Senior Media Buyer

Traditional Media Buyer / Negotiator (Hybrid role- Chicago)

Location: Chicago, IL – Hybrid (3 days/week in office)

Company: Scale Marketing

Lucas James Talent Partners, partnering with Scale Marketing, is seeking a Traditional Media Buyer/Negotiator to lead the planning, negotiation, and execution of Television, Radio, and Out-of-Home (OOH) campaigns. This role is a critical client-facing position, collaborating closely with strategy, planning, account management, and finance teams to deliver efficient, results-driven media solutions.

You’ll leverage your industry expertise, negotiation skills, and data-driven mindset to ensure our clients’ media dollars are maximized—while staying ahead of trends and bringing fresh, profitable ideas to the table.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with planning and strategy teams to develop cross-media strategies that align with client KPIs.
• Negotiate and place television, radio, and OOH buys across multiple markets.
• Analyze customer data to identify target audiences and media consumption habits.
• Present proposals with cost schedules, media weight goals, and flighting to internal teams and clients.
• Maintain accurate records of negotiations, buys, and added value in agency systems.
• Monitor campaign performance, ensuring delivery and securing make-goods when needed.
• Track and reconcile budgets, resolving billing issues in coordination with finance and account teams.
• Research market trends, vendor offerings, and competitive activity to inform buying decisions.
• Provide actionable insights and innovative media tactics to grow client business.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in media buying/negotiation, preferably across multiple markets.
• Proven track record in TV, radio, and OOH media planning and execution.
• Strong negotiation skills backed by data analysis.
• Experience managing substantial budgets and optimizing campaigns for lead generation KPIs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Nielsen, SQAD, Scarborough, and media buying software (Strata, Mediaocean, or similar).
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Client-facing experience with the ability to present and defend recommendations.
• Passion for advertising and a proactive, team-oriented work style.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance with generous employer contributions.
• Hybrid work schedule with a collaborative office environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Company-sponsored events and team-building activities.

About Scale Marketing

Scale Marketing combines deep business insight, robust analytics, and expert media buying to deliver results-driven marketing strategies. We analyze customer data, optimize media spend, and continually refine our approach to ensure our clients’ dollars go further. Our growth is fueled by our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and treating each client’s business as our own.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60654