Red Lobster, one of the most iconic advertisers and restaurant brands, is offering an exciting opportunity to lead our strategic media planning efforts. We are seeking a Senior Media Manager who will oversee the planning, execution, and optimization of paid multi-channel campaigns to drive growth and ensure the efficient delivery of key messaging. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in media strategy, budget management, agency collaboration, and executive communications.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead Strategic Media Planning:
- Oversee the entire media planning process from annual strategy development to execution.
- Lead and align quarterly media strategies (e.g., options decisions), tactical promotional planning, and post-campaign analysis.
- Manage Multi-Channel Campaigns:
- Develop and execute campaigns across traditional (e.g., linear TV, out-of-home) and emerging channels (e.g., streaming TV, social media, programmatic, search, influencer marketing).
- Budget and Performance Management:
- Collaborate with the agency and internal teams to manage media budgets effectively, ensuring spending aligns with business goals.
- Analyze performance data with Finance and/or agency to optimize results and recommend improvements.
- Agency and Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Partner with media agencies on Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM) and media testing to inform future strategies.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships across Restaurant Support Center teams to stay informed on initiatives.
- Serve as Media Expert:
- Act as the primary contact for paid media-related inquiries and present actionable recommendations to Senior Leadership.
REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:
- Media Planning Expertise:
- Ability to translate business objectives, marketing strategies, and budgets into effective, actionable media plans.
- Strategic Marketing Development:
- Skilled in building marketing strategies and adapting them over time.
- Consumer and Industry Insight:
- In-depth knowledge of current consumer behavior, trends, and industry needs.
- Strong Communication Skills:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to present confidently to Senior Leadership.
- Campaign and Budget Management:
- Proven ability to execute and monitor paid campaigns while managing budgets across channels.
- Traditional and New Channel Expertise:
- Thorough understanding of both traditional (e.g., linear TV) and new media (e.g., streaming, programmatic) channels, including trends, KPIs, and buying processes.
- Project and People Leadership:
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects independently and lead cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrates skill in developing and mentoring direct reports.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of five (5) years of media planning experience on the agency or brand side.
OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
- A bold, can-do mindset, with a passion for continuous learning and innovation.
