Head of Media

About the role

Viola Communications is looking for a Head of Media to build and scale a full media practice from the ground up, covering strategy, planning, trading, investment and measurement. The role works closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, builds a high-performing media team and connects media with PR, advertising, social, events and experience capabilities. AI plays a key role from day one.

Key responsibilities

• Build and lead the media practice, defining its strategy, operating model, commercial direction and growth plans.
• Own the media P&L, driving revenue, profitability, utilisation and long-term growth.
• Lead media planning, audience strategy, channel selection, buying, trading and investment.
• Develop relationships with media owners, platforms, suppliers and key partners across the UAE.
• Introduce tools, processes and reporting frameworks to improve efficiency, performance and accountability.
• Champion AI and data-driven solutions across planning, optimisation, reporting and operations.
• Advise senior clients, including CMOs, marketing directors and government and semi-government stakeholders.
• Lead media strategy in pitches, identify new business and grow existing accounts.
• Recruit, develop and lead a media team, and integrate media into campaigns and client solutions.

Required profile

• 10-15 years of media experience, with significant senior leadership experience in a media agency, integrated agency, media owner or client-side media function.
• Proven track record of building or scaling a media practice, including P&L ownership and commercial growth.
• Established relationships with UAE media owners, platforms, suppliers and senior brand stakeholders.
• Experience advising senior clients, ideally including government and semi-government entities in the UAE.
• Fluent English is essential; Arabic is highly preferred.

Required skills

• Strong expertise in media strategy, planning, trading, investment, operations and measurement.
• Hands-on experience applying AI and data tools to media planning, delivery and performance.
• Strong leadership, communication, commercial and strategic thinking skills.