Media Buying Manager

Overview

Americana Restaurants is the largest and fastest-growing restaurant operator in the Middle East, managing over 2,500 restaurants across 10 brands in 12 MENA countries. We are committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences and a powerful brand presence across diverse markets. To support our ambitious growth and enhance brand visibility, we are seeking a Media Buying Manager. This role is critical in sourcing media services across key MENA markets, ensuring cost-effective, high-impact media strategies that drive customer engagement and build brand equity.

Job Summar

yThe Media Buying Manager will lead the end-to-end buying of media services, focusing on optimizing media spend across TV, radio, digital, and out-of-home (OOH) channels. With in-depth market knowledge in UAE, KSA, and Kuwait, this role will build and sustain strategic relationships with media suppliers to maximize return on media investment, aligning closely with Americana Restaurants dynamic brand strategies and marketing goals

.
Key Responsibiliti

esStrategic Sourcing & Supplier Relationship Manageme

• ntDevelop and implement a media buying strategy that directly supports Americana Restaurants marketing objectives and brand growth in MEN
• A.Identify, negotiate, and manage partnerships with key media suppliers across various channels (TV, radio, digital, and OOH), achieving the best value and alignment with brand messagin
• g.Conduct regular market analysis and benchmarking to secure competitive rates, staying attuned to evolving media landscapes and audience engagement trends in UAE, KSA and Kuwai

t.Contract Negotiation & Manageme

• ntLead contract negotiations with media suppliers to ensure favorable terms, mitigate risk, and drive compliance with internal policies and regional legal standard
• s.Establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to maintain high standards of supplier performance, meeting both quality and service expectation

s.Media Planning & Budget Optimizati

• onCollaborate closely with the Marketing and Brand Teams to align on media budget planning, ensuring optimal allocation across channels to maximize reach and impac
• t.Track and report on media expenditure, proactively identifying cost-saving opportunities while safeguarding media quality and brand impac

t.Risk Management & Complian

• ceEnsure all media buying activities comply with regional laws and internal standards, particularly around contract adherence and vendor engagemen
• t.Identify and manage risks related to supplier performance, regional regulatory changes, and evolving market condition

s.Data-Driven Analysis & Performance Reporti

• ngAnalyze media spend and performance data to uncover insights, identify cost-efficiency opportunities, and drive continual process improvement
• s.Prepare and present regular reports on media buying ROI, procurement metrics, and market insights to senior management, contributing to informed decision-makin

g.
Education & Experie

• nceBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field. MBA or CIPS certification is advantageo
• us.5+ years experience in media buying, with 3+ years in UAE, KSA, or Kuwait marke
• ts.Deep understanding of GCC media suppliers and channels, including experience managing media budgets, vendor negotiations, and media buying for high-impact campaig

ns.
Skills & Competen

• ciesExceptional negotiation and contract management skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain strategic supplier relationsh
• ips.Strong analytical skills with expertise in budget management, performance analysis, and data-driven decision-mak
• ing.Proficient in media buying tools and platforms; familiarity with digital media procurement platforms (DSPs, SSPs) is a p
• lus.Effective communicator with an ability to influence stakeholders across borders and organizational lev
• els.Preferred: Proficiency in Arabic and strong cultural awareness of MENA media consumption tre

nds.
What we o

• ffer:A collaborative, results-oriented culture where strategic thinking and initiative are va
• lued.Opportunities for professional development within the MENA region's largest restaurant oper
• ator.Competitive compensation, including performance-based incentives and allowances to support regional engagem