Strategic Planning Director, Media Growth

wppmedia; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Vision and dental insurance

Paid time off

Partner discounts

Mental health days

Hybrid work

Job summary

WPP Media is seeking an Associate Director of Planning in the UK to own the communications planning for a major brand. You will lead a collaborative client marketing team, shaping insight-led media strategies that move the needle and drive growth.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on energy, requiring comfort presenting to senior clients, building trusted partnerships, and guiding activation and PCA processes across ATL and digital channels.

Qualifications

• Significant, relevant media planning experience with deep expertise across ATL and a strong grasp of the full digital landscape.
• Proven track record of delivering standout communications planning, with measurement, effectiveness, and clear objectives always front of mind.
• Sharp client management skills: the ability to build credibility and confidence with both junior and senior stakeholders, with natural gravitas.
• Exceptional presentation skills, both in crafting compelling narratives and delivering them with impact.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on application of core media planning tools.
• End-to-end planning experience, from initial brief through to PCA - with no part of the process unfamiliar to you.
• A self-starter mentality: curious, proactive, and energised by a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.
• Outstanding attention to detail, with a drive to ensure every output - however big or small - reflects genuine craft and excellence.
• A collaborative, open approach, a great listener who works well across a wide range of teams, disciplines, and personalities.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple workstreams simultaneously, staying cool, flexible, and focused under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Own the planning response to briefs from start to finish - setting the bar for what "best in class" looks like on this account.
• Build a deep, nuanced understanding of the client's brand, category, competitive landscape, and business challenges, becoming a true strategic partner, not just a supplier.
• Lead key media updates across landscape trends, emerging platforms, research, and media owner innovations, keeping the team and client ahead of the curve.
• Champion WPP capabilities and integrated ways of working, embodying the 'Power of &' mindset across media and creative.
• Own and nurture key relationships with brand leads, agency partners, and media owners, building genuine partnerships built on trust and mutual ambition.
• Be a confident, compelling presence in the room - comfortable presenting bold ideas to senior clients, external partners, and internal stakeholders alike.
• Collaborate closely with the Client Director and Client Lead to uncover opportunities for revenue growth, innovation, and expanded ways of working.
• Lead day-to-day account workflow, governance, and ways of working, with support from the Client Director.
• Oversee the implementation and delivery of media activation, managing workflow effectively through activation teams.
• Drive campaign reporting that goes beyond the numbers, ensuring insights are clear, compelling, and actionable.
• Lead post-campaign evaluations (PCAs) with the support of the Planning Manager and Planning Executive.
• Maintain clear oversight of financial account management - billings, reconciliations, accruals, and finance queries, with accuracy and accountability.

Job description

WPP Media is seeking an Associate Director of Planning in the UK to own the communications planning for a major brand. You will lead a collaborative client marketing team, shaping insight-led media strategies that move the needle and drive growth.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on energy, requiring comfort presenting to senior clients, building trusted partnerships, and guiding activation and PCA processes across ATL and digital channels.