Media Director

Makana Partners ·www.makanapartners.com

Location Tokyo, 13, JP
Type Full time
Level Director
Source Shazamme
Marketing
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We are currently supporting a strategic search for a senior leader to join a premier global integrated communications group.

This is a high-visibility, mission-critical role designed for a media visionary ready to architect next-generation marketing standards in Japan. As a core leader, you will bridge the gap between sophisticated data-driven strategies and Japan’s unique cultural landscape, driving measurable business growth for a diverse portfolio of world-class brands.


About the Role

The Media Director serves as the strategic compass for the agency’s media operations, driving the end-to-end project lifecycle from initial design to rigorous governance. Reporting directly to the Head of Media, you will lead a cross-functional team of specialists and manage a complex network of external suppliers and media vendors to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions.

The "vibe" of this role is a sophisticated balance of high-level strategic consultancy and disciplined operational excellence. You are expected to act as a "trusted advisor" to senior client stakeholders, moving beyond simple execution to provide holistic business solutions. This is an environment that values a growth mindset, where you will use robust data and AI tools to back your intuition and deliver outstanding performance.


Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance


  • Design the overall media project architecture, enforcing strict governance to manage quality, timelines, and risk mitigation.
  • Serve as the primary strategic lead, leveraging a deep understanding of the modern media ecosystem (Digital, TV, and Offline) to guide client business goals.
  • Architect integrated solutions that harness "Cultural Capital" to build brand trust and drive actual commerce.


Stakeholder & Client Management


  • Cultivate and strengthen senior-level client relationships, establishing yourself as a vital business partner and escalation point.
  • Orchestrate collaboration across internal specialist teams and external media partners to ensure seamless project delivery.
  • Negotiate complex agreements and uncover latent client needs to ensure long-term partnership health.


Commercial & Operational Excellence


  • Own the full financial health (P&L) of assigned projects, including budget formulation, revenue management, and cost control.
  • Identify and convert up-sell and cross-sell opportunities to drive agency growth alongside client success.
  • Mentor and develop managers and team members, fostering a high-performance culture rooted in ownership and ambition.


Requirements



  • Industry Expertise: Approximately 7+ years of practical management experience within an advertising or media agency.
  • Technical Breadth: Comprehensive knowledge of the media ecosystem, including TV, offline, digital display, ad networks, and third-party partnerships.
  • Project Leadership: A proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder campaigns with full P&L responsibility.
  • Strategic Mindset: Strong logical thinking skills with the ability to structure complex issues and drive holistic solutions.
  • Soft Skills: Advanced negotiation abilities and the leadership presence to mentor talent in a fast-paced environment.
  • Cultural Fluency: Ability to operate with a global perspective while maintaining deep relevance within the Japanese market.


Why Apply


  • Strategic Influence: Stand at the core of a process that reshapes how global brands engage with Japanese culture and consumers.
  • Innovation-Led Environment: Access a sophisticated operating system powered by data and AI (Converged.AI) to elevate your media strategies.
  • High-Stakes Impact: Take full ownership of large-scale projects and P&L, providing a direct line of sight between your decisions and business outcomes.
  • Global Momentum: Be part of one of the world’s largest communications groups, leveraging a network of 23,000 experts across 100 countries.
  • Career Trajectory: Join an agency focused on "building and shaping" rather than maintaining, offering a stage for significant professional challenge and growth.


Frequently asked questions

Who is hiring for the Media Director role?
Makana Partners is hiring for the Media Director position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Media Director job located?
The Media Director role with Makana Partners is based in Tokyo, JP.
Is the Media Director role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Makana Partners.
What experience level is the Media Director role?
The Media Director position is aimed at director-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Media Director role at Makana Partners?
Apply directly on Makana Partners's career page via the Apply button on this listing. ZammeJobs links straight through to the employer's ATS — no third-party form, no resume database.
Apply direct