Media Planner

Ad Talent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Ad Talent is seeking an experienced Media Planner & Buyer to manage campaigns across TV, radio, print, OOH and digital. The role requires strong commercial sense, analytical skills and the ability to handle the full cycle from planning through to reporting.

You will work with clients to develop integrated media plans, identify audiences and optimise campaigns based on performance data. Johannesburg-based position with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in a media planning and buying environment.
• Experience across traditional and digital media.
• Strong numerical and analytical ability.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated media plans aligned to client objectives.
• Interpret client briefs and translate them into effective media recommendations.
• Identify target audiences using research and audience insights.
• Determine the optimal media mix across traditional and digital channels.
• Prepare annual, quarterly and campaign-specific media plans.
• Present media recommendations to clients and internal teams.
• Conduct audience, consumer and competitor research.
• Analyse media consumption trends and market developments.
• Use industry research and planning tools to support recommendations.
• Monitor campaign performance and recommend optimisations.
• Allocate and manage media budgets effectively.
• Build strong relationships with media partners.

Skills

Media planning

Media buying

Budget management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Audience insights

Communication

Education

Degree or Diploma in Marketing/Advertising/Media Studies/Communications

Tools

DV360

Google Ads

Meta Ads

Job description

WHO ARE WE?

We are a dynamic media and advertising agency that develops strategic, data‑led media solutions for our clients.

We’re looking for someone who understands that effective media is about more than simply placing advertising. It’s about understanding audiences, finding the right channels, negotiating smartly and ensuring campaigns are delivered effectively.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for an experienced Media Planner & Buyer who is confident working across both traditional and digital media.

You should be commercially minded, analytical and highly organised, with the ability to work across the full media campaign lifecycle — from strategy and planning through to buying, implementation and reporting.

You will ideally have:

• A Degree or Diploma in Marketing, Advertising, Media Studies, Communications or a related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a media planning and buying environment.
• Experience across both traditional and digital media.
• Experience managing media budgets and campaign delivery.
• Strong negotiation and commercial skills.
• Strong numerical and analytical ability.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Good PowerPoint and presentation skills.
• Experience with media planning, research and audience measurement tools.
• Excellent attention to detail and time‑management skills.
• Strong communication and relationship‑management skills.
• Agency experience would be advantageous.
• Digital media certifications such as Google, Meta or DV360 would be advantageous.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Media Planning

• Develop integrated media plans aligned to client objectives.
• Interpret client briefs and translate them into effective media recommendations.
• Identify target audiences using research and audience insights.
• Determine the optimal media mix across traditional and digital channels.
• Prepare annual, quarterly and campaign‑specific media plans.
• Present media recommendations to clients and internal teams.
• Conduct audience, consumer and competitor research.
• Analyse media consumption trends and market developments.
• Use industry research and planning tools to support recommendations.
• Monitor campaign performance and recommend optimisations.
• Allocate and manage media budgets effectively.

Media Buying

• Source and evaluate media opportunities from media owners.
• Negotiate rates, value‑add opportunities and commercial terms.
• Secure optimal placements to meet campaign objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media partners.

Manage media bookings across:

• Television
• Radio
• Print
• Out‑of‑Home (OOH)
• Digital

• Manage insertion orders, booking confirmations and campaign schedules.
• Ensure all bookings are implemented accurately and on time.

Campaign Management & Reporting

• Verify campaign implementation against approved media plans.
• Monitor campaign delivery against agreed KPIs.
• Reconcile media bookings and invoices.
• Resolve discrepancies with suppliers and finance teams.
• Produce campaign performance reports.
• Analyse post‑campaign results and provide insights.
• Make recommendations for campaign optimisation.
• Present campaign findings to clients and management.

Client Management

• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Participate in client meetings and media presentations.
• Respond to client requests and queries.
• Manage timelines and ensure deliverables are met.
• Provide ongoing guidance on media opportunities and recommendations.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Planning & Strategy

• Media planning and strategy
• Audience profiling and segmentation
• Consumer and market insights
• Competitor analysis
• Media mix planning
• Budget allocation and forecasting

Buying & Commercial

• Media buying
• Rate negotiation and benchmarking
• Value‑add negotiation
• Supplier management
• Budget management

Analytical & Technical

• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Data interpretation and reporting
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• PowerPoint and presentation skills
• Experience with media planning and research tools
• Understanding of digital media platforms