We are Africa’s most prodigious media, marketing, communications and advertising powerhouse. Our business represents the best of African creativity, celebrating where we come from and the expression and voices of our people.

Through the power of collective creativity and the continent’s best talent, we elevate brand value across every marketing vertical.

Main Purpose of Job

To negotiate, buy and place client media, using correct rates with the correct Media Owners and ensuring right and accurate documentation to allow for invoicing.

Responsibilities:

1. Account Management

• Responsible for delivery of buying service on portfolio
• Attend client/team/status meetings
• Maintain key stakeholder relationships  (agencies, brands,  client   portfolios)
• Develop negotiation strategy on client portfolio

1. Media Buying, Administration & Budget Management

• No PO, No Booking
• Implement the approved media plan across all mediums
• Provide clear briefing to media owner sales representatives
• Negotiate the best deals in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, price, quality and value added opportunities of the agreed media plan if not already included
• Strive for optimal savings on all media buying
• Issuing of chase lists to Creative Agencies / Client
• Liaising with Creative Agencies – flighting codes / material etc.
• Ensure that media schedule rates match the media flowplan
• Check all contracts timeously and flag discrepancies with planner immediately
• Check that monthly billings match expectation created by PO’s and/or flowplan and highlight discrepancies and corrections to campaign managers/media planner/BUD where applicable to enable them to correctly update their plans and PO trackers
• Supply alternative TV spots to planner where applicable and book alternatives within 48 hrs
• Amend or cancel bookings as and when required by Client, re-negotiating deals in order to avoid penalties wherever possible
• Negotiate maximum compensation for non-adherence to booking parameters or poor quality reproduction
• Respond to ad hoc buying requests from Client and planners
• Provide Resources with all relevant documentation for billing purposes, including signed Cost Estimate, Purchase Order, Signed Schedule, Updated plans from Planners/Campaign managers, Proof of Service and/or other approvals.
• 80% of Billings to be invoiced by billing closure and remaining 20% by no later than the 26th of every month
• Adherence to billing deadlines
• Weekly timesheets completion
• Adhere to audit and process protocol
• Respond to all Resources queries within 48 hours

Time Allocation

Publicis = 5%

Client= 90%

Industry= 5%

KPA’s

• Buying Media
• Billing Accuracy
• Process /Audit Compliance
• Negotiation
• Admin/Filing Management
• Self Improvement/Training /Intern Mentoring
• Timesheet completion
• Financial Performance: Cash no more than 9.5% of book outstanding
• Client appraisals at 80% average and not less than 70% for Buying, Invoicing and Training.

Key Interfaces:

• Buying Manager
• Business Unit Director
• Media Owners
• Creative Agencies
• Planners/Clients
• Finance/Resources

Key Competencies/Skills.

1. Accuracy
2. Able to communicate on all levels
3. Relationships
4. Systematic
5. Resilience and ability to work under pressure
6. Strong administrative skills and attention to detail
7. Aptitude for numbers
8. Negotiation and problem solving skills
9. Accountability
10. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Timeline Expectations:

1. Booking completed

• Within 2 working days depending on complexity.

1. Chaselists

• Within * hours where the booking and material deadline has expired and within 48hrs for all other deadlines.

1. Copy Instructions, Booking Instructions,

• Within 1 working day for all expired booking material deadlines and 48hrs for everything else.

1. ATL billing

• As per deadline grid shared by Buying Manager or as directed by CFO

1. Digital billing

• In arrears within the first two weeks of the next month (by the 10th), provided post campaigns and invoices have been received and packs complete.

Publicis Groupe, the second largest communications group in the world, employing over 100 000 talented minds, across 100 countries. Publicis Groupe has made a name for itself by putting its people first. We, at Publicis Groupe Africa, are no different. With over 60 agencies across 36 countries on the continent, there’s no better place to grow a rewarding career in media, communications, marketing or advertising in Africa.

Publicis Groupe Africa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of discrimination or harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit, but preference will be given to all candidates from designated groups. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within two weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful. For more information and other vacancies, visit PublicisGroupeAfrica.com.