Client Planning Manager - Next

Dentsu; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading integrated growth partner in the City of Westminster is seeking a Planning Manager to oversee account management and lead strategies for various campaigns. The ideal candidate will manage client relationships, mentor team members, and ensure financial accuracy in campaign execution. In this permanent role, you will work in a flexible environment, enjoying a competitive salary and a tailored benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Tailored benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in account management with strong client relationship skills.
• Proven track record in strategic communications planning.
• Strong understanding of financial oversight in campaign management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of client accounts.
• Develop and execute strategic communication plans.
• Mentor and lead the junior team members effectively.

Skills

Account Management

Strategic Planning

Team Leadership

Financial Oversight

Media Planning Expertise

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Collaborative Approach

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

As Planning Manager you'll play a pivotal role in the day‑to‑day management of the account. You'll contribute to communications planning and client strategy responses and managing the client relationship while also ensuring that financial processes are executed accurately and efficiently. You'll be part of a dedicated client account team of 6 people (including this role), overseeing key and co‑funded campaigns across multiple categories. You'll report directly to a Planning Director, with support from and line management responsibility for a Planning Executive.

Responsibilities

• Account Management: Play a key role in day‑to‑day management of the client account, ensuring smooth operations and strong client relationships.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to communications planning and client strategy responses, aligning campaigns with business objectives.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor junior team members, fostering a positive team culture and supporting their professional growth.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee campaign financials, including raising POs and ensuring timely, accurate billing in collaboration with senior stakeholders.
• Campaign Coordination: Work within a dedicated team of six to manage key and co‑funded campaigns across multiple categories.
• Reporting Structure: Report directly to the Planning Director while providing line management for a Planning Executive.
• Media Planning Expertise: Delivered integrated omnichannel campaigns across retail and e‑commerce sectors, ensuring alignment with brand and performance objectives.
• Campaign Execution: Managed end‑to‑end media planning and buying for below‑the‑line campaigns, achieving measurable KPIs such as ROAS, CTR, and CPM.
• Stakeholder Management: Built and maintained strong client relationships, leading cross‑functional collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
• Data & Tools Proficiency: Utilised industry research tools, media analysis platforms, and social/display channels to optimise campaign performance and reporting.
• Analytical & Technical Skills: Produced accurate forecasts, tracked budgets, and generated performance reports using Excel/Sheets and PowerPoint.
• Collaborative Approach: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to develop innovative, client‑focused solutions.

About the Company

Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world's leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end‑to‑end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society. At Dentsu, we embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, benefiting our employees, partners, and communities.

Employment Details

• This is a permanent role.
• The team is based in our London office but operates under flexible working arrangements. The team are currently in the office every Tuesday and Thursday.
• As well as a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.