Director – Investment Strategy - Value Management

Company Description

Spark Foundry is the agency that is shaped by ideas. We believe everyone’s ideas are powerful – big or small. Our knack for exploring them makes us better.

We strongly believe in collaboration, where a thriving working relationship leads to everyone’s best work. Luckily, this conviction attracts likeminded clients and talent to create a positive and magnetic team.

We’re constantly adapting to each of our clients’ businesses’ needs to avoid stagnation. This ensures that our clients get the best service to tackle their future-facing challenges and that our team stays on their toes.

Above all, we love to go above and beyond what’s expected of us. We’ve done this through media innovation that is recognized by both the industry and by our clients who reap the benefits.

The near future is very bright for Spark Foundry, whether that’s a result of Publicis Groupe’s investment in groundbreaking global & local tools and data solutions or because of the contagious momentum amplified by new team members and new clients.

Overview

Working under the direction of and in concert with the Investment department lead, the Investment Director leads a team of buyers to ensure the flawless execution of media campaigns on behalf of the clients the director is responsible for managing. The director is responsible for overseeing the negotiation and management of the media investment to ensure audit proof delivery of campaign specific KPI’s and financial compliance. The candidate is responsible for having an in-depth knowledge of the campaign objectives, client specific needs & a solid knowledge of the media landscape, including TV, OLV & Radio. 

In addition to managing the overall workflow, the Investment Director has day-to-day client contact and works closely with their counterpart strategy & digital teams. In addition, there will likely be collaboration with creative agencies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain overall control of workflow and assigned subordinate responsibilities within the group 

• Works closely with Investment department lead to manage client business and staff in support of overall company objectives including sales KPIs 

• Oversee the progress of all projects 

• Provide assistance, where necessary, to assure timely completion of projects 

• Maintain quality control of all group projects 

• Ensure that projects are produced completely, correctly and with maximum efficiency 

• Intercede as much as possible as to encourage individual subordinate initiative and to observe their personal abilities and growth 

• Allocation of assignments, which combine to make productive and effective use of each person’s skills, as well as motivating their interests and challenging their minds 

• Motivating & challenging team members to innovate within the planned parameters/objectives  

• Supporting and encouraging collaboration within team and across teams 

• Identifying and facilitating required training of team members 

• Prepare and execute all special department assignments requested by management 

• Actively support and participate in agency objectives, activities, task forces 

• Behaviors and deliverables consistently demonstrate thought leadership and innovation 

• Recognized as media expert with team and with other groups within the company 

• Develops process improvements and best practices to ensure consistency, flexibility and efficiency resulting in solutions that meet or exceed clients’ expectations 

• Leads by example via work ethic, team building approach, attitude and overall collaboration

Qualifications

• Minimum of Associate Degree in Media, Bachelor’s degree a plus/preferred 

• 8+ years of progressive levels of responsibility in media buying and management  

• Strong understanding of media reporting capabilities & systems  

• Strong negotiating & analytical skills 

• Solid interpersonal and teamwork abilities 

• Inspiring leadership and management skills 

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills 

• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving abilities 

• Strong command of media research & systems 

Additional Information

Spark is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We create and nurture a vibrant work environment that celebrates, values and leverages all aspects of diversity and inclusiveness, attracts world-class talent and serves as the industry benchmark for best practices. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide appropriate accommodation for candidates with disabilities or accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process, upon request. Please contact our recruiter for any questions, accommodations or specific requests. We thank all candidates for their interest in Spark however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.