Business Director, Connections Planning Hybrid Remote , London, England

Group M Worldwide Inc.; London; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the media sector is seeking a Business Director to join their Connections Planning team. This senior role involves directing integrated media strategies for the Ford account, managing budgets, and leading a team to achieve outstanding results. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in media planning, excellent relationship management skills, and a passion for innovation.

Benefits

Competitive salary aligned with experience

25 days annual leave plus your birthday off

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Access to industry conferences and awards

Career and personal growth opportunities

Private Healthcare

Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven senior experience in strategic media planning, preferably within automotive or similar industries.
• Extensive experience managing budgets and leading teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic planning and annual media strategies.
• Maintain strong partnerships with Ford UK and other partners.
• Manage and mentor the Connections Planning team.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Relationship Management

Budget Management

Communication

Innovation

Tools

Audience Research Tools

Job description

Role: Business Director

Department/Team:

Connections Planning

Role Objective

We are recruiting a highly skilled and driven media planner to join our Connections Planning team as a Business Director. You will work on the Ford account in the UK, which is the largest auto advertiser and a key account at Mindshare. This role involves close collaboration with creative and account management teams within the Ford agency structure, primarily working with VMLYR.

Work Environment

Our team adopts a fully integrated approach across media, creative, and client teams, working across three locations: two days at Ford’s Dunton office (Monday-Tuesday), one day at VML Sea Containers House (Wednesday), and one day at Mindshare Rose Court (Thursday). Travel costs are covered.

About the Role

This senior planning position involves directing and overseeing the creation and execution of integrated media strategies to achieve outstanding results for Ford UK. You will lead strategic planning, manage annual budgets, and work with the ‘Live Planner’ to monitor ongoing campaign performance, focusing on channel selection and consumer insights.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership: Lead the development of strategic planning and annual media strategies, utilizing audience insights and category understanding to inform campaign approaches. Guide client teams during briefings to ensure clarity and actionability.
2. Relationship Management: Maintain strong partnerships with Ford UK, VMLYR, channel teams, and other cross-agency partners. Act as the primary strategic liaison with VML teams for responsive inputs, creative assets, and delivery management. Ensure transparent communication across all campaign stages.
3. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the Connections Planning team, oversee workloads, foster professional growth, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs. Conduct weekly status reports to maintain accountability.
4. Campaign and Budget Management: Strategically manage and adapt the allocation of budgets, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies. Ensure campaigns meet KPIs and adapt strategies as needed.
5. Innovation and Collaboration: Work with central strategy teams to align local initiatives with broader strategies. Explore and introduce innovative media solutions, champion digital innovation, and leverage emerging platforms to keep Ford UK competitive.

About You

• Proven senior experience in strategic media planning, preferably within automotive or similar industries.
• Ability to simplify complex client requests, visualize strategic solutions, and guide teams effectively.
• Extensive experience managing budgets, strategic planning, and leading teams.
• Expert knowledge of audience research tools (e.g., TGI, Touchpoints) and awareness of additional media data sources.
• Skilled in designing measurement frameworks with clear insights.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, capable of presenting to senior clients.
• Passionate about innovation, flexible, proactive, and a challenger mindset.
• Highly organized with strong foresight, managing priorities proactively and meeting deadlines.
• Committed to team development, collaboration, and continuous growth.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary aligned with experience
• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements
• Access to industry conferences and awards
• Career and personal growth opportunities
• Private Healthcare
• Excellent pension scheme

About Mindshare

Mindshare is a global marketing and media services network with over £23 billion in billings worldwide. We collaborate with leading brands like Unilever, Ford, KFC, Marks & Spencer, and TK Maxx. Our network spans 116 offices across 86 countries, dedicated to delivering competitive marketing advantages.

Our Approach

We aim to drive Good Growth—growth that is enduring, inclusive, and sustainable—by placing people at the center of our strategies. We emphasize responsible media use, understanding people beyond demographics, and creating meaningful media experiences. Our values are Energy, Empathy, and Impact.

Working at Mindshare

We invest in our people’s development and foster an inspiring environment through initiatives like our annual event, Huddle. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, with Employee Resource Groups supporting a welcoming and confident workplace for all.