Sales Planner

Sales Planner

Role summary: 

The key purpose of this position (Sales Planner) is to provide support in all processes and activities relating to the day-to-day functioning of the sales department.

Because of the Sales Planner’s active, primarily internal role, they will have a detailed awareness of the channel opportunities and need to convey those opportunities to members of the sales team.  A successful Sales Planner is involved in various client situations and is called upon to assist in finding viable opportunities and creation of media propositions for linear and digital opportunities.  In finding opportunities, to be successful, the Sales Planner will need to build a solid aptitude at utilizing the various research databases - Ibope, Comscore and TGI-with appropriate industry accreditation.

The Sales Planner, working closely with their Ad Sales Planning Supervisor and sales team, will take part in the development of sales propositions as well as the preparation of sales orders.  Also, the Sales Planner will need to maintain accurate account information and be keenly aware of ongoing projects as well as the production status of original productions.  The Sales Planner is responsible for being aware of the status of all client materials which should lead to on-time delivery of all client commercials received by the channel.  Also, they will need be aware that the commercials are accurate and without technical failure as well as identify issues with commercial delivery and address issues directly with the client and/or channel.

Client contact and continuous learning from sales team members will aid the Sales Planner in obtaining the experience and sharpening of skills that will lead her/him to potentially be a strong Account Executive.

Core Responsibilities: 

• Day-to-day Support in Sales Maintenance includes the development of linear and digital sales propositions and orders, as well as, active oversight of client production status and material delivery.  Sales Planner will be responsible for all reconciliations of client’s media plans.
• Thorough Understanding of Our Channel Activities.  The Sales Planner needs to be fully aware of what is happening with our properties.  Also, the Sales Planner needs to be aware of channel status of all client-related creative development.  Knowing the channels break structure, the Sales Planner must evaluate a client’s media plan and verify that the plan can be met.  On those occasions when it cannot, the Sales Planner should offer alternative time periods/programs to the client before the order is input into the Traffic System.
• Understanding and involvement in the overall sales process.  From initial pitching of an account, to order processing and on-going account maintenance including but not limited to invoicing, traffic-related tasks, etc.
• Client contact. Given their knowledge of a client, the Sales Planner is the “eyes and ears” of the account executive when this one is not available.

Preferred Education:

• BA or BS degree – Marketing, Communications, Finance or Administration.

Knowledge:

• Languages: Bilingual (Spanish/English) with proficiency in English both oral and written
• Relevant sales and/or media experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs: Solid Computer Skills with High Level of Knowledge and Comfort with the use of the personal computers as the role requires daily use of Microsoft Office programs as well as other industry and company specific programs.  In addition, in this role he/she will need to have a general use of the internet as a source of information.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sales planning, and minimum of 1 year of entertainment experience preferred.
• Understanding of Offline and Online Media: The Sales Planner should have a working knowledge of the industry, key channel networks, and multichannel media.
• Understanding of the Sales and Client Servicing Process: Learn and begin to activate the process and the steps that are required from initial contact through successful completion of the order.  Attention to detail is vital so that all activities occur as planned.  Demonstrate interpersonal skills that support building an effective relationship with clients and colleagues.
• Compliance with Established Deadlines: The Planner must coordinate with clients to deliver plans in accordance with the established Traffic deadlines. 

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective relationships
• Ability to work effectively in team environment
• Performance Under Pressure the Sales Planner on a regular basis will deal with many individuals often under time constraints and pressures.  Given this likely scenario, the coordinator should be an easy-going individual who can work well under pressure and with individuals of varying personalities.
• Ability to multitask and effectively function in an ever-changing business environment
• Self-motivated individual who knows where to go to find answers to questions. A Team Player and Self Motivated the Sales Planner is a critical member of the team and needs to have a positive attitude about being a contributing member of the team and supporting a positive environment for their colleagues.  Also, the coordinator needs to have a high degree of self-motivation to seek out answers to questions.
• Strong numerical aptitude and business decision-making

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