Manager, Global Media

Mattel•El Segundo, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Media Manager is a category-level execution and governance role responsible for leading development, activation, and performance optimization of media strategy for assigned global categories. Operating within established Global Media Strategy frameworks, this role owns day-to-day media strategy development, agency oversight, and performance delivery while ensuring execution remains aligned with brand objectives and enterprise standards. This role represents the first fully execution-owning layer in the Global Media organization and is accountable for turning strategy into results.

Requirements

Strong foundation in media planning and activation across multiple channels.
Experience managing agency execution and performance optimization.
Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and recommend clear actions.
Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
Detail-oriented with strong execution discipline and follow-through.

Responsibilities

Lead development and governance of global media strategy for assigned categories, aligned to Brand Briefs and Integrated Communications Plans.
Ensure category strategies adhere to global frameworks while addressing specific audience, channel, and performance needs.
Translate strategic direction into actionable media plans that agencies and partners can execute effectively.
Own the day-to-day media planning, activation, and optimization for assigned categories, supported by IAT agency partners.
Serve as primary Mattel point of contact for category-specific media agency execution.
Monitor campaign delivery and ensure activation meets quality, timing, and budget expectations.
Provide clear guidance to agency teams and ensure deliverables are accurate, complete, and on-strategy.
Monitor campaign performance and drive in-flight optimization to improve efficiency, ROAS, and effectiveness.
Review performance data, identify trends, and flag risks or opportunities.
Escalate major performance issues, investment shifts, or executional risks to senior leadership as appropriate.
Partner with Global Brand teams to ensure media strategy reflects brand priorities and translates consistently across markets.
Coordinate with Media Operations, Analytics & Insights, and Finance to support integrated delivery, reporting, and budget management.
Support major planning moments (e.g., global tentpoles, launches, refreshes) at the category level.
Ensure agency execution is on time, in budget, and aligned to performance expectations.
Contribute to advancement of media best practices, learnings, and optimization approaches within assigned categories.
Support testing, learning agendas, and innovation pilots as defined by Global Media leadership.