Media Business Unit Director

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A global media and communications firm is seeking a Media Business Unit Director in Johannesburg, South Africa. This role entails leading media strategies for the Toyota account while ensuring operational efficiency and financial management. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in media planning and client management, along with advanced skills in analytics and media tools. This position demands strong leadership to ensure colleague alignment and deliver high-quality media solutions. Excellent communication skills and strategic thinking are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in media planning, buying, or communications.
• Proven track record in managing large client portfolios and complex teams.
• Advanced knowledge of media tools and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the business unit across all media disciplines.
• Drive integration between media, creative, data, and technology partners.
• Own P&L responsibility, ensuring profitability and revenue growth.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients.
• Oversee media strategy, planning, buying, and performance analysis.

Skills

Media planning

Client relationship management

Financial management

Strategic thinking

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Nielsen

AdDynamix

DV360

Meta Ads Manager

Google Marketing Platform

Adverity

Job description

Company description

COMPANY VALUES

TRUST

Trust is the cornerstone upon which we build our relationships. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of how a partner should behave. We treat our people and our clients with respect, transparency and honesty.

TALENT

This is first and foremost a people business. We are committed to ensuring Publicis Groupe is a destination for the best talent in our industry. We value people as individuals, growing ourselves as we grow our client’s business.

TRANSFORMATION

True transformation comes when we stop managing change, and instead initiate change. We believe in our purpose to be the admired force for business transformation. We believe that focusing on performance and results has the power to transform client business.

Overview

The Media Business Unit Director is responsible for leading all media aspects on the Toyota account. The Toyota account includes the following business units: TSAM, TFS, Genuine, Hino and Toyota Insurance. The role requires overseeing the delivery of integrated media strategy, planning, investment, and performance. The role demands a balance between strategic vision, operational excellence, and financial management to ensure consistent delivery of world-class media solutions that drive measurable business outcomes for clients.

The Director serves as the senior client partner, providing thought leadership, media innovation, and strategic direction, while ensuring internal teams are aligned, motivated, and performing at the highest level.

Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Lead the business unit across all media disciplines (ATL, Digital, OOH, Social, Programmatic, Search, and Data Analytics).
• Define and deliver the strategic vision and long-term growth plan for the unit and its clients.
• Serve as senior advisor to client CMOs, Brand Directors, and Marketing Leadership, guiding data-driven decision-making.
• Drive integration between media, creative, data, and technology partners to deliver holistic communication solutions.
• Champion media effectiveness and innovation through audience-first and performance-driven planning.

2. Client Partnership & Business Growth

• Build and maintain strong C-suite relationships with key clients.
• Lead annual and quarterly business reviews across all divisions.
• Identify and drive incremental growth opportunities across existing clients and new business pitches.
• Oversee client satisfaction, ensuring delivery excellence and consistent value creation.
• Ensure the agency is seen as a trusted strategic partner rather than a service vendor.

3. Operational & Financial Management

• Own P&L responsibility for the business unit — ensuring profitability, revenue growth, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and commercial negotiations with clients and media partners.
• Manage fee structures, commission agreements, and operational costs in alignment with agency targets.
• Ensure accurate and timely billing, reconciliation, and compliance with procurement and finance policies.
• Champion operational discipline across PO/CE management, vendor alignment, and financial reporting processes.

4. Media Excellence & Innovation

• Oversee end-to-end media strategy, planning, buying, and performance analysis.
• Ensure adherence to global and regional media frameworks (e.g., MROI, PGOS, PlanIQ, Adverity).
• Drive adoption of data, automation, and measurement tools to enhance performance tracking and insights.
• Partner with media owners and tech platforms (Google, Meta, TikTok, eMedia, etc.) for joint innovation opportunities.
• Advocate for media accountability through effectiveness measurement, brand lift studies, and attention metrics.

5. Team Leadership & People Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of planners, buyers, strategists, and analysts.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Oversee talent recruitment, retention, and career development planning.
• Align individual and team goals to business objectives, ensuring clear roles and succession plans.
• Encourage cross-functional collaboration with creative, data, and production teams.

6. Investment (Apex & PMX)

• Work closely with the Publicis Media Investment Manager on Apex & PMX.
• Monthly forecasting requirements.
• Monthly attendance at Trading meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in media planning, buying, or communications strategy.
• Proven track record in managing large client portfolios and complex teams.
• Strong financial management and commercial negotiation skills.
• Experience working with major advertisers (FMCG, Telco, Finance, or Retail sectors).
• Advanced knowledge of tools such as Nielsen, AdDynamix, DV360, Meta Ads Manager, Google Marketing Platform, IAS, PlanIQ, and Adverity.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Deep understanding of media landscape (traditional, digital, and emerging platforms).
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial literacy with P&L management experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead through change, ambiguity, and high-pressure environments.
• Data-driven mindset with an appreciation for creativity and innovation.

Performance Indicators

• Client satisfaction and retention.
• Revenue growth and profitability margins.
• Quality and innovation in media strategies and plans.
• Operational accuracy and compliance.
• Employee engagement and talent development metrics.