Principal Media Operations Manager

Job Description

Who We Are

Horizon Media is a global marketing and advertising leader known for its data-driven approach and people-first culture. We help clients navigate increasingly complex media environments and continue to invest in innovative operating models that deliver differentiated value.

What You’ll Do

This role supports the execution and operational coordination of Horizon’s emerging media investment and platform initiatives, including principal-based buying models and MX-related pilots.

The Principal Media Operations Manager is a hands-on program lead who works at the intersection of Media, Finance, Technology, and external partners. The focus of this role is to run pilots, coordinate stakeholders, and keep work moving in environments where models, tools, and processes are still evolving.

This is an execution-heavy role suited for someone comfortable operating in ambiguity, shaping interim solutions, and supporting the launch and stabilization of new initiatives. The scope of the role is expected to evolve as these efforts mature.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Management & Execution
  • Own day-to-day execution of principal-based and MX pilots, including timelines, dependencies, deliverables, and issue resolution.
  • Serve as the primary point of coordination across Media, Finance, Technology, and external vendors.
  • Drive clarity and forward progress when ownership, scope, or requirements are still forming.
  • Identify risks, misalignment, or scope creep early and help drive practical course correction.

• Platform & Operational Enablement
  • Support implementation and use of industry platforms (including Mediaocean / Prisma, FreeWheel, and emerging tools) in support of pilot investment models.
  • Partner with internal teams to define workable interim workflows for deal setup, inventory tracking, billing handoffs, and reporting.
  • Translate business intent into executable operating models without over-engineering early solutions.
  • Document processes, decisions, and known gaps to support consistency and future-state planning.

• Financial & Deal Coordination
  • Partner closely with Finance and Media teams to support deal setup, inventory tracking, and billing flows for principal and pilot activity.
  • Ensure pilot activity is understandable, traceable, and appropriately governed from an operational standpoint.
  • Surface financial or operational risks early and coordinate resolution with the appropriate teams.

• Vendor & Stakeholder Management
  • Coordinate vendors against clear expectations, priorities, and scope.
  • Act as a pragmatic counterweight to vendor misalignment.
  • Provide leadership with clear visibility into progress, risks, trade-offs, and open questions.

Who You Are

• 7+ years of experience in media operations, platform delivery, media finance, or program / project management roles.
• Experience supporting principal buying, media trading, barter, or non-standard deal structures strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of media buying workflows and media technology platforms (Mediaocean / Prisma experience a plus).
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional initiatives across Media, Finance, Technology, and vendors.
• Strong organizational and program management skills; able to operate effectively in pilot-based, fast-moving environments.
• Comfortable making pragmatic trade-offs and driving execution without perfect information.
• A strong writer, presenter, and communicator; who can communicate complex ideas with ease.
• A self-starter who can work both independently and collaboratively to bring ideas to completion.
• Innately curious, with a hunger for proactive and creative problem solving.
• Comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
• Nimble and flexible with ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills & Experience

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

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

N/A

Physical Activity and Work Environment

N/A

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The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role does not have direct reports initially and leads through coordination, execution, and influence. As initiatives scale, the role may help inform future staffing needs.

Horizon Media is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.  We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Salary Range

A successful applicant’s actual base salary may vary based on factors such as individual’s skill sets, experience, training, education,  licensure/certifications, and qualifications for the role.  As an organization, we take an aptitude and competency-based hiring approach.  We provide a competitive total rewards package including a discretionary bonus and a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, company paid holidays and unlimited paid time off (PTO), mental health and wellness resources, pet insurance, childcare resources, identity theft insurance, fertility assistance programs, and fitness reimbursement.