ATL Planning Lead

Media Planning, Implementation & ActivationHybrid Remote, Johannesburg, South Africa


Description

Position at GroupM Nexus

Purpose: The candidate is required to develop an in depth understanding of the business and marketing objectives and translate these into meaningful media plans that deliver against these objectives. The ATL Planning Lead is responsible for translating a client brief into a detailed media flow.  In addition this role includes managing and mentoring a team of ATL planners, ensuring high-quality output, professional development, and adherence to best practices. 
Planning:
  • Interpret a client brief and provide tactical strategic advice on brand communications by applying the best approaches
  • Assist in preparing regular media reviews. (Competitor analysis and media environment scans)
  • Assist in the development of the ATL media strategy that specify which forms of media will be used to effectively reach the target audience, achieving the business objective of the client.
  • Produce plans, based on agreed strategy or parameters set out in the brief.
  • Design full funnel plans and adopt and adapt global guidelines.  
  • Work in collaboration with the Buyer to ensure that any budget fluctuations are identified, and necessary action taken.
  • Work with the buying team to ensure zero error implementation.
  • Track media plans and recommend necessary changes.
  • Manage and generate Post Campaign Reports, including learning’s & insights.
  • Check commitment tracking of Budgets for Client with media vendors.
  • Apply Media Principles, Golden Rules and all Value Driven standards where necessary.
  • Be aware of all emerging media in order to effectively, with the strategy team, advise the client on optimal media plans.
  • Ensure that media planning is always reflective of the media strategy – keeping the strategist and Strategic Account Managers informed of changes due to non-availability of time or space
Stakeholder Management:
  • Internally communicate and contribute to brainstorming to help generate ideas with the team
  • Keep up to date with media changes and alert the team of potential advantages/new opportunities for presentation to Client.
  • Internally communicate and contribute to brainstorming to help generate ideas with the team.
  • Build relationships and negotiate costs, discounts and added value incentives with media vendors (Securing the best discount, added value incentive or sponsorship deals from vendors)
  • Attend regular status meetings both internally and with the clients, contributing to client business reviews.
  • Act as the client point of contact in relation to planning. This will include responding to client queries and proactive client management.
  • Build effective business relationships with stakeholders through managing expectations, clear communication, and consistent performance.
Team Management:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of ATL planners, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
  • Provide guidance and support to team members on media planning best practices, strategic thinking, and client management.
  • Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring workload is distributed fairly and aligned with individual skill sets and development goals.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Identify training needs and facilitate opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
  • Ensure team adherence to agency processes, quality standards, and client service level agreements.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team.
  • Resolve conflicts and address performance issues promptly and effectively.
  • Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of new team members.
  • Set clear objectives and expectations for the team, aligning with overall business goals.
  • Monitor team performance against key metrics and take corrective action as needed
The Ideal Candidate  
  • Minimum 8 years’ work experience in an ATL planning role.
  • Experience working at a Media Agency preferable.
  • Proficient in the use of media planning measurement tools: 20|20, Systems Planner, Adex, Telmar Suite, Media Manager etc.
  • Actively manage own performance in line with key tasks and objectives.
  • Share knowledge with others across the team to enhance collective service delivery
  • Intermediate MS Office skills including Excel and PowerPoint
  • Experience in developing and implementing analysis and reporting strategies
  • Project management; ability to manage multiple projects across critical yet often fluctuating deadlines
  • Experience with new / emerging media, a plus
  • Result-oriented with strong communication and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work within a fast-paced deadline driven environment.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong understanding of the media landscape.
  • Understands business principles and good practice.
  • Ability to manage and optimise plans to meet set quality and pricing commitments
  • In depth understanding of all media metrics including ability to manually calculate
  • All Telmar training modules completed and certifications provided
  • In depth understanding of all best practise, including seasonality, sample size stability, source periods and downweighting benchmarks.
  • Broad understanding of research principles
  • Strong Excel skills