Planning Partner, Carat

dentsu; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global marketing agency in London is seeking a Planning Partner to drive strategic planning and enhance client relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience in multi-channel media strategies, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead collaborative efforts across teams. This permanent position offers a competitive salary and benefits, with a hybrid working model requiring at least 2 days in the London office per week.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Tailored benefits package

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing and implementing effective media strategies.
• Strong ability to manage senior client relationships.
• Experience with advanced audience data solutions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning and align with client objectives.
• Provide input into creative direction and define channel roles.
• Champion innovation and establish KPIs for evaluation.
• Develop award entries and support new business pitches.
• Facilitate workshops and promote collaboration.

Skills

Multi-channel and multi-market media strategies

Media planning and audience analysis tools

Client relationship management

Innovative planning approaches

Audience data solutions

Effective communication

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 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.

Purpose of the Role

As a Planning Partner, you should bring experience across multiple categories and confidently engage in discussions with senior marketers and creative teams. A strong grasp of marketing theory and awareness of shifts in the media landscape are essential.

This role serves as the primary point of contact for strategic guidance across all client briefs. You will support clients in navigating evolving marketing regulations and play a key role in driving innovative, award‑worthy work.

The role operates within a centralised planning model, coordinating with local teams across various European markets. It demands the ability to interpret both qualitative and quantitative research, including econometric models, to shape insight‑led strategies. Familiarity with industry tools and desk research is also important, as is the capacity to recommend appropriate research methods where needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning and annual brand responses, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
• Provide strategic input into creative direction, experience frameworks, and channel role definitions to shape effective communications.
• Champion innovation across media, communications, and partnerships while establishing KPIs and robust evaluation frameworks to measure success.
• Develop compelling award entries and support new business pitches through strategic storytelling and high‑quality written content.
• Lead and facilitate workshops, brainstorms, and internal training sessions to foster collaboration and innovation.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (including Merkle and wider dentsu network) and external agency partners to deliver integrated solutions.

Qualifications + Skills

• Proven ability to develop and implement multi‑channel and multi‑market media strategies, including new product launches.
• Proficient in utilising media planning and audience analysis tools to drive effective campaigns.
• Strong experience in managing senior client relationships and delivering strategic media solutions across multiple marketing disciplines.
• Skilled in applying innovative planning approaches to meet client objectives, backed by solid research and insight.
• Experience working with advanced audience data solutions (involving 1P data and clean rooms).
• Effective communicator and brand ambassador, with the ability to build networks and collaborate across internal teams and external partners.

What we offer

• This is a permanent role.
• This role will be based in our London office where we currently operate under hybrid working arrangements and you will be expected to work from the office at least 2 days a week.
• As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.

Inclusion and Diversity

Our diverse and inclusive culture enables our employees to bring their whole selves to work and be proud of doing so. For us, this is the foundation for great innovation which, in turn, generates better outcomes for our people, partners and communities. This is why we encourage applications from people with disabilities, and of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures.

We are happy to discuss flexible and agile approaches to working for all our roles – we can’t promise we will be able to offer you everything you want or need but we do promise to discuss it with you openly and honestly. If you have any reasonable adjustment needs arising from a disability or medical condition to fully participate in the recruitment process, please discuss this with our recruitment teams.