Manager, Media Planning

Position Summary

The role of a Manager, Communications Designer is to supervise and manage our integrated media planning product and assume an active role on the business.

The Manager, Communications Designer will assist with the development of media strategies and operating procedures and will also be responsible for leading, mentoring, coaching and developing employees.

This role requires you to work as part of an integrated media planning team to ensure the product is grounded in insights and experience, resulting in flawless media executions.

Key Responsibilities

• Accountable for leading the preparation, writing and presentation of integrated media plans, proposals and analysis that satisfy client objectives and that go beyond the brief.
• Maintain stewardship and accountability of the media plan, regularly evaluating and monitoring execution.
• Liaise and foster knowledge-sharing with other disciplines internally, partner agencies and other departments to ensure that media and client knowledge is current.
• Ensure that all media plans adhere to the agency's values, philosophies, and processes.
• Lead the preparation and presentation of evaluations of media opportunities, media trends and issues of interest to clients.
• Accurately and effectively manage client’s day-to-day planning requirements, with a strong understanding of client’s business objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Manage and lead a team of employees. Effectively communicate agency goals, manage workloads, provide ongoing performance feedback and support professional development.

Interview and participate in hiring decision of employees if / when required.

• Effectively lead various workflows and communication streams between Initiative and client’s creative and PR agencies
• Accurately and effectively manage client’s day-to-day planning requirements, with a strong understanding of client’s business objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Inform leadership of potential challenges and opportunities as it relates to client and / or people management.
• Influence decision making by encouraging appropriate strategies and benefits of offerings to clients.
• Participate in additional agency / team projects and new business presentations as required.
• Oversee financial media control, including purchase authorizations, billing and budget control reports and ensure that discrepancies are resolved in a timely fashion.

Desired Skills & Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in the Marketing and / or Advertising industry is a requirement
• Manager level of experience in integrated media planning.
• Knowledge of advertising in international markets (US, UK) would give leverage to this application.
• History of developing positive on-going business relationships with a focus on client service.
• Ability to develop and foster strong relationships and partnerships, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively apply knowledge and insights gained from research resources to media planning.
• Previous experience managing and developing employees.
• Proactive approach to problem solving, supporting the team, self-development, etc.
• Proficient with media research tools (e.g. MRI, Vividata, Neilson), and media tools (e.g. Prisma).
• Curiosity, learning agility, with a passion for continuous development.
• Experience with presenting.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Independent thinker with highly developed organizational skills and a strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Ability to travel as required.

Initiative unlocks business growth for the world’s most ambitious brands. We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different.

When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow.

Initiative builds Fame and Flow for brands like Amazon, RBC, LEGO, Nintendo and Canada Goose. Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability.

Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 9,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued.

Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world.

Initiative Canada has received many of the industry’s most coveted awards, including two gold Strategy Media Agency of the Year awards, eight Cannes Lions, and a position on WARC's Top 50 Most Effective Media Agencies in the World.

In 2023 Initiative was named the North American Network of the Year by the Festival of Media, and Global Network of the Year by both Ad Age and Ad Week. To learn more, visit .

What's in it for you?

• Generous paid time off with a minimum of 37 paid days off including vacation and monthly wellness days. We also have four-day long weekends, half-day summer Fridays, and meeting-free Friday afternoons year-round.
• A flexible hybrid work model that works for you.
• A focus on personal development with formal training opportunities, including mental health training and inclusion education for everyone.
• A chance to be part of and grow within a global network of agencies.
• The opportunity to contribute to our company culture by joining one of our many community-based employee groups, such as Black Employee Network, Girls on Fire, Hispanic or Latinx Alliance, Neuro Network, Pan-Asian Network, and Rainbow Lounge.

Initiative is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, provincial, or municipal law.

If you require an accommodation in any aspect of the selection process, please reach out to