Media Strategist

Media Strategist Do the work you’re proud of, with support at every step. Who are IDHL? At IDHL, we’re more than a digital agency, we’re a strategic partner to ambitious brands, helping them accelerate growth in the digital economy. Our expertise is delivered through three core divisions: Performance, Web & eCommerce, and Intelligence – all working closely together to create impact across channels. We’re also home to Fostr, a Shopify Plus agency for luxury and lifestyle brands, and The MTM Agency, specialists in integrated marketing and audience engagement. What connects it all is our focus on outcomes, not just outputs. We back each other, take pride in what we do, and make sure the way we work works for everyone. Your role as Media Strategist As a Media Strategist, you will support the delivery of insight-led, multi-channel media strategies across a portfolio of performance and brand-led clients. Working closely with the Media Strategy Director, channel specialists, client services teams, and external partners, you will help translate data, audience insight, and client objectives into actionable media plans that drive measurable growth. This is a collaborative and hands-on role that sits at the centre of strategy, planning, and activation. You will contribute to strategic thinking while also supporting the successful delivery and optimisation of campaigns across multiple digital media channels. The role requires strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and a proactive mindset, alongside a solid understanding of paid media and campaign delivery fundamentals. Main Accountabilities Planning & Strategy Support Support the development of integrated, multi-channel media strategies aligned to client objectives and the IDHL Framework Build and maintain detailed media plans including budgets, phasing, channel recommendations, and forecasting Conduct audience, competitor, market, and channel research to inform strategic planning and identify growth opportunities Translate strategic recommendations into actionable activation plans for specialist channel teams. Contribute ideas and insights that support innovation and improved media effectiveness across client accounts Campaign Activation & Delivery Coordinate campaign launches across multiple channels, ensuring assets, tracking, measurement, and data inputs are in place prior to launch Work closely with internal specialists and external partners to support smooth campaign activation and delivery Ensure tracking frameworks, pixels, tagging, and measurement requirements are implemented and validated correctly Troubleshoot delivery or setup issues proactively, escalating risks where required Performance Monitoring & Optimisation Monitor campaign performance and collaborate with channel teams to identify optimisation opportunities Support reporting, campaign reviews, and performance analysis by pulling insights and identifying actionable recommendations Track campaign pacing, delivery, spend, and KPIs, flagging risks or opportunities early Contribute to test-and-learn approaches that improve media efficiency and effectiveness Client & Stakeholder Management Act as a day-to-day contact for campaign delivery, planning support, and media queries Support the preparation of client reports, presentations, strategic updates, and review documents Build strong working relationships with media owners, suppliers, and platform partners to unlock opportunities and added value Communicate confidently with both internal and external stakeholders Commercial & Operational Support Support budget management, financial tracking, and campaign reconciliation processes Ensure media plans align with agreed commercial targets and client budgets Contribute to new business opportunities through research, planning support, and proposal development Support the continuous improvement of planning processes, templates, and operational ways of working Collaboration & Culture Work collaboratively with internal channel specialists across Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic, Video, TV/CTV, and other media channels Champion consistency, attention to detail, and quality across all outputs Contribute positively to team culture, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration Core Knowledge & Skills Essential Strong understanding of digital media channels including Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic, Display, Video, and TV/CTV Experience supporting media planning, campaign activation, or digital marketing delivery across multiple channels Ability to interpret audience, competitor, and performance data to support strategic recommendations Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail across planning, budgets, and campaign delivery Analytical mindset with the ability to identify insights and optimisation opportunities Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment Proactive, collaborative, and solutions-focused approach Desirable Experience using audience insight and research tools such as Similarweb, TGI, or Canvas8 Understanding of attribution, analytics, and measurement frameworks Exposure to new business pitches or proposal development Awareness of wider media channels including audio, native, and OOH Experience working within a digital agency or integrated marketing environment Qualification/Experience Requirements Essential 1–3 years’ experience in media planning, paid media, digital marketing, or campaign management Experience working across multiple digital media channels and campaign delivery processes Desirable Agency-side experience within a media, digital, or integrated marketing environment Experience supporting strategic planning or multi-channel campaign recommendations Exposure to media buying platforms, tracking implementation, or campaign reporting tools Any Other Relevant Information Work from an IDHL office regularly in line with the team days Ensure regular and consistent visits to the core offices, to be present with all levels of the team Be available to travel frequently to client and new business meetings Department Strategy Role Media Strategist Locations Manchester Remote status Hybrid Yearly salary £30,000 - £40,000 Perks of the job Hybrid working Prefer WFH or in the office? Enjoy the best of both with our hybrid working policy. Extra time off Buy up to an additional week of leave or trade leave for extra salary. Flexi time Early bird or night owl? Adjust your hours to fit your lifestyle, whether that's starting earlier or finishing later. Time4You days Take up to four half-days a year for your wellbeing, so you can focus on you. Financial & mortgage support Our partnerships with Salary Finance and Charles Cameron provide you with financial support and mortgage advice. Health & wellbeing Access a wealth of resources to help and support you depending on your situation, including counselling and legal support. Discounts & savings An employee portal offering discounts and cashback for supermarkets, gym memberships, and more. Customise bank holidays Swap religious-based bank holidays for those that matter to you. Invested in your growth Personal and professional development are core to life at IDHL. Harnessing potential, we’ll endeavour to support your career aspirations with our training programmes and personalised development plans. Inclusivity matters to us We want our workplace to reflect the diversity of the world we live in. At IDHL, we foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels heard, supported, and valued. We aim to attract, develop, and retain the very best people irrespective of background, beliefs, or personal characteristics. Our jobs QA Analyst Web & eCommerce - QA · Leeds · Hybrid Media Strategist Strategy · Manchester · Hybrid Senior Content Manager/Videographer The MTM Agency · Southampton · Hybrid Systems Developer Central Ops - Technology · Leeds · Hybrid Business Development Manager Performance - New Business · Manchester · Hybrid All jobs Manchester About IDHL IDHL is the UK’s leading digital marketing, web, and commerce specialist. Focused on delivering meaningful outcomes, we combine experience, AI-driven innovation, and deep insight to deliver transformation and commercial acceleration for world-leading brands. Founded in 2000 Co-workers About 500