Media Buyer

Calculated Hire; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An online retail business is seeking an experienced Contract Media Buyer to enhance its reach through traditional and broadcast media. The role involves planning and executing media buys across TV and radio platforms while analyzing campaign performance to optimize future efforts. The ideal candidate should have 2+ years in media buying, negotiation skills, and the ability to manage budgets effectively. Experience with eCommerce brands and CTV platforms is a plus, making it a dynamic opportunity for media professionals.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in media buying (agency or in-house).
• Proven ability to negotiate rates and deliver efficient CPMs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, negotiate, and execute media buys across TV and radio platforms.
• Analyze campaign performance using available attribution models.
• Develop post-buy analyses and provide actionable recommendations.

Skills

Media buying experience

Relationship building

Negotiation skills

Campaign planning

Performance analysis

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Job description

Duration: 9 month contract with potential for extensions

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Contract Media Buyer specializing in Television and Radio to support an online retail business in expanding its reach through traditional and broadcast media channels. This role is ideal for someone who understands how to drive measurable performance from linear TV, streaming TV (CTV/OTT), and terrestrial or digital radio, and can connect upper-funnel media efforts to eCommerce outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, negotiate, and execute media buys across national, regional, and local television (linear and CTV/OTT) and radio platforms (terrestrial and streaming)
• Identify and evaluate media opportunities including network, cable, syndicated programming, and radio station placements aligned to target audiences
• Manage and optimize media budgets to maximize reach, frequency, and return on investment
• Collaborate with agencies, networks, and media reps to secure optimal rates, placements, and added value (e.g., bonus spots, integrations)
• Analyze campaign performance using available attribution models (e.g., matched market analysis, media mix modeling, lift studies)
• Partner with analytics and digital teams to connect offline media exposure to online traffic, conversions, and revenue
• Oversee trafficking of creative assets and ensure accurate scheduling and delivery of spots
• Monitor pacing, delivery, and makegoods to ensure campaigns run as planned
• Develop post-buy analyses and provide actionable recommendations for future campaigns
• Stay current on industry trends, including the evolving landscape of connected TV, programmatic audio, and cross-channel attribution

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in media buying (agency or in-house)
• Strong relationships building experience
• Proven ability to negotiate rates and deliver efficient CPMs and value-added placements
• Experience planning across both brand awareness and performance-driven campaigns
• Familiarity with measurement approaches for offline media (e.g., Nielsen ratings, reach/frequency modeling, attribution tools)
• Ability to analyze performance data and translate findings into strategic optimizations
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing schedules, budgets, and reconciliations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Nice to Have

• Experience with direct-to-consumer (DTC) or eCommerce brands
• Familiarity with CTV/OTT platforms and programmatic TV buying
• Experience integrating TV/radio with digital campaigns (e.g., synchronized messaging, retargeting strategies)
• Exposure to test-and-learn frameworks such as geo-testing or incrementality testing

Success Metrics

• Cost efficiency (CPM, CPP, and negotiated value)
• Reach and frequency against target audiences
• Incremental lift in site traffic, branded search, and conversions
• Return on ad spend (ROAS) and overall campaign ROI
• Quality and timeliness of campaign execution and reconciliation