Media Investment Lead

WPP Media; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media agency located in Johannesburg is looking for an experienced Investment Lead. The ideal candidate will have a proven record in media disciplines, strong numeracy, and negotiation skills. They will be responsible for driving strategic media investments, optimizing media positions, and ensuring effective monitoring of media budgets. This full-time position demands excellent organizational abilities alongside exceptional communication skills, offering an opportunity to shape media strategies for a diverse range of clients.

Qualifications

• Significant work experience across media disciplines including implementation planning, buying, and finance.
• Proven track record of success in an agency or media-owner organisation.
• Exceptional organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Drive value through strategic media investment.
• Develop and implement innovative investment strategies.
• Maintain relationships with media owners to drive optimal client value.

Skills

Media performance measurement metrics

Negotiation skills

Strong numeracy skills

Media planning and buying tools proficiency

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Proficient in Excel

Tools

Telmar

Arianna

Job description

Purpose

The Investment Lead is responsible for driving value through strategic media investment.

This includes developing and implementing innovative investment strategies, identifying new investment opportunities, and nurturing strong relationships with media owners in order to drive optimal client value.

The Investment Lead plays a critical role in maximising media budget effectiveness and delivering exceptional results for our clients.

The role ensures contractual pricing and quality delivery is monitored, managed and delivered.

Investment

Continuously seek opportunities to improve existing commitment discounts and optimise media positioning.

Develop and implement trading strategy in line with contractual obligations and responsible investment guidelines.

Work closely with the broader Investment team in negotiating best-in‑class discounts and value deals.

Set pricing for planners and continuously adjust it based on seasonality and monthly actuals, ensuring a 0% variance on delivery by the end of the year.

Monthly tracking and reporting to monitor spend versus deals / commitments.

Communicate investment requirements to Client Lead(s), Strategists and Planners on a regular basis.

Maintain a comprehensive understanding of media inflation, metrics, calculations, mitigation factors, indices, affinities and conversions that affect media pricing.

Work with the Client Lead to submit accurate monthly forecasts.

Guide investment decisions in collaboration with the team.

Ensure media planning, post-campaign accuracy, media buying and financial system accuracy.

Develop and maintain ways of working for consolidated campaign tracking to monitor performance on a monthly basis.

Document and file all reasons for potential exclusions or adjustments.

Identify areas of concern timeously and provide workable solutions to keep targets / KPIs on track.

Create and / or update reporting templates as needed.

Provide monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annual reporting to regional and global stakeholders.

Maintain in-depth knowledge of available media implementation tools (Telmar, Arianna, Addynamix, Media Inflation Watch).

Relationship Building & Collaboration

In-depth comprehension of all contractual obligations & guarantees.

Understand audit methodology and calculations.

Stay up to date with SA media landscape and factors that may impact media deliverables.

Develop and upskill team members to ensure optimal ways of working, campaign delivery and reporting accuracy.

Apply knowledge of ROA markets, landscapes, challenges & opportunities.

Build and maintain good working relationships with regional and global teams.

Cultivate and manage strong relationships with key media suppliers to secure advantageous terms and deliver a competitive edge.

The Ideal Candidate

Excellent at managing numerous dynamic elements, handling high volumes of work, and adapting to constant change.

Significant work experience across media disciplines including implementation planning, buying, and finance.

Proven track record of success in an agency or media-owner organisation.

Deep understanding of media performance measurement metrics across all media channels.

Strong numeracy skills and comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of ATL and digital media.

Proficiency with media planning and buying tools, including Telmar and Arianna.

Target-oriented with a proven ability to drive results and meet deadlines effectively.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Strong understanding of media implementation processes and ability to drive operational excellence.

Exceptional organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.

Methodical, process-driven, compliance-adherent, analytical, and detail-oriented.

Proficient in Excel.

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing / Editing

Industries

Advertising Services