This role reports into the Global Media Partner and is based in Cape Town. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute advanced paid media strategies across Programmatic, Search, Paid Social, and emerging platforms.
• Align strategies with client and business objectives in collaboration with the Global Media Partner.
• Lead innovative programmatic solutions, leveraging platforms such as DV360 and Adform for optimal results.

Operational Excellence

• Set up and manage ad accounts, including Business Managers, MCC accounts, and Campaign Manager 360 (CM360).
• Ensure security, compliance, and maintenance of partner badges while maintaining platform hygiene.
• Work closely with the Ad Operations Lead to improve workflows, QA documents, and operational processes.
• Conduct audits and assessments to ensure operational efficiency and adherence to industry best practices.

Performance Management

• Take ownership of pacing, optimisation, and delivery of paid media campaigns, ensuring KPIs are consistently met.
• Drive the adoption of automation tools and AI-powered solutions to enhance campaign performance and efficiency.
• Manage DCO (Dynamic Creative Optimisation) processes to improve personalisation and results.

Vendor, Supplier, and Partner Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and partners, negotiating favourable terms.
• Act as the primary liaison for media and technology partners, driving collaboration and value creation.
• Identify and onboard new vendors and tools to support innovation and evolving business needs.

Commercial Acumen

• Partner with the Global Media Partner in new business development efforts for global markets and clients, contributing to pitches and client acquisition strategies.
• Provide strategic input and insights to position the organisation as a leader in the digital media landscape.
• Ensure cost-efficiency and ROI in budget management while driving commercial opportunities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor the paid media team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Develop and deliver training modules and playbooks to enhance media capabilities across internal teams and business units.
• Ensure adherence to best practices, workflows, and operational standards.

Client Relations

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, presenting recommendations with confidence and strategic insight.
• Collaborate with the Global Media Partner and senior stakeholders to deliver measurable client outcomes.
• Maintain and enhance long-term client relationships through performance excellence.

CORE STRENGTHS:

• Ownership & Accountability Lead with integrity and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Proactive & Collaborative Approach Anticipate challenges and foster teamwork to achieve shared goals.
• Innovative & Solutions-Oriented Leverage technology and data-driven methodologies to optimise results.
• Strategic Thinking Shape forward-looking strategies based on data-driven insights and trends.
• Performance Excellence Focus on exceeding benchmarks and delivering measurable impact.
• Consistency & Trust Build confidence through reliability, transparency, and collaboration.

DESIRED SKILLS & DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in digital paid media, with a proven history in performance marketing.
• Demonstrated experience across local and global markets, understanding nuanced regional and international dynamics.
• Expertise in programmatic platforms (e.g., DV360, Adform, CM360) and advanced audience strategies.
• Proficiency in managing Business Managers, MCC accounts, and tracking setups (e.g., GTM, GA4).
• Experience building automation dashboards: LookerStudio or PowerBI + Funnel IO or Supermetrics integration.
• Demonstrated ability to create training materials, playbooks, and capability-building initiatives.
• Experience with operational improvements, including QA documentation and workflow enhancements.
• Strong negotiation skills and vendor management expertise.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and analytics tools.
• Proven expertise in budget management, media planning, and commercial strategies.
• Certifications in Meta Blueprint and Google Ads (Search, Display, Analytics)