters and partners.
• Own campaign execution, monitor delivery and resolve issues; analyze performance for insights.
• Mentor a team of buyers and executives to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Participate in client presentations, reviews, and annual planning.

Skills

Media buying

TV

Print

Radio

Client management

Negotiation

Team leadership

Job description

Company description

We are the ROI agency, a position we have proudly held true to since 2005. Over the years, we have evolved our definition of ROI, as it has changed with the ever-complicated communications landscape. ROI is no longer simply about the most efficient planning, buying and reporting of media. Yes, ROI is about delivering Return on Investment; but it’s also about going beyond to deliver a Return on Imagination and more integrated experiences that inspire Growth. Top-line growth for our clients’ businesses, growth for our people and growth for our culture. We leverage over 30 years of media planning expertise to go beyond traditional media solutions and deliver a Return on Investment that is both forward thinking and accountable to our clients. Powered by our best-in-class proprietary tools and data, our work spans the full spectrum of media communications, from analytics, data and technology to performance marketing, content, and superior trading. This breadth means we deliver Insight that lies at the intersection of consumer, category, and brand, attributing every budget to stronger business outcomes. It means we deliver more creative media solutions that bring together best-in-class strategy, planning and the power of Publicis Groupe to ensure distinct and more personal brand experiences for our clients. It means we adopt new data analytics and value optimisation techniques while building relationships with some of the world’s most exciting start-ups. We leverage over 30 years of media planning expertise to go beyond traditional media solutions and deliver a Return on Investment that is both forward thinking and accountable to our clients.

Overview

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Associate Director - Media Buying to lead and drive media buying strategies across traditional/mainline media channels. The role will involve strategic planning, client management, media negotiations, team leadership, and ensuring effective delivery of campaigns aligned with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end mainline media buying across TV, Print, Radio, other relevant offline media channels.
• Develop and execute media buying strategies aligned with client objectives, target audiences, and campaign KPIs.
• Drive media negotiations, rate benchmarking, inventory planning, and value optimisation with media partners.
• Build strong relationships with key media houses, publishers, broadcasters, and other partners.
• Evaluate media opportunities and identify innovative and cost-effective solutions for clients.
• Work closely with planning, strategy, digital, creative, and other internal teams to deliver integrated campaigns.
• Own campaign execution, ensuring timely release of bookings, monitoring of delivery, and resolution of operational issues.
• Analyse campaign performance and provide actionable insights and recommendations to clients.
• Manage media budgets, ensuring effective utilisation and adherence to agreed commercials.
• Lead and mentor a team of buyers and executives, ensuring quality, efficiency, and capability development.
• Participate in client presentations, reviews, annual planning, and business discussions.
• Contribute to new business pitches and develop compelling media solutions and buying strategies.
• Stay updated on industry trends, media consumption patterns, market developments, and emerging opportunities.

Required Skills & Experience

• 8-10 years of relevant experience in mainline media buying, preferably within a media agency environment.
• Strong expertise across TV, Print, Radio.
• Strong understanding of media rates, negotiations, inventory, buying processes, and market dynamics.
• Proven experience in managing large media spends and delivering cost-efficient media solutions.
• Strong client management and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience in leading and mentoring teams.
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance business objectives, client expectations, and media effectiveness.

Preferred Background

• Experience working with a leading media agency or advertising agency.
• Exposure to large, integrated brands and multi-market campaigns.
• Strong relationships with key media partners and publishers.
• Experience in handling senior client stakeholders and leading strategic media discussions.