The Role

OVERVIEW

Media Teams are our client facing teams in Core responsible for excellence in client service, leading
strategy development and managing the media plan.

The purpose of this role is to support the Client Managers and Senior Client Managers in the day to
day running of client accounts; and handle the administration of excellent media delivery across
many clients. It requires the use of media planning tools, the effective management of the media
planning processes, excellent attention to detail for accurate reporting and time management to
ensure best in class delivery on behalf of the media team for clients. It also requires strong
collaboration and communication with the wider organisation across the Central Team to ensure
that delivery is to the highest standards.

A strong working relationship with colleagues, particularly the Channel Planning and
Investment teams, is a crucial element of this role.

Media Team Client Associates have a very structured learning programme in place, delivered by the
best trainers in the industry. The purpose of this is to ensure a consistent level of knowledge
covering everything from the basics to advanced areas of media planning.
Quality control of output will be critical to this role.

Responsibilities
Central to this role is a clear understanding of media planning principles and an ability to interpret
plans at a high level.

This role is central to the efficient and effective running of the day-to-day client service
team, including working with the Client Manager to help with the actualisation of media plans,
monitoring of POs, timely and accurate billing, using agency tools to develop audience and
competitive reporting, creating presentations of competitor insights, ideation and working with the
team to deliver innovation.

As part of this, our Client Associates will have a specific role in helping to execute each team’s Client
Satisfaction Plans, which would be defined depending on the client team.
The Client Associate will work closely with the Channel Planning and Investment teams, will manage
the delivery of the media plan, and will ensure that it is aligned with the overall media rationale.
This will all be delivered accurately and by adhering to processes as outlined in our ways of working.
KPIs will include unbilled %, efficient resolution of media queries, accuracy of reporting and
“Delivery” client service scores in the annual RADAR service review.

AGENCY PERFORMANCE
• Generating reports that deliver actionable insight for clients e.g. using tools such as Adintel,
TGI, Techedge etc.
• Listens actively to understand client needs
• Assisting in the creation and development world class media strategies that can be turned
into media plans that are based on best practice planning as taught through Core Learning
• Working with the Client Manager on the management of campaign from start to
end, essentially project managing the campaign (dealing with client queries, coordinating
reports, monitoring, ensuring plans are audit ready, liaising with the digital specialists to
monitor campaign delivery, etc)
• Learning about all media channels and the rate at which they contribute to the overall plan
Internal coordination with Core Practices and Central Teams on live campaign queries
including delivery updates, trans times and pacing reports
• Update clients on key peak spots in launch week of activity
• Develop reports on both routine and ad hoc basis, as well as implementing
recommendations from Client Manager/Senior Client Manager based on the data
• Liaising with the Creative Agency and OOH agencies for delivery of creative assets
• Develop an understanding of each Practice and Central Team within Core and what it
contributes to the overall plan
• Validate campaign delivery and performance
• Help to project manage post-campaign reviews for clients, as well as populate information
into client-friendly presentation
• Helping prep media presentations
• Helping to coordinate media owner briefs and delivery
• Working with the Client Manager to ensure all plans are audit ready each month
• Adopt and embrace an accuracy culture by having and supporting excellent attention to
detail
• Where required, screenshots of digital activity, or page positions in press may also need to
be monitored and reported on

COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE
• Helping with the collection and reconciliation of client ensuring effective and efficient
month end billing in conjunction with the Media Operations Associate
• Helping with reconciliation of all media plans at month end to reflect delivery
• Main responsibility for billing at the end of each month (reviewed by team)
• Ensure all billing is 100% accurate and on time for clients, and particularly on new out of
scope projects, with correct booking category being used to easily and accurately identify
progress.
• Ensure timesheets are updated weekly and that they accurately reflect the time spent on
our clients’ businesses.

TALENT MANAGEMENT
• Commit to the internal Core Learning programme(s) and the defined training track to be
completed in your first year; and regularly attend training for your development proactively,
outside of formal scheduled training time
• Helping to drive and build culture, creating a fun working and learning environment
• Collaborate closely with the Client Director to ensure your personal development
requirements are met
• Ensure a strong comprehension and commitment to your career development plan in line
with your 360 appraisal, quarterly catch up’s and goals
• Uphold Core’s values in words and actions
• Proactively build relationships within the wider company

Your profile

Experience
• No previous experience of media planning is required but an interest in media planning and
buying is essential
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and
PowerPoint
• High level of business acumen

Person Specification
• Be energetic and efficient in approach
• Actively display a passion for the industry
• Strong attention to detail
• Show curiosity in learning new things at a fast pace every day
• Excellent interpersonal skills- ability to build strong relationships with colleagues across
Core, clients and media owners
• Display the ability to think innovatively
• Understands the importance of upskilling
• Understands and appreciates the benefit of processes
• Be responsive to requests
• Know when to escalate and involve other people

Why us?

What’s in it for you?

Work your way – enjoy flexible, hybrid working that fits around your life
Never stop growing – 24/7 access to LinkedIn Learning, plus clear career progression and mentoring support
Variety that excites – collaborate with an incredible mix of clients across sport, retail, food & drink, alcohol, insurance, banking and more
Grow with us – real opportunities to develop and progress within the business
Time to recharge – 21 days annual leave, your birthday off, Christmas closure days, and early finishes on bank holiday Fridays
Balance matters – a culture that genuinely supports work–life balance
People-first perks – employee referral programme and family-focused benefits, including paid maternity & paternity leave, fertility support, pregnancy loss leave, and a maternity phase-back programme
Your wellbeing, covered – access to mental health and wellbeing programmes, plus paid health insurance for you and your dependents under 18
Plan for the future – professional financial advice, contributory pension, and life assurance
Be part of something bigger – join our D&I, CSR, Green, Social or Great Place to Work committees and even earn an extra day’s leave for making an impact
And plenty more along the way…

Salary Range

30000 - 31000 DOE

Client Associate - Spark Foundry

Benefits

Job Description