Broadcast Media Operations Manager

Position Summary:

Cactus is seeking an experienced broadcast media specialist, with a strong attention to detail, an operations mindset, and deep knowledge of paid media billing best practices to join our media team as a Broadcast Media Operations Manager. In this role, you will work collaboratively between our broadcast buying team, the broader paid media team, and our Finance group to achieve flawless media budget stewardship, ensure all media buy details are accurately reflected within media buying and finance tools, assist in managing the media billing process and aid in makegood / media buy revisions documentation and acceptance.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the broadcast buying process, from goal development through buy stewardship, makegoods and billing reconciliation, and possess a excellent attention to detail, a proven ability to drive process improvement, and a commitment to financial accuracy. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Establishing Media Vendors for Payment - Assist paid media team in requesting media vendor payment information, establishing lines of credit with vendors and set up of media vendors within Cactus tools to enable payment processing.
• Manage TV, Radio, and Cable Trafficking - Oversee the end-to-end process of trafficking media spots for television, radio, and cable, ensuring all creative assets are delivered on time and scheduled accurately.
• Media Invoice and Billing Management - Scrutinize and match media invoices against scheduled airings, meticulously checking for discrepancies and ensuring accurate billing, and invoice reconciliation.
• Utilize Media Management Software - Effectively use industry-standard platforms such as Freewheel and Strata to manage media buys, track performance, and maintain campaign data.
• Receive and Process Media Vendor Invoices - Manage broadcast media vendor accounts payable inbox, receiving and organizing vendor invoices. Analyze vendor invoices to ensure all invoices adhere to established vendor terms, include required information, and accurately reflect media delivery.
• Proactive Schedule Verification - Assist broadcast buying team in conducting daily and weekly audits of pre-logs and post-logs provided by all vendors to confirm that media spots have aired correctly and as scheduled.
• Quality Assurance and Discrepancy Resolution: Manually review logs to catch any issues, such as incorrect airing times due to live sports or other programming shifts, and work with vendors to resolve them before they impact the final invoice.
• Detailed Reporting and Analysis - Prepare weekly reports on post-log findings, highlighting any potential issues or credits required, and communicate these findings to the team.
• Client Communication and Account Maintenance - Serve as a key point of contact for clients, addressing concerns and providing detailed information regarding media performance and billing accuracy.
• Champion and Train on Use of Key Media Billing Software Across the Team- Serve as the internal subject matter expert on media billing software capabilities and management. Specifically, be well versed in Freewheel / Strata and train new and existing team members on capabilities, process and requirements as they relate to these tools and their utilization within the agency’s billing process.
• Process Management and Improvement - Spearhead broadcast buying and vendor reconciliation process, assessing current processes, developing new process to drive operational and accuracy improvement and implement new process across key stakeholder groups. 

Qualifications:

•  Minimum of 4 years of experience in a broadcast media related role - ranging from broadcast buying to billing or financial role, with a strong preference for experience within an advertising agency.
• Experience with media buying software (e.g., Advantage, Mediaocean, Strata) is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.) is a must.

Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with various teams and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 commensurate with experience.

This is a Denver based role with a hybrid 3 days in office, 2 days WFH schedule.