Want to know if this job is worth applying to?
United States
Onsite
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Sr. Media Buyer/Planner based in the United States.
The Senior Media Buyer/Planner will lead the strategy, negotiation, and execution of integrated traditional and digital media campaigns for a diverse client portfolio. This role translates business objectives and audience insights into effective media plans that maximize reach, engagement, and measurable results. With a particular focus on agricultural and rural audiences, you will identify the right channels, partners, and opportunities to connect brands with their target markets. You will oversee media budgets, negotiate competitive placements, and manage campaign delivery from planning through performance evaluation. Working closely with cross-functional teams and external media partners, you will ensure campaigns are aligned with broader client strategies. You will also mentor junior colleagues and contribute media expertise to pitches, proposals, and strategic initiatives.
The Senior Media Buyer/Planner will take ownership of integrated media planning and buying, combining strategic thinking, commercial negotiation, campaign management, and performance analysis. Key responsibilities include:
Develop integrated traditional and digital media plans that align client business objectives, audience insights, channel selection, campaign timing, and budgets.
Research target audiences, including purchasing behaviors and media consumption habits, to identify effective ways to reach agricultural and rural communities.
Assess media channels, partners, technologies, and formats, recommending strategies that improve campaign reach, engagement, and overall results.
Negotiate media rates, placements, added-value opportunities, and commercial terms to secure effective buys within approved strategies and budgets.
Manage media bookings, insertion orders, schedules, and creative material deadlines, coordinating with external partners and internal teams to ensure accurate and timely execution.
Monitor campaign delivery, spending, and performance, recommending optimizations, budget reallocations, and makegoods when placements do not meet agreed commitments.
Collaborate with Marketing Analytics to define measurement requirements, verify tracking implementation, and turn campaign results into actionable recommendations.
Maintain accurate media budgets and buying records, support forecasting and invoice reconciliation, and resolve billing discrepancies.
Build and maintain strong relationships with media partners while staying informed about audience data, circulation, reach, inventory, and emerging opportunities.
Work closely with Account Management, Creative, PR & Content, and other teams to ensure media recommendations support broader client strategies.
Prepare and present media plans, buying recommendations, and performance reports, clearly communicating strategic rationale, trade-offs, and expected outcomes.
Mentor junior team members through guidance, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing to strengthen planning, buying, and execution capabilities.
Contribute media expertise to client presentations, pitches, proposals, and requests for proposals (RFPs).
Demonstrate the organization's values in daily professional activities and contribute to special projects as required.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate has at least five years of progressive media planning and buying experience, preferably in an agency environment, with the ability to independently manage integrated campaigns, vendor negotiations, and budgets. They bring strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, along with the confidence to advise clients and support the development of junior team members. Additional qualifications include:
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Media, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
5+ years of progressive experience in media planning and buying, preferably within an agency.
Proven ability to independently develop integrated media plans, negotiate media purchases, and manage campaigns and budgets.
Strong working knowledge of traditional and digital media, including channel selection, audience targeting, buying strategies, and performance measurement.
Experience working with agricultural or rural audiences is an asset.
Strong analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate audience research and campaign data into clear, actionable recommendations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and familiarity with media research, planning, buying, and reporting tools.
Relevant platform certifications, such as Google Ads, are considered an asset.
Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently explain recommendations to clients and colleagues.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns, budgets, and deadlines simultaneously.
Collaborative and self-motivated approach, sound professional judgment, and willingness to mentor others.
Adaptability, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor in a fast-paced agency environment.
Benefits:
Annual compensation of $75,000–$80,000.
