Manager, Media Planning & Strategy

Planning

• Developing integrated media plans across D2C and retail marketplace business models, including tactic-level plans and investment scenarios, grounded in strategy, methodology benchmarks, and thoughtful assumptions.
• Translating research insights into actionable media plans by synthesizing inputs from tools such as GWI, eMarketer, Pathmatics, Similarweb, and client or platform data (Meta, Google, Amazon, The Trade Desk, etc.).
• Building full-funnel, channel-agnostic media plans using both CPC- and CPM-based investment frameworks.
• Developing audience-first communication plans, including budget allocation, KPI frameworks, channel selection, and partner recommendations.
• Aligning campaign planning with product launch calendars, retail media opportunities, and promotional moments across key U.S. retailers.
• Applying a strong working knowledge of Amazon Ads (search, DSP, display) to support retail and performance-focused planning efforts. Familiarity with Best Buy Ads, Walmart Connect, and Target Roundel is highly valuable, with the ability to adapt plans to evolving retail media capabilities and brand footprints.
• Maintaining awareness of global retail and go-to-market considerations to inform planning for international expansion and multi-market execution.

Collaboration

• Serving as a dependable thought partner to strategy leads, helping to operationalize strategic planning frameworks and guide planning through to activation.
• Working closely with cross-functional team members both externally and internally across Client Services, Media Activation, Data Science, and Creative to deliver connected plans and ensure seamless campaign execution, including tracking plan vs. actuals.
• Navigating complexity across platforms, stakeholders, and business models, and translating that complexity into clear, actionable plans.
• Presenting and articulating planning recommendations clearly to both internal and external stakeholders with confidence.
• Boosting morale and contributing to an inclusive, supportive team culture by being a positive example in group problem solving and growing careers of junior team members.
• Sharing platform trends, retail innovations, and media shifts with the team to inspire fresh thinking and continuous improvement.

• 4+ years of hands-on experience in media planning and strategy, with an emphasis on digital media buying both on and off retail environments.
• 2+ years experience using planning and research tools such as GWI, Pathmatics, Comscore, eMarketer, and platform-native dashboards.
• 2+ years of client facing and team management experience.
• Strong familiarity with Amazon’s retail media solutions; knowledge of Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and other retail platforms is a strong plus.
• Proven experience planning across both CPC and CPM channels, with a clear understanding of brand and performance media and how they work together.
• Strong understanding of audience segmentation, full-funnel planning, and measurement frameworks.
• Ability to clearly and concisely articulate a persuasive point of view, both written and verbal, presenting to project stakeholders.
• A curious and creative mindset, while also rigorous and analytical.
• Energized by the evolving intersection of media, retail, technology, and consumer behavior.
• Strong collaboration, client relationship building, and leadership skills.
• Experience navigating cross-functional teams and dynamic organizational environments.

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle, or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.

We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work. Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place.

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Coach, eBay, and OpenAI.

Learn more about DEPT®

The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we’re flexible.

US Remote Range

$75,000—$95,000 USD