Buyer, Local Broadcast

Initiative is a media, marketing and digital company that transforms media connections into marketing results.  Part of the Interpublic Group, Initiative is one of the country’s leading media services agencies, with a presence in 22 markets in North America.  Initiative creates marketing communications solutions for a wide variety of blue-chip advertisers, including Bayer, Big Lots, CBS, Cadbury Schweppes, Computer Associates, Coors, Gateway, Hardee's, Hitachi, The Home Depot, Hyundai/KIA, Kao Brands, Lionsgate Films, LucasArts, Nikon, Quiznos, Showtime, and SC Johnson.  Internationally, Initiative operates 99 offices in 58 countries on six continents.

The Broadcast Buyer is responsible for completing buying assignments.

 

Essential Responsibilities:

 

· Collaborate with Broadcast Director and Broadcast Supervisor to expand knowledge and clarify/resolve problems.

· Monitor and understand market conditions and changes.

· Develop and maintain market trends against ratings and costs.

· Develop rapport with station management for the purpose of intensive negotiation.

· Complete buying assignment from available requests to Post Buy rationales.

· Do all buying for assigned markets/accounts including ordering and follow-through.

· Deliver TV buys that are at or below Low SQAD. 

· Notify Broadcast Director, prior to submission of Television buy to Supervisor, if their TV buy is not at or below Low SQAD.

· Negotiate radio rates that are within agreed upon cost increases.

· Check buys against client buying guidelines.

· Input all schedules into the computer via appropriate Buying Application.

· Fulfill all paperwork responsibilities.

· Negotiate makegoods and changes in schedules.

· Communicate market problems to Supervisor and Broadcast Director.

· Respond to all Cost Per Point Requests from Broadcast Supervisors/the CPP Unit.

· Monitor buys to ensure they are properly stewarded.  This includes:  Negotiating equal or upgraded makegoods that follow buy specs and guidelines, Negotiating with stations to limit pre-exemptions, Notifying Broadcast Director and Supervisor of stations with excessive makegoods/pre-exemptions, Preposting when book is available and Obtaining Under Delivery Weight (UDW) required from a pre-post, and/or a final post.

· Post all TV buys at a minimum of 90% of purchased, unless the account is judged otherwise.

· Responsible for Broadcast Assistant’s paperwork and deadlines

 

Job Specifications:

 

· Bachelor degree in related field or equivalent work experience

· Minimum 1+ year experience as a Jr. Broadcast Negotiator with Initiative Media or related agency/buying experience

· Possess a thorough understanding of the Spot Media business

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Proficiency with Microsoft desktop software specifically Word and Excel

· Proven ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines

· Ability to be a team player