Associate Director, Clients, UK

wppmedia; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical insurance

Pension plans

Paid time off

Job summary

WPP Media is seeking an Associate Director, Planning to lead strategic planning for key client accounts within a fast-evolving media environment. You will oversee day-to-day account planning, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery while acting as the main client liaison.

You will build trusted partnerships, translate client objectives into strategic plans, and mentor junior planners and executives to drive growth and exceptional work across campaigns.

Qualifications

• Experience leading planning for major brands across diverse markets.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proven ability to translate client goals into actionable plans.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of day-to-day account planning and project delivery.
• Builds and maintains trusted relationships with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Leads planning projects from initiation to final delivery, ensuring best-practice processes.
• Mentors and develops Planners and Executives on the team.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Strategic planning

People management

Creativity

Communication

Job description

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by ourpioneeringagentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

3255 - Associate Director, Planning

Role Summary and Impact

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the team as a Planning Associate Director.

As Associate Director, you are critical to the delivery of this ambition; working closely with the Senior Associate Director, you will be a key interface for our clients and lead planning projects from start to finish, acting as the conduit who brings together our specialists to deliver exceptional work.

You will oversee the day-to-day running of the account, ensuring flow and accuracy of work and that the campaign management process follows best practice. You are across all communications and establish yourself as the first port of call for clients.

You will build a strong relationship with your clients and become a trusted strategic partner – showing a deep understanding of your clients’ business and how communications can drive growth.

Skills and Experience

• BeExtraordinarybyLeading CollectivelytoInspire transformational Creativity.
• Create anOpenenvironment byBalancing People and Client ExperiencesbyCultivating Trust.
• LeadOptimisticallybyChampioning Growthand DevelopmenttoMobilize the Enterprise.
• Strong management and client relationship skills
• People management skills to support AD in the management and development of Planners and Execs
• Solution focused mindset
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a team player mentality
• Self-motivated; an ambition to make the ordinary extraordinary
• A thirst to learn – be that the client’s business, people, brands, industry, trends etc
• An ability to prioritise and delegate, as well as manage both up and down
• Empathetic and self-aware
• Motivated to drive business results for both client & EssenceMediacom
• Positive, proactive approach to problem solving
• Calm under pressure
• Accurate verbal and written feedback and instructions

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising.

WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office eventsshowcasingteam wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens whenwe'retogether, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment.That'swhywe’veadopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If yourequireaccommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.