Manager, National Video Investment (Video & Programmatic Media)
About The Position
The Manager, National Video Investment is an opportunity to take the next step in responsibility at a fast-growing company with the highest standards for talent, fun, and client success. This role sits within our Video & Programmatic Media (VPM) team and owns national video investment across the full channel mix — with national linear television (Broadcast, Cable, Syndication) at its core. The ideal candidate brings sharp critical thinking, strong attention to detail, and deep expertise in the national linear TV landscape. They are skilled at managing media partners, leading buy negotiations end-to-end, and translating performance data into actionable optimizations. Familiarity with programmatic and CTV is a meaningful plus, as this role increasingly operates at the intersection of linear and digital video. Above all, this person plays a pivotal part in helping Ovative advance our journey toward measuring and optimizing paid media to true enterprise impact — not solely ecommerce results.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience directly responsible for national linear television buying
- Strong communication and client relationship management skills
- Proven track record driving positive results through national linear channels
- Proven mastery of: National TV media buying (Broadcast, Cable, Syndication)
- STRATA/Freewheel media buying system (preferred), including invoice reconciliation
- Pricing estimation using SQAD and/or industry intel
- External partner and network relationship management
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with programmatic video and/or CTV buying — this is the most meaningful differentiator for candidates with a strong linear foundation
- Familiarity with DSPs, auction-based buying, and how programmatic and linear strategies can work together
- Previous experience in performance marketing, retail, or eCommerce environments
- Familiarity with local television, radio, or regional buying
- Experience mentoring or managing junior team members
Responsibilities
- Serve as the subject matter expert for national linear television (Broadcast, Cable, Syndication) — the primary channel focus of this role — staying current on partner offerings, industry developments, and emerging trends
- Develop and execute media strategies and negotiation approaches aligned with client growth goals across linear and, where relevant, programmatic video
- Identify and communicate synergies across network partners and media channels (Broadcast, Cable, Programmatic, CTV) within the client mix, in partnership with other team members
- Support higher-level cross-functional marketing strategy projects by providing deep video media expertise, with particular strength in linear
- Provide insights and expertise on the role video and audio can play in delivering client goals
- Lead day-to-day negotiations, execution, and stewardship for national linear television buys across an assigned set of clients, with the ability to support or collaborate on programmatic video where needed
- Partner with the planning team to develop thoughtful strategic media recommendations that meet buy spec parameters — budget, flighting, performance KPIs, unit length splits, and partner considerations
- Provide detailed national linear media recommendations informed by audience, reach, frequency, and delivery goals
- Maintain productive relationships with national TV partners and their sales representatives; stay current on media developments and landscape changes
- Collaborate with the Ovative cross-functional team to review client business performance and adjust buy approaches accordingly
- Pull regular reporting and analyze data to inform optimizations and buy adjustments
- Manage media invoice reconciliation, including importing electronic invoices, matching to ordered schedules, troubleshooting discrepancies, securing makegoods, and reconciling creative traffic rotations
- Report budgets and delivery regularly for client reporting, including post-invoice actualization
- Work with partners to gather post-buys and ensure clients receive all owed delivery
- Send traffic instructions and creative assets to network partners
- Develop and deliver custom analysis and insights that connect video investment to broader client business performance
- Translate data into clear, actionable stories for both internal teams and clients
- Provide inputs to develop client-facing communications and, where appropriate, present materials to the internal agency team and/or client
- Work to achieve program objectives and KPIs; proactively raise concerns and propose solutions
- Build and maintain trust and credibility with clients and internal stakeholders
- Contribute to recruiting, onboarding, and mentoring of new team members
- Align with the agency culture of open communication and 360-degree feedback
- Maintain collaborative relationships across cross-functional agency teams
Benefits
- Access to all office spaces in MSP, NYC, and CHI
- Frequent, paid travel to our Minneapolis headquarters for company events, team events, and in-person collaboration with teams
- Generous paid vacation policy
- 401k match program
- Top-notch health insurance options, inclusive of same sex partners
- Family formation benefits including reimbursement options for fertility, pregnancy, and parenting needs
- Monthly stipend for your mobile phone and data plan
- Sabbatical program
- Charitable giving via our time and a financial match program
- Shenanigan’s Day
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
