Data Planning Manager

twentysix; Greater London; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

VML, part of WPP, is seeking a Data Planning Manager to lead measurement, data governance, and analytics across cross‑channel campaigns in a hybrid London setting.

You will partner with data scientists, BI specialists, and strategists to build dashboards, optimize media plans, and deliver actionable insights for clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in a data function, preferably within an agency environment or a similar role with transferable skills.
• Strong understanding of media measurement, data principles and the digital marketing landscape.

Responsibilities

• You will utilise measurement tools, attribution models, and media mix modelling to produce insightful, actionable campaign reports and optimisation recommendations in conjunction with the media strategists and analytics teams.
• Working with Data Scientists, Analysts, and BI specialists to create dashboards and integrate diverse data sources to enable holistic measurement.
• Support the development of client briefs into cross‑channel digital media plans by identifying data signals across the customer journeys to inform audience targeting and media flighting
• Utilising data to add context and deeper insights to reporting and ensure analysis is connected back to the overarching measurement framework, targets and benchmarks – always bringing the ‘so what?’
• Building strong relationships with client stakeholders and internal VML & WPP teams to promote, develop, and manage data and analysis deliverables.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to clients on all data‑related matters, enabling data‑driven decision‑making.
• Presenting regularly to clients and attending client meetings.
• Managing a Senior Data Planner to develop their craft in the same areas

Skills

Data planning

Measurement

Dashboards

Excel

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Presentation

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Google Analytics

Job description

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award‑winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

Who we’re looking for:

We’re seeking a highly collaborative, flexible and enthusiastic Data Planning Manager to join the team who has experience in supporting measurement and budget optimisation, test and learn opportunities, identification of data signals across the journey that can be used to inform audience targeting and media flighting and holistic campaign and always on performance reporting across owned and earned channels and platform.

What you’ll be doing:

• You will utilise measurement tools, attribution models, and media mix modelling to produce insightful, actionable campaign reports and optimisation recommendations in conjunction with the media strategists and analytics teams
• Working with Data Scientists, Analysts, and BI specialists to create dashboards and integrate diverse data sources to enable holistic measurement.
• Support the development of client briefs into cross‑channel digital media plans by identifying data signals across the customer journeys to inform audience targeting and media flighting
• Utilising data to add context and deeper insights to reporting and ensure analysis is connected back to the overarching measurement framework, targets and benchmarks – always bringing the ‘so what?’
• Building strong relationships with client stakeholders and internal VML & WPP teams to promote, develop, and manage data and analysis deliverables.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to clients on all data‑related matters, enabling data‑driven decision‑making.
• Presenting regularly to clients and attending client meetings.
• Managing a Senior Data Planner to develop their craft in the same areas

What you’ll need:

• 7+ years of experience in a data function, preferably within an agency environment or a similar role with transferable skills.
• Strong understanding of media measurement, data principles and the digital marketing landscape
• Proven ability to manage projects and work effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent communication, organisation, proposal writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to explain complex technical data concepts in a clear and concise manner to non‑technical audiences.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with a high level of numeracy.
• Proficiency in Excel and other data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with Ad tech (DSP/ DMP), Data clean rooms and privacy safe solutions.
• Knowledge of attribution, experimentation and MMM measurement techniques
• Experience with website analytics and personalisation/testing tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude).
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is beneficial.
• A proactive, curious, and collaborative approach, with a willingness to learn and push boundaries.
• A passion for data and its potential to drive business impact.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all‑inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career‑forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

People

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

About WPP

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.