Media Manager – Integrated & Performance

Role purpose: Own end-to-end media strategy, planning governance, budget control and performance accountability across traditional, non-biddable digital and biddable performance channels delivered through a hybrid agency model. The role exists to maximise ROMI, strengthen brand equity, improve media efficiency and ensure paid distribution power remains strategically controlled and executed. The role is a critical lever in delivering Telecel’s strategic Brand agenda roadmap ensuring sustained growth in brand salience, mental availability, trust, and relevance across priority audiences including mass, youth, SMEs and digital-first consumers. Key Accountability and Decision Ownership: 1. Long-Term Integrated Media Strategy & Brand Health Stewardship • Develop annual and multi-year media frameworks aligned to Telecel’s Brand health agenda roadmap. • Drive sustained Share of Voice leadership in priority categories. • Balance long-term brand building with short-term performance delivery. • Ensure consistent visibility of brand purpose, CSR platforms and strategic initiatives. KPIs: - Share of Voice vs competitors - Brand awareness and consideration contribution - Reach and frequency efficiency 2. Media Buying Governance & Performance Accountability • Own total media budget allocation and reallocation decisions. • Approve agency-led biddable and performance media strategies. • Set CPA, CPM, pacing and optimisation guardrails. • Lead weekly performance reviews and direct optimisation priorities. KPIs: - CPA / CPI vs targets - ROMI improvement YoY - Budget variance ≤2% 3. Sub brands, CSR & Strategic Initiative Acceleration • Lead paid media frameworks for Telecel Cash & Enterprise business awareness, acquisition, trust and usage. • Ensure CSR initiatives achieve sustained reach and positive association. • Partner Digital Marketing Manager on acquisition-to-activation efficiency. KPIs: - Sub brands awareness & acquisition efficiency - CSR awareness uplift 4. Innovation & Media Futures • Pilot emerging channels, youth-centric platforms and addressable formats. • Position Telecel as a first-mover in disruptive media partnerships. KPIs: - Innovation pilots delivered annually - % of budget tested in new formats 5. Agency & Partner Management • Lead statutory agency reviews and media commercial negotiations. • Enforce transparency, accountability and efficiency. KPIs: - Agency performance score ≥4/5 - Annual media savings / avoided costs Core Competencies: • Commercial media acumen and negotiation capability • Strong analytical and performance marketing literacy • Understanding of both traditional and digital media ecosystems • Budget ownership and financial discipline • Ability to challenge agency strategies using data • ROMI and efficiency-driven mindset • Cross-functional collaboration • Understands the fundamentals of media, integrated media channels planning, buying, and strategy • Understanding of Programmatic advertising based on hands on experience of managing display and video campaigns, across multiple channels and devices. • Demonstrate delivery of results across large scale brand and performance campaigns • Trading experience across open exchange, PMP and buying across all media types (Audio, Video, Display, Native etc). • Understanding of display and Programmatic technology (e.g., DSPs, DMPs). Knowledge of AdForm (Ad Server, DSP), • DBM, Double Verify advantageous. • Knowledge of analytics, tracking, tag management/implementation, managing set up of DCO campaigns, and working with DMPs, with experience of creating audience segments, pushing these to execution, campaign optimisation, and evaluation Must have technical / professional qualifications • Degree or Certificate in digital marketing • Platform certifications • Masters in Integrated Marketing communications, Digital Marketing, advertising or related field is a plus • Commercial media acumen and negotiation capability • Strong analytical and performance marketing literacy • Understanding of both traditional and digital media ecosystems • Budget ownership and financial discipline • Ability to challenge agency strategies using data • ROMI and efficiency-driven mindset • Cross-functional collaboration Experience & Background: • 6–10 years media experience (agency or large advertiser) • Experience managing large media budgets • Exposure to performance media planning • Experience working across multi-channel environments • Proven track record of cost optimization