Director, Planning

About WPP Media

WPP serves as a reliable growth collaborator for leading global brands, equipped with top-tier talent, dependable data and intelligence, and premier partnerships, unified through WPP Open, our innovative marketing platform. Our mission is to help clients adapt to change, seize opportunities, and achieve transformational growth.

WPP Media functions as WPP's AI-powered media division that integrates media, data, and partnerships to offer personalized creative solutions at scale. Powered by Open Intelligence and connected through WPP Open, we provide clients with clear insights on the effectiveness of their media investments.

Role Overview and Impact

The planning team at Wavemaker safeguards the production of leading-edge work, acting as central communicators among specialists, with a dedication to innovation and positive influence on consumers and brands. We are seeking a Director, Planning, to enhance our planning efforts and contribute to outstanding client work.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead planning initiatives for assigned clients to deliver unmatched results.
• Communicate strategic plans related to media behavior and coach the wider team accordingly.
• Apply strategic thinking to leverage tools and specialisms beyond planning, including sources of growth, measurement, data, and learning agendas.
• Increase visibility of the planning team beyond current units and within the broader agency.
• Introduce innovative perspectives to planning strategies by utilizing diverse tools and fresh insights, encouraging challenges to the status quo.
• Take full ownership of developing all planning materials, ensuring excellence across all facets.
• Manage senior client relationships with a focus on understanding their business needs and driving their growth.
• Oversee the planning team by setting clear objectives, structuring workloads, and providing consistent reviews.
• Foster relationships with media owners to identify opportunities for exceptional outputs.
• Maintain strong commercial awareness of Wavemaker’s products and services and determine their suitability for clients while effectively promoting solutions.
• Excel in storytelling to enhance team output and add value.

Expertise and Skills

• Advanced knowledge of the media planning industry and upcoming trends with consultancy roles on tools and technologies.
• Guidance and mentorship for junior colleagues on complex subject matter.
• Collaboration with leadership to innovate new solutions and applications.
• Proficient problem-solving involving complex data analysis, escalation management, and coaching others.
• Expert stakeholder management leveraging deep industry understanding to anticipate client and agency needs while advising through change.
• Advanced communication skills to deliver impactful, clear presentations and influence audiences at all seniority levels.
• Expertise in campaign management balancing short-and long-term priorities with thorough and accurate information management.
• Advanced capabilities in compelling storytelling tailored to audiences for maximum persuasion and value.
• Expertise in idea creation by driving innovation with new technologies and strategies to maintain industry leadership.
• High-level communication planning knowledge across media touchpoints, integrating strategic insight beyond media metrics and encouraging creative problem solving.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

We cultivate an extraordinary work culture through career growth and development opportunities fueled by global networks and cutting-edge marketing practices. Our environment is inclusive, built on trust and respect with employee resource groups and regular events. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including competitive healthcare, retirement plans, vision and dental insurance, substantial paid leave, partner discounts, and mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We encourage collaboration and creativity rooted in a hybrid workplace model, with about four days in the office weekly. Accommodations and flexibility can be discussed during the interview process.

Additional Information

This position is UK-based and requires legal authorization to work in the United Kingdom. Applications will be confidential and handled according to our privacy policies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.