Head of Media Implementation

The Head of Implementation will be responsible for leading and overseeing the end-to-end execution of all media campaigns across channels (digital, ATL, BTL, OOH, etc.), ensuring that strategic media plans are flawlessly translated into market ready executions that deliver measurable results. This role bridges strategy, media planning, buying, trafficking, operations, and data-driven performance optimisation. The individual will manage, mentor and train the implementation team, drive operational excellence, ensure media partner accountability, and work closely with client service, strategy, digital, and creative departments to bring media plans to life. 1. Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence Lead the media implementation department to ensure consistent, high-quality execution of campaigns across all media channels (TV, radio, print, OOH, digital, experiential, etc.). Translate media strategy into detailed tactical execution frameworks aligned with client objectives and brand KPIs. Define, streamline and own all media workflow processes, SLAs, and operational timelines, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and quality assurance. Drive the adoption of automation tools, workflow platforms, and systems (e.g., media buying, ad serving, campaign management, dashboards) to modernise implementation. 2. Campaign Execution and Management Oversee end-to-end campaign rollouts: media booking, trafficking, scheduling, material deadlines, flighting, performance tracking, and post‑campaign reporting. Act as the final checkpoint for all media implementation deliverables before going live, ensuring accuracy, budget adherence, and compliance with media partner specs. Collaborate with client service and strategy teams to manage timelines, resolve bottlenecks, and troubleshoot issues during campaign rollout. Ensure media plans are executed on time and on budget, and that all deliverables meet quality standards. 3. Media Buying Oversight Supervise and quality check the work of media buyers (digital, traditional, and OOH), ensuring rate negotiations, bookings, and buys are cost‑efficient and aligned to approved plans. Maintain relationships with key media owners, vendors, and platforms, ensuring accountability, delivery on commitments, and access to innovation. Monitor performance metrics and ensure delivery against GRPs, reach/frequency, CPMs, impressions, and other campaign KPIs. 4. Team Leadership and Development Build, manage, and mentor a high‑performing implementation team, including media buyers, planners, campaign managers, traffic controllers, and operations coordinators. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, collaboration, and proactive problem‑solving. Conduct regular team reviews, skills audits, performance evaluations, and recommend training/upskilling as needed. 5. Reporting, Insights and Optimisation Work closely with analytics and data teams to ensure accurate tracking, measurement, and reporting for all media campaigns. Contribute to post‑campaign analyses (PCAs), highlighting performance, learnings, and optimisations for future rollouts. Identify implementation inefficiencies and propose improvements to processes, tools, or structures to drive better outcomes. 6. Commercial and Financial Stewardship Ensure media implementation is done within approved budgets and cost estimates. Monitor and manage media spend vs. plan; escalate discrepancies and ensure timely reconciliations. Collaborate with finance teams on invoicing, PO management, and campaign cost tracking. Contribute to agency profitability through cost‑saving innovations, efficient processes, and minimising rework or media wastage. Internal Stakeholders Strategy, Digital, Creative, Client Service, Analytics, Finance, Traffic & Production Teams External Stakeholders Media Owners & Publishers (TV, radio, print, digital, OOH), Ad Tech Vendors, Creative Suppliers, Third‑party Measurement Partners Clients Experience & Skills Deep knowledge of media execution across ATL, BTL, digital, programmatic, and OOH. Strong understanding of South African media landscape, trends, platforms, and regulatory environment. Advanced project management skills with ability to manage multiple, complex campaigns simultaneously. Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities. Experience with media tools and platforms (e.g., Telmar, Ad Dynamix, MediaView, Google Campaign Manager, DV360, Meta Ads Manager, etc.). Data‑driven mindset with the ability to interpret media performance data and optimise accordingly. Excellent leadership, people management, and interpersonal skills. Attention to detail and quality assurance orientation. Problem‑solving mentality, especially under tight deadlines and high‑pressure environments. Bachelor’s degree in Media, Marketing, Communications, or related field (required). 7+ years of experience in media planning, buying, or implementation roles, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role. Proven track record of leading high‑performing implementation teams in a media agency environment. Experience working with both global and local brands is advantageous. #J-18808-Ljbffr