Johannesburg: Brand Specialist (Media Buying) posted by Isilumko Staffing

Job Purpose:

The Brand Specialist is responsible for the development, execution, and monitoring of brand strategies to ensure consistent and positive brand positioning in the market. This role combines strategic thinking with creativity, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to build and maintain a brands identity, reputation, and customer loyalty. This role also looks at Integrated Media Planning and Buying with the support of Agency where required.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Brand strategy implementation, review & reporting:
Analyse brand positioning and consumer insights.
Translate brand elements from the global market into plans and go-to-market strategies for the
South African market.
Implement branding strategies that are aligned with the company vision and brand global campaigns.
Lead creative development and drive the CTA to the relevant target audience.
Ensuring that all marketing material and efforts align with the brand vision and messaging.
Clear understanding of the companys objectives and communicating with relevant key stakeholders.
Monitor market trends, research consumer markets and competitors activities.

2. Integrated Media Planning, Buying & Monitoring:
Collaborative efforts both globally and locally to implement traditional & digital media campaigns that will include most or all of the following; National and local broadcast television in traditional and direct response formats; Radio, Outdoor advertising, Local newspaper and magazine (offline & online); Local events ideation and implementation, i.e. local guerilla marketing.
Media planning and buying and applying media solutions.
Work with Digital team members to integrate Digital objectives and strategies into overall media plan.
Organise, implement and control the day-to-day media planning development process including co-ordination.
Plan traditional media campaign strategy in tandem with interactive media team/agency.
Utilise available traditional media planning tools, other industry research and clients historical media activity reports to develop media plans.
Complete assigned areas of the annual media plan(s) in their entirety.
Coordinate projects and media requests and assigned client contacts to determine specific advertising needs, communicating deadlines to relevant stakeholders.
Monitor media campaigns having periodic campaign performance meetings internally and reporting results.
Work with the Buying team, providing buying specifications, monitor development and review media buys and post-buy analyses.

Maintain all activity, including requesting and presenting added value and regular status reports (i.e. positioning and post reports on media and added value when applicable) in a timely manner.
Negotiate the print/OOH rates and added value.
Issue insertion orders all print/OOH/internet.
Ongoing, coordinate with the Buying and Account Service teams addressing but not limited to; understanding of current marketplace conditions; Competitive spending; Media and Promotional Opportunities; Invoice Approval and Billing.

3. Trade Exchanges:
Manage Media trade exchanges with the relevant stakeholders.

4. Monitor & Reporting
Measure and report performance of all marketing campaigns and assess ROI and KPIs.
Oversee new and ongoing marketing and advertising activities.

Job Requirements:

Bachelors degree or diploma in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or related field & 5 years plus Marketing experience.
Experience in Media Buying is a plus.

Languages
Fluent in English

Essential
Strategic thinker with a keen understanding of both creative and data-driven marketing approaches.
Results-oriented with a focus on optimising performance and maximising ROI.
Strong attention to detail, especially when coordinating complex, multi-channel campaigns.
Ability to stay organised, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
Passion for staying updated on new trends, technologies, and platforms in the media landscape.

Technical Skills
Expertise in media planning, buying, and strategy.
Experience with programmatic media buying or AI-driven media strategies.
Familiarity with emerging media trends (e.g., podcasts, OTT, influencer marketing).

Skills & Competencies
Computer literacy including MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel, Outlook.
Ability to communicate and liaise with internal and external customers.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure.
Excellent writing skills.
Customer-focused.
Attention to detail.
High work standards.
Time management.
Punctual.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Strong organisational skills, including the ability to handle multiple assignments and tasks while meeting deadlines.
Strong understanding of both traditional and digital media channels and platforms.
Analytical mindset with the ability to work with data and leverage insights to optimise media plans.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.
Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Always present a professional and favourable image.

Personal Profile
Strong customer focus
Self- motivated and disciplined
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to communicate at all levels
Proven verbal, written and telephonic skills
Organised and methodical
Team player
High degree of flexibility
Culturally aware
Resilient and pro-active