Principal Leader

Job Description

In this influential role, you will shape and manage a team of dynamic young media specialists who service some of the biggest brands in the region. You will lead a high-performance and proven team with a strong support network and extensive development opportunities within GroupM India . This role offers a unique scope to demonstrate thought leadership , contribute to automation and team building , and set benchmarks for efficiency and effectiveness across the system. Measures of Success In 3 months: You will have a complete understanding of Nexus functioning and work closely with the Account Implementation Head. You will become the effective bridge between the Activation, Strategy, and Buying teams . You will ensure quality and process optimization for key deliverables from the Activation team, including tactical strategy, brief responses, and scheduling. You will establish confidence in the team through your contributions and value-adds. You will effectively prioritize and distribute work across your cluster and handle conflict resolution with various stakeholders. You will provide a technical perspective wherever specific expertise is required. In 6 months: You will demonstrate thought leadership within the team and with key stakeholders. You will ensure the Activation team delivers on KPIs aligned with the Buying and Client's media teams. You will motivate and build confidence in your team to handle client requirements effectively. You will ensure effective Agency Relationship Management is maintained with key stakeholders. You will be the lead contact and trusted advisor for any Non-Biddable expertise in the system and for the client. You will focus on talent retention , minimizing team member fall-out. You will create and implement talent enhancement and leadership programs to upskill your team. You will master the art of optimization and workflow prioritization to manage high activity volumes. In 12 months: You will ensure Plan QC process optimization is implemented through smooth Project Management practices with the Campaign Delivery Team. You will establish solid relationships with the client and internal Nexus, Strategy, and Buying teams. You will build leadership with key star performers across teams and groups. You will train and build Product and planning delivery champions within your team. You will ensure 100% adherence to Key Account Reviews and 100% GroupM Nexus process compliance . You will contribute to the creation or enhancement of new GroupM Nexus tools to achieve higher efficiency. You will lead your team to raise the quality of deliverables to the client. Responsibilities of the Role As the GroupM Nexus Product and Planning Lead , your responsibilities include: Collaborate with all Agency partners , the Implementation Head, and other key stakeholders to ensure shared accountability and deliver value to clients. Proactively identify opportunities to improve campaign delivery benchmarks and advise the Activation team on these enhancements. Provide best-in-class knowledge of Non-Biddable media to GroupM Agency stakeholders and the Campaign Delivery Team. Lead the Product Planning team in meeting strategy input, planning, execution, and reporting requirements. Coach and mentor managers on your team. Review all outputs from the Activation Team before they are delivered to the client to ensure a best-in-class response. Establish solid relationships with the client and the internal Activation and Buying teams. Ensure Platform Strategy is effectively embedded in plan structures based on aligned processes. Ensure 100% compliance with GroupM and finance processes, policies, and procedures . Promote knowledge-sharing and continuous learning to nurture a high-performing team. Skills and Experience 15+ years of relevant work experience , with a minimum of 10+ years of people management experience . Thorough knowledge of media planning at both strategic and implementation levels. Extensive knowledge of traditional and Non-Biddable digital media . Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills . Proven ability to manage key stakeholders and effectively resolve conflicts. Demonstrated leadership skills , including the ability to remove barriers, drive teams toward clear goals, and challenge the status quo. A strive for excellence by setting high standards for yourself and others and focusing on continuous optimization. Ability to build and maintain productive collaboration across teams. A persuasive and effective communicator with excellent stakeholder relationship management skills. A creative and inspirational team leader with strong business process mapping and analytical skills. An ongoing interest in digital marketing , industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.