Planning Executive

Dentsu Aegis Network; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global media and branding firm in London is seeking a Planning Executive to manage key clients, Arla and Wickes. This permanent position requires managing media planning, reporting, and budgets, along with developing audience insights. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills to maintain relationships and ensure precise project execution. The role offers flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary with tailored benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive salary

Tailored benefits package

Qualifications

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients.
• Proven organizational skills to manage tasks effectively.
• Strong communication skills for clear processes with teams.

Responsibilities

• Support project delivery including media planning and reporting.
• Assist in client liaison and build collaborative relationships.
• Ensure financial accuracy and monitor client budgets.
• Host client reporting calls and interpret results.
• Develop audience insights for media mix recommendations.

Skills

Strong relationship management

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Job description

Job Description:

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.

CARAT is an important part of our world‑class offering – an award‑winning media, content and branding agency that uses its peerless understanding of the passions, motivations, and behaviours of real people to bring brands and their customers together. Carat is privileged to work with some of the most eminent companies in the world.

We’re hiring for a Planning Executive working a 70/30 split on Arla and Wickes as part of Carat in London.

Purpose of the Role

As a Planning Executive at Carat, you will manage two diverse and high‑profile clients: Arla, a farmer‑owned dairy cooperative with a heritage of sustainability and innovation, focused on strengthening omni‑channel planning and driving long‑term growth; and Wickes, a leading UK DIY and home improvement retailer delivering full‑funnel campaigns to inspire home projects and seasonal sales while innovating in a fast‑changing media landscape. This role combines strategic media planning, insight‑driven recommendations, financial accuracy, and strong relationship management to deliver impactful campaigns across multiple channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the Business: Support AM & AD in delivering multiple workstreams including media planning, reporting, and billing, while ensuring accurate and timely project coordination and competitive reporting with actionable insights.
• Relationship Management: Assist with client liaison and administration, build collaborative relationships with specialist teams, and engage with key media owners.
• Finance & Budget Management: Ensure financial accuracy, reconcile plans against PO budgets, and monitor client debt and unbilled items to prevent aged status.
• Reporting Oversight: Collate inputs from specialist teams into clear reports, host client reporting calls, and interpret results to facilitate constructive dialogue.
• Communications Planning: Develop audience insights, translate them into media mix recommendations, and support execution of approved plans.

Qualifications + Skills

• Client & Internal Relationships: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Arla, Wickes, and cross‑functional teams, ensuring seamless coordination and trust across all projects.
• Organisation & Accuracy: Deliver high‑quality, error‑free work by managing tasks with precision, meeting deadlines, and maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Learning & Development: Proactively expand knowledge of Arla’s product portfolio and the evolving media landscape to enhance planning effectiveness.
• Communication Skills: Establish clear communication processes with internal teams, creative partners, and external agencies to ensure alignment and timely issue resolution.
• Problem‑Solving: Identify and resolve pacing and performance challenges quickly, driving continuous improvement in campaign delivery.

What we offer

• 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 2nd Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.
• As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.

Inclusion and Diversity

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.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognize the importance of work‑life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you need reasonable adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail], quoting the reference number of the role that you are applying for. Your needs will be handled with respect and confidentiality to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Location: London

Brand: Carat

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent