Director - Strategy

Zenith; India; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Zenith in India invites an experienced Director – Media Strategy to lead strategic thinking across key client accounts and oversee data-led, consumer-centric media plans. You will connect business objectives with audience insights, opportunities, and measurable outcomes, while guiding cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong strategic thinking, deep media ecosystem knowledge, excellent client-management skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and mentor junior teams.

Qualifications

• 8–9 years of experience in media strategy or integrated media.
• Strong understanding of Indian media landscape.
• Proven ability to develop integrated media strategies for large brands.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of integrated media strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Translate business challenges into media objectives, strategies, and action plans.
• Develop audience and category insights to inform media decisions.
• Drive strategy across TV, Print, Radio, Digital and other channels.
• Identify trends and opportunities to strengthen media approaches.
• Lead annual, quarterly, and campaign-level strategy development.
• Collaborate with planning, buying, analytics, creative, and client services teams.
• Present and discuss strategies with senior client stakeholders.
• Build strong client relationships as a strategic media partner.
• Mentor and develop strategy teams, fostering analytical capabilities.
• Stay updated on evolving media trends and industry developments.

Skills

Integrated media strategy

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Data-driven insights

Digital & traditional media

Presentation & storytelling

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.

At Zenith, we ultimately seek out a more meaningful kind of ROI. Our unique way of thinking inspires growth for some of the world’s leading brands

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Director – Media Strategy to lead strategic media thinking across key client accounts. The role will be responsible for developing data-led, consumer-centric media strategies that connect business objectives with audience insights, media opportunities, and measurable outcomes.

The ideal candidate should have strong strategic thinking, a deep understanding of the media ecosystem, excellent client-management skills, and the ability to lead teams and influence senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of integrated media strategies aligned with client business and marketing objectives.
• Translate business challenges into clear media objectives, strategies, and actionable plans.
• Develop audience, consumer, and category insights to inform media strategy and investment decisions.
• Drive strategic thinking across TV, Print, Radio, Digital, and other relevant media channels.
• Identify consumer trends, media consumption behaviours, and emerging opportunities to strengthen media strategies.
• Lead annual, quarterly, and campaign-level media strategy development.
• Work closely with planning, buying, analytics, creative, and client servicing teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Develop media approaches based on reach, frequency, engagement, consideration, and business outcomes.
• Use market data, research, competitive intelligence, and campaign performance insights to strengthen recommendations.
• Lead strategic presentations and discussions with senior client stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with clients and act as a strategic media partner.
• Guide teams in developing innovative and effective media solutions.
• Contribute to new business pitches, strategic proposals, and business growth initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and new media approaches.
• Mentor and develop strategy teams, fostering strong strategic and analytical capabilities.
• Stay updated on evolving media trends, consumer behaviour, technology, and industry developments.

Required Skills & Experience

• 8-9 years of experience in media strategy, media planning, or integrated media, preferably within an agency environment.
• Strong understanding of the Indian media landscape and consumer behaviour.
• Strong expertise across traditional and digital media channels.
• Proven ability to develop integrated media strategies for large and complex brands.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to turn data into actionable insights.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and storytelling skills.
• Strong client-management and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience managing and mentoring strategy/planning teams.
• Strong commercial and business understanding.
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Background

• Experience with a leading media agency or agency network.
• Experience working across multiple categories and large-scale brands.
• Exposure to national and multi-market campaigns.
• Experience contributing to new business pitches and strategic growth initiatives.