Job DescriptionThe Opportunity: The Global Media Manager is a category-level execution and governance role responsible for leading development, activation, and performance optimization of media strategy for assigned global categories. Operating within established Global Media Strategy frameworks, this role owns day-to-day media strategy development, agency oversight, and performance delivery while ensuring execution remains aligned with brand objectives and enterprise standards.
This role represents the
first fully execution-owning layer in the Global Media organization and is accountable for turning strategy into results.
What Your Impact Will Be: Category Media Strategy Development & Governance- Lead development and governance of global media strategy for assigned categories, aligned to Brand Briefs and Integrated Communications Plans.
- Ensure category strategies adhere to global frameworks while addressing specific audience, channel, and performance needs.
- Translate strategic direction into actionable media plans that agencies and partners can execute effectively.
Media Activation & Agency Oversight- Own the day-to-day media planning, activation, and optimization for assigned categories, supported by IAT agency partners.
- Serve as primary Mattel point of contact for category-specific media agency execution.
- Monitor campaign delivery and ensure activation meets quality, timing, and budget expectations.
- Provide clear guidance to agency teams and ensure deliverables are accurate, complete, and on-strategy.
Performance Management & Optimization- Monitor campaign performance and drive in-flight optimization to improve efficiency, ROAS, and effectiveness.
- Review performance data, identify trends, and flag risks or opportunities.
- Escalate major performance issues, investment shifts, or executional risks to senior leadership as appropriate.
Cross-Functional Partnership- Partner with Global Brand teams to ensure media strategy reflects brand priorities and translates consistently across markets.
- Coordinate with Media Operations, Analytics & Insights, and Finance to support integrated delivery, reporting, and budget management.
- Support major planning moments (e.g., global tentpoles, launches, refreshes) at the category level.
Execution Excellence & Continuous Improvement- Ensure agency execution is on time, in budget, and aligned to performance expectations.
- Contribute to advancement of media best practices, learnings, and optimization approaches within assigned categories.
- Support testing, learning agendas, and innovation pilots as defined by Global Media leadership.
Decision Rights- Owns
- Media strategy development and execution for assigned global categories.
- In-flight optimization decisions within approved investment guardrails.
- Approves / Vetoes
- Agency recommendations that are not aligned with approved Global Media Strategy for the assigned category.
- Influences
- Category-level investment shifts and optimization decisions.
- Evolution of category-specific media best practices.
Scope & Impact- Category-specific global scope.
- Direct accountability for delivery and performance of assigned media investment.
- Impacts category demand creation, brand performance, and media ROI.
- Feeds performance insights and execution learnings upward to inform strategy refinement.
Key Stakeholders- Senior Global Media Manager (L5)
- International Senior Media Managers (L5)
- Global Brand Teams
- IAT Media Agency Partners
- Media Operations
- Analytics & Insights
- Finance
Required Experience & Capabilities- Strong foundation in media planning and activation across multiple channels.
- Experience managing agency execution and performance optimization.
- Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and recommend clear actions.
- Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
- Detail-oriented with strong execution discipline and follow-through.
QualificationsAdditional InformationThe pay range for this position is between $126,000 and $158,000 annual. The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.
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