Manager, National Video Investment (Video & Programmatic Media)

About Ovative Group: Ovative Group is an independent, full-funnel media, measurement, and creative firm. Leveraging our deep industry expertise, we help brands like Best Buy, Domino's, American Eagle, The Home Depot, Post, Disney, Tumi, Michael Kors, Boost Mobile, and UnitedHealth Group transform their media and measurement programs. The result? Profitable growth that speaks for itself. At Ovative, we don't just track data, we redefine success. How do we do it? Our proprietary MarTech platform, EMRge helps businesses transform marketing into a driver of sustainable growth. Powered by Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), our differentiated approach to holistic media buying, planning, and measurement, EMRge is the first MarTech platform to measure businesses holistically. We're all about raising the bar every day, and it shows. Our work has been recognized by organizations like Digiday, Google, Inc. 5000, USA Today, and Search Engine Land. About the Role: 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. Responsibilities of a Manager, National Video Investment include: National video strategy & thought leadership 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 National video buy management & execution 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, including: 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 Custom analysis, reporting & insights 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 Internal agency & client relationship management 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 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 Preferred 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 Pay Transparency At Ovative, we offer a transparent view into three core components of your total compensation package: Base Salary, Annual Bonus, and Benefits. The salary range for this position below is inclusive of an annual bonus. Actual offers are made with consideration for relevant experience and anticipated impact. Additional benefits information is provided below. For our Manager positions, our compensation ranges from $90,000 to $132,000, which is inclusive of a 20% bonus. Benefits of Working at Ovative Group: We provide strong, competitive, holistic benefits that understand the importance of your life inside and out of work. Culture: Culture matters and we’ve been recognized as a Top Workplace for ten years running because of it. We demand trust and transparency from each other. We believe in doing the hard and complicated work others put off. We’re open in communication and floor plan. We’re flat – our interns sit next to VPs, our analysts work closely with senior leaders, and our CEO interacts with every single person daily. Put together, these elements help foster an environment where smart people can support each other in performing to their highest potential. Ovative is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and thrive. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our policies reflect this commitment—for example, our medical leave benefits are inclusive of same-sex partners, ensuring equitable care and support for all families. Compensation and Insurance: We strive to hire and retain the best talent. Paying fair, competitive compensation, with a large bonus incentive, and phenomenal health insurance is an important part of this mix. We’re rewarded fairly and when the company performs well, we all benefit. Tangible amenities we enjoy: 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 Working at Ovative won’t be easy, but if you like getting your hands dirty, driving results, and being surrounded by the best talent, it’ll be the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. If you think you can make us better, we want to hear from you! Ovative Group is an independent, full-funnel media, measurement, and creative firm. Leveraging our deep industry expertise, we help brands like Best Buy, Domino's, American Eagle, The Home Depot, Post, Disney, Tumi, Michael Kors, Boost Mobile, and UnitedHealth Group transform their media and measurement programs. The result? Profitable growth that speaks for itself. At Ovative, we don't just track data, we redefine success. How do we do it? Our proprietary MarTech platform, EMRge helps businesses transform marketing into a driver of sustainable growth. Powered by Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), our differentiated approach to holistic media buying, planning, and measurement, EMRge is the first MarTech platform to measure businesses holistically. We're all about raising the bar every day, and it shows. Our work has been recognized by organizations like Digiday, Google, Inc. 5000, USA Today, and Search Engine Land.