Manager - Comms Planning London, England

Group M Worldwide Inc.; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agency in London is seeking a Category Manager for Comms Planning. This role involves developing strong relationships with clients, delivering innovative media planning solutions, and guiding a team to achieve excellence in campaign execution. Ideal candidates will have strong storytelling skills and data literacy.

Qualifications

• Passion for technology, trends, media, and brands.
• Ambition to elevate work standards.
• Understanding of media fundamentals to develop plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with the UK Nestlé Category team.
• Lead responses to campaign briefs and manage team performance.
• Support implementation of media strategies across channels.

Skills

Data literacy

Strong storytelling skills

Team management

Attention to detail

Job description

OPENMIND

Job Title: Manager – Comms Planning

Department / Team: OPENMIND UK Team

ABOUT OPENMIND

OpenMind by WPP is an integrated agency model drawing on talent from across WPP. It was created to accelerate the European transformation for Nestlé’s media function. Core to the solution are advanced data and technology capabilities, fueled by WPP’s investment in AI, to maximize the impact of Nestlé's media investment.

ACCOUNT OVERVIEW

OpenMind was recently awarded the ZEUR assignment for Nestlé Europe. With 47 countries, over 450 team members, and regular new product launches, the account is seeking a Category Manager to provide Comms Planning and Account Management for the XXX category.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Category Manager is an experienced media expert within the ZEUR UK team, responsible for developing strong relationships with the UK Nestlé Category team, delivering excellent Comms Planning skills, and pushing innovative as well as best-in-class planning. You will be an effective communicator and manager to a Planner and Executive.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Onboard fully onto the OpenMind platforms and integrate with all key stakeholders.
2. Build strong relationships with teams and clients.
3. Work closely with the AD/SAD to develop campaign briefs.
4. Gain trust of internal and external stakeholders.
5. Lead some responses to briefs.
6. Contribute to high-quality planning outputs.
7. Support the development of award-winning planning work.
8. Be a source of energy and insight within the team.
9. Support the implementation of the 'fewer, bigger, better' strategy through holistic media strategies and measurement, including Retail Digital Media & Search.
10. Coordinate responses across channels, thinking systemically.
11. Guide junior team members on campaign best practices.
12. Challenge norms and help produce great work.

• Work with the SAD to review processes and ways of working.
• Help manage work quality, reporting, and finance processes.

• Become the trusted peer-level point of contact for your client.
• Manage and develop your team, ensuring their performance and wellbeing.
• Set objectives with your SAD/BD for continuous growth.
• Contribute to OpenMind's culture of clear goals, objectives, and development plans.
• Collaborate with GDS (Biddable Digital Team) for seamless integration into planning and implementation.
• Work with the retail team to incorporate capabilities into planning.

YOUR KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• A passion for learning about technology, trends, media, people, brands, and the industry.
• Ambition and tenacity to elevate standard work.
• Data literacy—ability to convert data into insights and strategic opportunities.
• Understanding of media fundamentals to develop top-line media plans.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong storytelling skills to effectively communicate ideas.
• Team management and clear communication skills.
• Calmness under pressure.
• Some digital experience/exposure.

(Please note this is a UK-based role and requires the right to work in this location.)