Media Account Manager

Wunderman Thompson; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global marketing agency in Wellington seeks a Media Account Manager to lead media planning and buying. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and experience with media research tools. Responsibilities include client management, budget oversight, and delivering strategic media campaigns. A proactive approach and excellent communication skills are essential for success in this hybrid role.

Qualifications

• Experience in media planning and buying across all channels including digital.
• Strong experience with media research tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage client requests and ensure timely responses.
• Monitor budgets and ensure compliance.
• Conduct media and audience analysis.

Skills

Media planning

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Client management

Tools

Google Ads

Meta Business Manager

DSPs

Job description

Who We Are

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever‑evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end‑to‑end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

VML Wellington is a new‑fashioned agency with a strong, independent Wellington culture and a connection to one of the fastest‑growing and innovative global networks. We have a fully integrated creative, media and production team located in central Wellington and an amazing group of clients we get to collaborate with to make a meaningful difference to the lives of New Zealanders. We like people who care about doing meaningful work, are open to different ideas and ways of doing things. If this sounds like you, please get in touch.

THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL

The Media Account Manager reports directly to the Media Business Director and Head of Media. The Media Account Manager assists in the preparation of media recommendations, conducts media and audience analysis work of a statistical nature, assists in the preparation of budgets and estimates, and takes primary responsibility for day‑to‑day media administrative, planning and buying functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Management – ensuring that all client requests (briefs, adhoc requests, analysis etc) are met in a timely and enthusiastic manner.

• Having a proactive approach to clients’ business is fundamental to this role
• Responding to briefs and managing critical timelines for this
• Ensuring that all WIP documents and next steps are up to date and recorded correctly
• Responding to adhoc requests in a timely manner

Budget Management – ensuring that plans and buys come in on or under budget.

• Regularly monitors rate changes and updates budget summaries accordingly

Day‑to‑Day media planning and buying across all media channels.

• Day‑to‑day liaison with media owners, negotiating rates and added value for client campaigns
• Ensure that the agency obtains the best possible media rates and ensuring that buys come in on/under budget whilst maintaining planned performance levels
• Build positive relationships with media owner account managers and co‑ordinators
• Creating actionable media plans that reflect sound strategic thinking in conjunction with the Client Services Director‑Media
• Understand and be able to discuss cost efficiencies across all media
• Undertake audience analysis using proprietary tools (Nielsen) and desk research using industry resources
• Creation and understanding of key insights and observations – business, brand, consumer, culture, product
• Translation of business problems and insights into communication objectives
• Identifying roles and rationalises for channels
• Creation and rationale for campaign flighting
• Build integrated campaigns that incorporate paid, owned & earned channels

Competitive analysis and reports including campaign post analysis.

• Utilisation of the TVMap competitive expenditure database and Nielsen systems for the development of competitive media expenditure and post analysis reporting on behalf of clients and media strategy insights for competitive products and services
• Maintains records and prepares periodic reports as may be required on assigned accounts
• Developing a sound understanding of market dynamics in clients’ categories is essential to this role
• Ensuring that campaign optimisation occurs on a regular basis by managing your own portfolio and working with the digital teams consistently during campaigns
• Preparing full media post analysis reports that generate actionable learnings for future activity

Ownership and management of clients’ media schedules – including SOX compliant approvals and budget management, media plan accuracy, media booking instructions/billings/material despatch.

• As a key day‑to‑day contact for clients, it is the media account manager’s responsibility to ensure that the media schedule is up to date, accurate and SOX compliant. Double checking of costs and formulas on schedules is the responsibility of the Media Account Manager.
• This will require close liaison with the Digital teams to ensure all details are captured accurately
• All approvals and changes must be documented in writing and saved into client files – this responsibility falls to the Media Account Manager
• Maintains records and prepares periodic reports as may be required on assigned accounts
• Prepare spotlists in conjunction with the Media Executive and send to clients with comments
• Inputting of media contracts and confirmations including written appearance instructions to the media via the VML management system (Pegasus)
• Ensure that all billings are inputted and checked prior to client despatch. Liaise with the Finance Department to analyse billing discrepancies. Comply with invoicing deadline requirements from pro‑forma checking through to final invoice approvals
• Work with Production in developing the necessary information closing dates and production mechanical requirements. Prepare and issue media despatch details to production personnel

Attitude/Enthusiasm/Commitment – all are necessary attributes for a successful career in communications.

• Be an enthusiastic team player by interacting and building relationships throughout the wider agency
• Demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm to get the job done by set deadlines
• Demonstrate a willingness to support other account teams from time to time when there is capacity

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE / SKILLS / CAPABILITIES

• Experience in media planning and buying across all channels (including digital).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with media research tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client management skills.
• A working knowledge in self‑serve advertising platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Meta Business Manager).
• Experience and understanding of working with DSPs.
• Strong understanding of market dynamics and media trends.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment, and a proactive approach.

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.