Objectives of the Role:

• The implementation planner is responsible for the implementation of a client media strategy.
• The role is critical in translating a client brief into a detailed media flow. Working with the account strategists and buyers, the role in pivotal in translating strategy to plan and to activation.
• A significant part of this role will be about building and developing strong working relationships with both the client and the creative agencies which will enable the production of defined media flows.


Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Skills
• To be able to interpret a client brief and provide tactical strategic advice on brand communications by applying best approaches
• Is aware of all emerging media so that they can work effectively with the strategy team in advising the client on optimal media plans
• Help to improve interfaces between planning and strategy
• Assist in preparing regular media reviews. (Competitor analysis and media environment scans)
• Work together with the Business Leader to integrate our Planning & strategy approach to drive more effective and efficient solutions to clients
• Assist in the preparation of central strategic work, e.g. availabilities, rates


2. Client Account and Stakeholder Management Skills
• Improve interfaces between planning and strategy
• Keep up to date with media changes and alert the team of potential advantages/new opportunities for presentation to Client
• Prepare and update the media flow plans and advise BUD/Client of changes that occur on time and space that has been bought.
• Checking and ensuring media planning is reflective of the media strategy at all times – keeping the strategist and BUD informed of changes due to non-availability of time or space
• Internally communicate and contribute to brainstorming to help generate ideas with the team
• Relationship building and negotiation for leveraging costs, discounts and added value incentives with media vendors (Securing the best discount, added value incentive or sponsorship deals from vendors)
• Maintain sound relationships & communications between departments, their relevant creative/brand agencies, Clients and media vendors, where necessary
• Timeously highlighting any budgetary deviations
• Check commitment tracking of Budgets for Client with media vendors
• Attend regular status meetings both internally and with the clients; contributing to client business reviews
• Act as the client point of contact in relation to implementation planning. This will include responding to client queries and proactive client management

3 Operating and Technical Skills
• To produce implementation plans, based on agreed strategy or parameters set out in the brief. (The best mix within a medium for the task at hand).
• Be proficient in the use of media planning measurement tools: 20|20, Systems Planner, Adex, Telmar Suite, Media Manager etc.
• To apply all applicable and relevant trading deals
• To continuously improve on existing commitment discounts/positioning as circumstances allow
• Conduct detailed checking of media vendor contracts against what has been bought, and communicate any amendments to contracts detailing approved changes on media flow plans
• Monitor changes that occur on time and space that has been bought to ensure flow plans are updated and revised
• Help to leverage media vendor initiatives through innovative implementation plans
• Work in collaboration with buyer to ensure that any budget fluctuations are identified and necessary action taken
• Work with the buying team to ensure zero error implementation
• Weekly TV tracking and recommendation on changes
• Manage and generate TV Post Campaign Reports, including learning’s
• Ensure all cancellations are received from client in writing


4. Personal and Interpersonal Skills
• Actively manage own performance in line with key tasks and objectives.
• Share knowledge with others across the team to enhance collective service delivery and client knowledge.
• Build effective business relationships with stakeholders through managing expectations, clear communication and consistent performance.
• To work as part of the buying function to help and assist in improving our buying knowledge and capabilities in market from processes, mentoring others and helping across clients as needed.
• To ensure that all time-sheets are updated accurately on a daily basis

• New Business
• Identify areas of possible business growth within existing client base and new clients
• Establish and maintain relationships with key decision makers in order to secure new business
• When required, participate in pitches and help with new business wins outside of the client