Manager - Media Planning and Buying (Digital)

Media Planning & Buying Executive We are looking for a dynamic and result-oriented Media Planning & Buying Executive to develop strategic media plans and execute effective media buying across digital and traditional platforms. The candidate will be responsible for identifying the right target audience, planning campaigns, negotiating and purchasing advertising inventory, managing vendors and publishers, and ensuring successful campaign execution within budget and timelines. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in media planning, media buying, vendor management, conversations/community engagement, and seeding activities to maximize campaign reach, engagement, and ROI.

Key Responsibilities Media Planning Develop effective media planning strategies aligned with campaign objectives and target audience Identify the most suitable media channels and platforms for campaign execution Participate in audience research, campaign strategy, and media mix planning Prepare and share media plans accurately and within timelines Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and audience behavior to optimize planning Ensure campaign goals, KPIs, budgets, and timelines are clearly defined and executed Media Buying Execute end-to-end media buying activities across digital and offline channels Negotiate advertising rates, placements, inventory, and time slots with publishers, websites, agencies, and media partners Purchase advertising inventory at the best possible rates while ensuring quality placements Monitor media spends, budget utilization, and campaign pacing Optimize campaigns for maximum reach, engagement, and ROI Ensure timely execution and delivery of all media buying activities Coordinate with publishers and websites for campaign implementation and troubleshooting Explore and onboard new media platforms, publishers, and advertising opportunities Introduce new banner innovations, ad formats, and media opportunities Campaign Management & Coordination Ensure smooth coordination with the SMO team for media activity delivery Coordinate with design and content teams for creative requirements Maintain regular coordination with websites and media partners for campaign execution and reporting Prepare detailed campaign performance reports and insights Ensure overall campaign execution including budget management and target achievement Vendor Management, Conversations & Seeding Manage and maintain strong vendor management relationships with publishers, agencies, influencers, and media partners Handle negotiations, documentation, deliverables, and communication with vendors Drive conversations and community engagement activities to increase audience interaction and campaign effectiveness Execute seeding activities across online communities, platforms, influencers, and networks to improve organic reach and visibility Identify innovative collaboration and partnership opportunities for brand amplification Required Skills & Qualifications Proven experience in Media Planning & Buying or a similar role; digital media experience preferred Strong understanding of media planning, media buying, audience targeting, and campaign execution Hands-on experience in vendor management , publisher coordination, and media negotiations Experience in conversations/community engagement and seeding activities Familiarity with digital advertising platforms and media research tools Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills Strong analytical, organizational, and multitasking abilities Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Interest in advertising, media trends, and digital innovations Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Mass Communication, or related field Preferred Qualifications Experience working with digital advertising platforms such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, programmatic media, influencer platforms, or publisher networks Understanding of campaign analytics, media metrics, and ROI optimization Prior agency or media house experience is an added advantage