Lead Media Strategist

Internally, this role we be known as ‘Associate Director, Integrated Planning & Strategy’

This position sits in our Growth Marketing service based in London or Manchester. We combine data, technology, creative content, and paid media to crack brands’ business problems & drive revenue through a variety of digital marketing solutions like ad campaigns, augmented reality, and chatbots. 

As an agency we are in a fantastic position to combine our expertise across disciplines to disrupt the UK agency model and tackle some of the industry's biggest challenges head-on. You will work in a vibrant environment with clever minds that work for a variety of large global clients. At DEPT®, we’re eager to hire the most talented experts in the game; people who continuously strive to improve their craft, are eager to learn, who want to inspire others, and strive for a better world.

JOB PURPOSE

We believe that real media impact comes from having a holistic understanding of consumers, culture, channels, content and commerce. Deciphering present day trends and historical performance from these interconnected and interdependent fields begins to represent our journey towards lasting growth for our clients.

As such, we are looking for a Lead Media Strategist who shares this mindset and wants to join a talented team of growth marketers. This leadership role is equal parts seasoned client partner who can earn the trust of senior level clients, as well as a strategist well versed in storytelling and omnichannel planning that drive tangible outcomes. Ideally, you have several years of experience in full-funnel media strategy, and if not direct experience in, a robust understanding of media planning, media buying, media activation and measurement. You’re comfortable working with the biggest brands in the world, but also don’t mind being able to partner with smaller brands.

You’ll work closely in tandem with Client teams, business development, client partner, creative, data science & analytics, data & tech, and channel activation teams to retain clients and win new ones. You will join us as a key member of the Integrated Planning & Strategy team at a crucial time when its scope, size and influence are growing more immediately within the Creative & Media team, and gradually across the broader, global DEPT footprint. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Have the aptitude for elevating a client’s ambition in ways that allow us to over deliver and bring proactive growth orientated solutions
• Champion the work by having a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses and what makes them tick.
• Work closely with various Client stakeholders as an extension to their internal teams
• Possess the ability to identify business growth opportunities and develop strategic recommendations to support the growth of client relationships
• Support the expansion of our Integrated Planning and Strategy practice within the Creative & Media team at DEPT
• Must have a strong passion for critical thinking, problem solving, and a deep understanding of how businesses, brands and customers interact, with an equal understanding of the role that data and technology play in this relationship. 

Planning

• Experience leading full-funnel, connected media and data driven strategies 
• Develop communication plans that connect Consumer, Channel and Content insights into media strategy and activation opportunities
• Work closely with various Client stakeholders and their internal teams to develop briefs that guide adjacent internal and external partners for campaign activation
• Understand first-party data to elevate strategic opportunities
• Continually monitor current marketing trends, new technology solutions, and competitors
• Experience using insights from data to tell a story
• Steer the creation of holistic communication plans and corresponding media strategies; from setting objectives & KPIs, audience sizing, profiling, targeting, determining media channel mix and potential tactics/partners, budget setting to measurement frameworks
• Closely partner and collaborate with interconnected internal teams such as Client Services, Creative Services, Activation and Decision Sciences when creating and executing holistic media campaigns
• Work along a range of cross-discipline teams both within the agency and client’s team alike, building a collaborative and trusting relationship along the way

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• 5+ years of hands-on and leadership experience in cross-channel media strategy, planning & activation inclusive of all digital channels (Search, Social, Programmatic/Direct) with Paid Social being a sole channel for this particular role; knowledge and experience in traditional channels is preferred but not mandatory
• 3+ years of combined experience in hands-on keyboard campaign planning, activation and optimization of Paid Social media campaigns across major Social platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram
• Experience working with nationally / globally recognized brands, ideally in a multi-agency and multiple client stakeholder environment (e.g. IAT, portfolio of brands)
• Experience planning Paid media channels within a larger media ecosystem that includes Owned channels
• Experience and understanding of measuring media & marketing effectiveness, having worked with Data Science, Analytics and Measurement counterparts directly to form client facing recommendations
• A balanced mix of robust B2C and B2B experience 
• Understanding of Brand and Performance media and the synergy across the two
• Natural, proven leadership instincts that your team will want to follow, and your clients will implicitly trust. Strong collaboration, client relationship, and leadership skills.
• Able to clearly and concisely articulate a persuasive point of view, both written and verbal, presenting to project stakeholders
• Curious and creative, while rigorous and analytical
• Able to understand clients visible and invisible needs
• Experience navigating cross-functional teams and dynamics
• Deep experience with media industry research and planning tools (i.e. ComScore, MRI, GWI, Kantar, Pathmatics)
• Flexibility to travel for work meetings and events

WE OFFER

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location).
• An excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies
• Pension, free private healthcare, mental health support, and company sick pay scheme.
• 26 days paid holiday (plus UK Bank Holidays).
• Refreshments are provided in the office all week, as well as drinks at 4 pm on a Thursday.
• Help getting you to work with a season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced family friendly policies to support new parents.
• Social and Cultural Events, plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations.
• Inspirational Talks, bringing the outside in with regular guest speakers and events.
• Learning and Development, supporting your growth with continuous opportunities to learn and advance.
• Buddy Programme: You will be paired with a ‘Buddy’ to help you through your first weeks’ at DEPT®.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get 

WHO ARE WE? 

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating. 

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems, no matter where you are in the world.

DEPT® is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and since 2021 has been Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION 

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. 

We also encourage you  to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.