ABOUT ESSENCEMEDIACOM

 EssenceMediacom is a global communications agency leading with breakthrough thinking, building explosive growth for brands, and helping our clients see the bigger picture. Our daring global network of 10,000 communications experts help our clients breach traditional boundaries in media, uncover novel ideas, and unleash exponential growth. EssenceMediacom challenges conventional thinking to build, propel, and supercharge our clients’ businesses at scale and lead our industry in critical areas such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. 

 EssenceMediacom is part of GroupM, WPP's global media investment management company.

Job Description

Job Title: Digital Planning Manager – Universal Pictures Group

For a century, Universal Pictures has been known for its diverse slate of films including Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park and The Fast and Furious franchise as well as for its critically acclaimed fan favorites Get Out, Oppenheimer and Promising Young Woman. Be part of the studio’s 2025 blockbuster release slate with How To Train Your Dragon, Jurassic World Rebirth,  M3GAN 2.0 & Wicked: For Good to name just a few.

The Role:

The Digital Planning Manager position is one of key daily interactions with clients, internal team members in senior and junior positions alike and media vendors and partners. 

The primary objective of the Manager is to oversee all aspects of the digital media process and client servicing, while maintaining knowledge of marketplace conditions, business objectives and new media opportunities. This role requires a strategic thinker who can integrate digital planning within a 360-degree approach while ensuring maximum attention to detail.

The Manager will also provide leadership and development tools for all team members, by ensuring their exposure to all necessary facets of the planning and buying process.  Strong leadership is essential, as this role includes managing and mentoring three direct reports, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

●        Oversee the development of objectives, strategies, and media plans, ensuring alignment with client goals

●        Develop and execute holistic, cross-channel media strategies with a strong focus on digital

●        Ensure seamless integration of digital planning within a 360-degree media approach.

●        Stay ahead of industry trends to recommend innovative solutions across OTT/Streaming, Gaming, Endemics, and Sports, just to name a few

●        Build and maintain a comprehensive media knowledge base and synthesize information into actionable ideas

●        Maintain in-depth knowledge of media research and tools, keeping informed through industry events

●        Demonstrate thought leadership by proactively identifying opportunities and insights

●        Act as the main client contact, managing requests such as plan and budget changes and providing timely marketplace insights

●        Present plan and execution recommendations to client teams with clarity and confidence

●        Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and problem-solving

●        Oversee plan negotiations and media team activities to ensure strategic alignment and execution

●        Troubleshoot challenges and provide timely resolutions to maintain client satisfaction

●        Supervise regular campaign reporting, reviewing all work to uphold high-quality standards

●        Manage status reporting processes, ensuring timely updates and efficient workflow

●        Lead, mentor, and supervise a team, ensuring seamless day-to-day account management

●        Provide training and professional development, serving as a positive role model with a strong work ethic

●        Conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews to align with business objectives

●        Delegate tasks effectively to complete all client-related projects on time

●        Supervise team members to ensure timely reporting, productive status meetings, and delivery of relevant POVs

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

Skills/Attributes

●        Passion for movie/entertainment industry, avid movie-goer!

●        Effective oral and written communication skills

●        Demonstrates high accuracy and attention to detail

●        Self-starter who demonstrates initiative

●        Ability to confidently manage multiple projects

●        Ability to mentor junior staff

●        Team player

●        Thrives in fast paced environment

Experience

●        Minimum 5+ years of related experience, with relevant media industry experience from agency preferred

●        Proven record of media planning and buying experience

●        Proven record of campaign implementation and management experience

●        High level understanding of multiple media channels

●        Demonstrate supervisory, delegation and strong mentorship skills

●        Strong client management experience; proven track record in delivering exceptional results to clients

Knowledge

●        Demonstrates understanding of media basics and concepts

●        Knowledge and comfort discussing the role and attributes of all channels (TV, Radio, Print, OOH, Digital and beyond) with respect to client’s overall media plans

●        Working knowledge of Syndicated tools (Infosys, Lens, Telmar, Comscore, etc.)

●        Proficient with Microsoft Office Software (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.) and/or Google Suite

Qualities:

●        Personally uses digital social media, demonstrates passion about emerging media, ability to search and research topics, etc.

●        Thrives in team environment

●        Demonstrates genuine interest and knowledge of movie landscape

●        Entertainment / movie industry experience

 GroupM and all its affiliates embrace and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are a worldwide media agency network that represents global clients. The more inclusive we are, the more great work we can create together.