At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data-driven insights to enhance digital advertising performance across premium news brands.
- Company: Join a leading international media group committed to independent journalism and societal impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and access to learning programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping commercial strategies with data insights in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in digital insights or analytics; strong communication and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Department: Advertising
Function: Data and Analytics
Reporting to: Head of B2B Operations and Performance
Location: Belfast
Type: Full time; Permanent; Hybrid.
We are an International Media Group with a commanding presence in Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, and Luxembourg. As a publisher, we believe unconditionally in independent journalism and strong and relevant media that makes a positive contribution to people and society. With more than 30 news brands across 5 countries, we bring information to the world, provide clarity on the global agenda, and positively contribute to people and society. Our brands are at the heart of society: they inform, represent, and unify their readers. Our independent and outstanding journalism enables readers to form objective opinions on subjects which are important for themselves or society. This enables people to make informed decisions and balanced choices.
Role Purpose
As the Insights & Performance Manager, you will lead the development, delivery, and evolution of data‑driven insights that power commercial decision‑making across Mediahuis’ premium news brands, including Independent.ie, Belfasttelegraph.co.uk and Crimeworld.com. You will oversee advertising audience, digital insights and performance reporting, including display, audio, and video formats, ensuring stakeholders have clear, actionable intelligence that drives growth in digital advertising effectiveness. Working closely with ad operations, you will utilise platforms such as Google Ad Manager (GAM) to deliver accurate, timely performance data across all commercial channels. This role blends analytical expertise, commercial acumen, and leadership. You will manage and mentor a small team, champion best‑in‑class reporting practices, and collaborate closely with sales, operations and product teams to enhance performance across the B2B advertising business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the analysis of digital audience behaviour, advertising performance, and revenue/yield trends to support strategic commercial decision‑making.
- Oversee the creation of advanced audience segments using behavioural, contextual, and demographic data to support targeting and campaign performance.
- Collaborate with commercial teams to identify performance drivers and optimisation opportunities that strengthen advertiser outcomes and support revenue growth.
- Utilise Google Ad Manager (GAM) to manage and interrogate ad delivery data to help troubleshoot discrepancies, and support inventory and yield analysis across direct and programmatic channels.
- Enhance performance reporting for audio and video advertising campaigns.
Insights, Reporting & Measurement
- Own the development and maintenance of dashboards and reporting suites across Power BI, Google Data Studio, BigQuery and other internal tools.
- Ensure reporting is accurate, timely, and aligned with business KPIs, enabling stakeholders to monitor performance effectively.
- Develop enhanced measurement frameworks, including attribution, test‑and‑learn approaches, and performance benchmarking.
- Translate complex data into clear narratives and recommendations for senior leadership.
Commercial Strategy & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior commercial leaders, providing insight that shapes pricing, product, audience strategy, and revenue initiatives.
- Support the development of new advertising propositions through insight‑led analysis of market trends, advertiser needs, and audience behaviour.
Team Leadership & Development
- Line‑manage, coach, and mentor team members, fostering a culture of curiosity, continuous improvement, and analytical excellence.
- Support capability development across the wider commercial team by sharing best practice in AI & data literacy, measurement, and performance analysis.
Process, Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Drive improvements in data quality, reporting workflows, and analytical processes to increase efficiency and reliability.
- Identify opportunities to automate manual reporting tasks and streamline operational performance.
- Stay informed on emerging technologies, AI and digital advertising trends, applying relevant innovations to enhance Mediahuis’ commercial performance.
- Contribute to cross‑functional projects, applying strong organisational and project management skills.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in digital insights, analytics, performance management, or a similar commercial data role.
- Proven experience delivering insights that influence commercial strategy and improve performance.
- Experience working in a fast‑paced digital advertising, media, or publisher environment, ideally with exposure to ad operations, Google Ad Manager, and audio or video advertising.
- Strong experience in audience and customer segmentation, including behavioural, demographic, and contextual approaches.
- Demonstrable experience in stakeholder management, presenting insights, and influencing senior decision‑makers.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Google Ad Manager (GAM), Power BI, Google Analytics, BigQuery, Data Studio, or other similar ad tech, BI, or analytics platforms.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large datasets.
- Strong understanding of digital advertising metrics, audience measurement, and campaign performance analysis across display, audio, and video formats, including programmatic trading environments.
- Experience with forecasting, modelling, or predictive analytics is advantageous.
Interpersonal & Leadership Skills
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex data for non‑technical audiences.
- Experience coaching, mentoring, or managing team members.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across commercial, product, and editorial teams.
- Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and a proactive, solutions‑focused approach.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in project management or leading cross‑functional initiatives.
- Knowledge of publishing industry challenges, audience trends, and the wider digital advertising landscape, including programmatic ecosystems, SSPs, and header bidding.
- Familiarity with audio and video ad delivery and associated reporting.
- Hands‑on experience with Google Ad Manager or a Data Management Platform (DMP).
- Interest in AI, automation, and emerging analytics technologies.
Qualifications
- A degree in Business, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, IT, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Benefits
- Hybrid Working arrangements
- Competitive Salary
- Pension contribution after 6 months
- 25 Days holidays
- Access to learning and development programmes
- Free employee assistance programme
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Mediahuis Ireland values the enrichment that comes from a diverse workforce and seeks to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the rights of each individual. We are committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion in our organisation and welcome applications from all individuals. Additionally, we can make reasonable accommodations for a person with a disability during the recruitment process. Mediahuis Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
Insights & Performance Manager in Belfast employer: Mediahuis Group
Mediahuis Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Belfast that champions independent journalism and societal contribution. With a strong focus on employee growth through learning and development programmes, a hybrid working model, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the media landscape.
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