Associate Director, Planning, UK

Associate Director, Planning, UK Overview

This position offers a unique chance to take full ownership of communications planning for a prominent brand, working alongside a dynamic and ambitious client marketing team. Whether you are currently at a Director level or a high-achieving Planning Manager looking to advance, this role places you at the forefront of developing innovative, insight-driven media strategies that make a significant impact.

We seek an individual who combines strategic insight with hands-on enthusiasm, someone who thrives on tackling complex briefs, builds trust effortlessly with clients and partners, and elevates the performance of those around them.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning process for client briefs from inception to completion, establishing high standards for excellence.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the client’s brand, market, competitive environment, and business challenges to act as a strategic partner.
• Provide updates on media landscape trends, new platforms, research, and innovations to keep the team and clients informed.
• Promote WPP’s capabilities and collaborative approaches, embodying the integrated mindset across media and creative sectors.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with brand leads, agency partners, and media owners, fostering trust and shared goals.
• Present innovative ideas confidently to senior clients and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication.
• Work closely with the Client Director and Client Lead to identify opportunities for revenue growth and innovative collaboration.
• Oversee daily account operations, governance, and workflows, ensuring effective media activation delivery.
• Ensure campaign reporting provides actionable insights and lead post-campaign evaluations with the Planning Manager and Executive.
• Manage financial aspects of accounts, including billing, reconciliations, and finance-related queries, with precision.
• Anticipate potential planning challenges and address them proactively.
• Mentor and develop the Planning Manager and Planning Executive through regular feedback and support.
• Enhance the account’s visibility within the agency by producing award-worthy work and promoting team achievements.
• Encourage the use of agency tools and processes, including WPP Open, within the team.

Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience in media planning with a strong background in Above The Line (ATL) and digital media.
• Demonstrated success in delivering effective communications planning with a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Strong client management abilities, capable of establishing credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional presentation skills, both in creating engaging narratives and delivering them effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of core media planning tools and their practical application.
• Experience managing the entire planning process from initial brief to post-campaign analysis.
• A proactive, self-starting attitude, thriving in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality outputs in all aspects of work.
• Collaborative mindset with strong listening skills, able to work effectively across diverse teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining composure under pressure.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our commitment to shaping the future of media is driven by our dedication to fostering extraordinary talent and creativity. We believe in optimistic leadership, supporting the growth and development of every individual within our organization. This allows WPP Media employees to leverage the vast global networks of WPP to pursue their interests, build essential professional connections, and stay at the forefront of marketing and advertising.

We strive to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and has opportunities for advancement. This culture is nurtured through various employee resource groups and regular in-office events that celebrate achievements, share insights, and recognize important occasions.

Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to our employees, including competitive medical, vision, and dental insurance, group retirement plans, generous paid time off, partner discounts, and mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds without discrimination. We believe that the best work is achieved through collaboration and connection, which is why we have adopted a hybrid working model, encouraging teams to be in the office approximately four days a week. If you need accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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