Job Title: Managing Director Media Planning & Buying Agency
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially driven Managing Director to lead the launch and growth of a new media planning and buying agency in Dubai. This role is critical in establishing the agency's market presence, driving business growth, managing client relationships, and building a high-performing team.
The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in media planning and buying, a deep understanding of both offline and digital media landscapes, and proven commercial acumen. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, growing a portfolio of clients, managing profitability, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall strategy, operations, and growth of the agency from launch.
- Develop and implement business development strategies to secure new clients and expand existing accounts.
- Manage and grow a high-performing media planning and buying team.
- Oversee financial performance, budgets, and profitability of the agency.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the senior point of contact for strategic accounts.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality media plans, campaigns, and results across offline and digital channels.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and media opportunities to inform strategic decisions.
- Implement processes and systems to support efficient operations and team performance.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the agency.
- Represent the agency externally at industry events and in media-related networks.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Media, or a related field; MBA preferred.
- 10+ years of senior leadership experience in media planning/buying agencies, with demonstrable success in growing agencies or teams.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, profitability, and P&L responsibility.
- Proven track record in business development and client portfolio growth.
- Deep knowledge of the UAE and GCC media landscape across offline and digital channels.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills with experience mentoring senior and mid-level managers.
- Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and client-facing skills.
- Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, planning, and decision-making abilities.
Preferred Skills
- Experience launching or scaling independent media agencies.
- Strong network of regional clients, media owners, and suppliers.
- Experience with integrated campaigns combining offline and digital media.
- Ability to inspire a culture of creativity, innovation, and performance within the team.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Opportunity to shape and lead a new agency from the ground up.
- Autonomy to build a team, define processes, and set the agency's direction.
- Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with career growth opportunities.
