Associate Director, Media Strategy NEW

Manchester, Lancashire
Dept Holding B.V.
Job Purpose

As an Associate Director, Media Strategy at DEPT , you will serve as the connecting link between our clients’ business objectives and our agency’s comprehensive service portfolio. You will work closely with the Client Service team to create and implement strategic plans, performance initiatives, and media tactics for high profile brands, helping them navigate the continually evolving digital landscape.

What you’ll do

• Create influential and powerful strategies for our clients (current and prospective), ensuring they remain advanced, efficient, and effective within their markets;
• Collaborate with client in house teams to understand their business goals, target audience, and industry landscape;
• Translate business priorities into actionable briefs for media teams;
• Communicate insights derived from data into a clear narrative to convince the client;
• Develop innovative, data driven digital marketing strategies that align with client objectives;
• Work closely with specialists (SEA, SEO, CRM, Data, and Social Advertising Consultants);
• Leverage deep knowledge of marketing, technology, and innovation to craft comprehensive plans that drive measurable results;
• Coordinate with cross functional teams to ensure optimal execution of campaigns and projects;
• Lead projects from initiation to completion;
• Drive internal knowledge sharing and spearhead new propositions and best practices;
• Analyze campaign performance and provide insights and recommendations for optimization;
• Stay ahead of industry trends and best practices to keep our strategies cutting edge;
• Represent DEPT at industry roundtables and events, network actively, and identify potential new business opportunities.

What you bring

• At least 6 years of experience as a Media Strategist with substantial new business development and pitching experience, preferably at an agency;
• Deep understanding of digital media planning and execution, with broader media experience a plus;
• Self identification as a digital generalist, linking client strategic needs to DEPT ‘s service portfolio;
• Ability to transform business strategy into marketing strategy by advising, road mapping, and proposing concepts;
• International or global experience is a strong plus;
• Pro active, energetic, curious, and inspiring mindset;
• Drive for innovation;
• Excellent presentation skills and confidence delivering pitches to senior stakeholders;
• Strong networking ability to build relationships and identify opportunities at industry roundtables and events;
• Clarity in explaining complex data to internal and external stakeholders;
• Proactive and pragmatic approach to new tasks;
• Based or willing to start immediately in London or Manchester offices;
• Full working proficiency in English.

We offer

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location);
• An excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies;
• Pension, free private healthcare, mental health support, and company sick pay scheme;
• Refreshments in the office all week, and drinks at 4 pm on Thursdays;
• Support for season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme;
• Enhanced family friendly policies to support new parents;
• Social and cultural events, including opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations;
• Inspirational talks with regular guest speakers and events;
• Learning and development opportunities to support continuous growth;
• Buddies programme to help you navigate your first weeks at DEPT ;
• A reputation for doing good: DEPT is a Certified B Corp and has been named Agency of the Year at the Lovies and the Webby Awards;
• Prestigious clients ranging from local to global.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At DEPT , we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds with varying skills and perspectives.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.