Media Planning Manager

Role Overview

As a Media Planning Manager, you will manage integrated media and communications planning for a key global client, covering both digital and offline channels. This role requires balancing strategic thinking with operational execution—translating business objectives into full-funnel media strategies and actionable plans. While the account has a strong digital focus, offline channels such as TV, OOH, and print remain critical, requiring a planner who can develop cohesive cross-channel recommendations.

You will work closely with senior client stakeholders, internal /external activation teams, creative partners, and external media vendors to ensure campaigns are strategically aligned, effectively executed, and continuously optimized. This role also includes project leadership responsibilities and mentoring junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

Integrated Media Strategy & Planning

• Work with directors and develop comprehensive, insight-driven media strategies aligned with client marketing and business goals.
• Define channel roles, budget allocation, audience targeting, and campaign phasing across digital and offline media.
• Ensure integration between brand-building and performance-driven channels
• Apply audience research, competitive analysis, and historical performance data to strengthen planning recommendations.

Campaign Planning, Execution & Optimization

• Translate strategy into detailed media plans, flowcharts, timelines, and budget trackers.
• Partner with digital activation teams, TV buyers, and media vendors to ensure accurate implementation.
• Monitor campaign pacing, delivery, and performance against KPIs.
• Identify optimization opportunities and recommend adjustments based on real-time performance and insights.

Client Management & Communication

• Serve as a primary day-to-day contact for client stakeholders, ensuring clear and proactive communication.
• Present media strategies, plans, and performance reports confidently in both Japanese and English.
• Understand the client’s category, business priorities, and competitive landscape to provide relevant recommendations.
• Support senior leadership in strategic discussions and annual planning.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze campaign performance across channels and translate findings into actionable insights.
• Prepare campaign reports and post-campaign analyses.
• Use data to inform future planning, budget allocation, and performance forecasting.
• Ensure planning recommendations are grounded in measurable outcomes.

Project & Team Management

• Lead planning projects from briefing through execution and reporting.
• Manage timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination.
• Oversee workload allocation and support development of junior team members.
• Ensure accuracy and quality of planning outputs.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams (Digital Activation, Analytics, Strategy, Creative, Investment).
• Coordinate with external partners, including media owners, creative agencies, and production teams.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing on media trends, tools, and best practices.

What Success Looks Like

First 3 months

• Gain a strong understanding of the client’s business, target audiences, and media ecosystem.
• Support plan development and begin contributing strategic recommendations.
• Establish working relationships with internal teams and client stakeholders.

Within 6 months

• Independently lead planning for selected campaigns or projects.
• Present plans and performance updates directly to clients.
• Provide informed recommendations based on media trends and performance insights.

Within 12 months

• Lead annual planning and campaign reviews.
• Deliver data-driven strategic recommendations for future campaigns.
• Act as a trusted planning lead for the client and internal teams.

Required Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of experience in media planning or communications planning within an agency environment.
• Strong knowledge of both digital media (programmatic, paid social, search, video, display) and offline media (TV, OOH, print, radio).
• Experience managing integrated campaigns and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, budget tracking).
• Excellent presentation and communication skills in Japanese and English.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or leading projects preferred.

Typical Scope of Authority

• Own planning workstreams for key campaigns.
• Recommend channel strategy and budget allocation.
• Present directly to mid- to senior-level client stakeholders.
• Provide guidance to planners and executives.