Job Title

Location - Remote (India)About Merkle, a dentsu company, powers the experience economy. For more than 35 years, the company has put people at the heart of its approach to digital business transformation. As the only integrated experience consultancy in the world with a heritage in data science and business performance, Merkle delivers holistic, end-to-end experiences that drive growth, engagement, and loyalty. Merkle's expertise has earned recognition as a "Leader" by top industry analyst firms, in categories such as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management. With more than 16,000 employees, Merkle operates in 30+ countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. For more information, visit .Role SummaryAs a Sr Media Planning, you will spearhead the development and implementation of sophisticated, integrated media strategies that drive measurable client success and business growth. In this pivotal role, you will oversee substantial media investments across multiple channels, provide strategic leadership to a team of planners, and foster collaborative relationships with internal departments and external media partners. Your data-driven approach will ensure campaigns are not only efficient and effective but also perfectly aligned with client objectives and evolving market dynamics.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or related field; MBA preferred5-7 years of progressive experience in media planning with demonstrated success managing substantial budgetsProven track record of developing successful integrated media strategies across multiple channelsStrong analytical skills with proficiency in media planning tools and performance analysis platformsExcellent leadership abilities with experience managing and developing junior team membersOutstanding communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategies to diverse stakeholdersDeep understanding of media measurement methodologies, attribution models, and analytics frameworksExperience with programmatic advertising platforms, data management platforms, and audience targeting solutionsKey Responsibilities ( Not Limited)Strategic LeadershipArchitect and execute comprehensive end-to-end media strategies encompassing digital, offline, performance, and programmatic channels for assigned brands or accountsTransform complex client objectives and audience insights into innovative media approaches that maximize ROI while meeting specific KPIsBudget & Financial ManagementStrategically manage and optimize annual media budgets of $10 million+, ensuring efficient allocation across platforms and channelsDevelop detailed media investment scenarios to help clients understand potential outcomes across different spending levelsTeam Leadership & DevelopmentMentor and develop a team of media planners, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountabilityEstablish clear team workflows and quality control protocols to ensure planning accuracy and timely deliverablesCross-Functional CollaborationOrchestrate seamless collaboration with analytics, programmatic, SEO/SEM, creative, and client services teams to build truly integrated media plansFacilitate regular cross-departmental planning sessions to ensure alignment on campaign objectives and executionInsights & InnovationConduct comprehensive competitive analysis and media landscape assessments to identify strategic opportunities and threatsStay at the forefront of consumer behavior trends and media consumption patterns to inform forward-thinking recommendationsVendor & Partnership ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with platforms such as Google, Meta, TikTok, and premium publishers.Negotiate advantageous rates, value-adds, and strategic partnerships to maximize client investment impactClient Communication & ReportingLead compelling presentations of media strategies, plans, and performance to senior client stakeholdersConduct insightful Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) that demonstrate campaign value and strategic thinkingCompliance & SustainabilityEnsure all media plans adhere to rigorous brand safety guidelines and regulatory compliance standardsImplement media sustainability initiatives including carbon impact assessment via Scope3 methodologySuccess MetricsDevelopment and execution of media strategies that consistently meet or exceed client KPIsEffective management of multi-million dollar budgets with demonstrated optimization resultsHigh client satisfaction scores and relationship longevity