Manager, Planning

Mindshare; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP Media is seeking a Manager of Planning in Los Angeles to direct day-to-day account activities and translate marketing objectives into cohesive media strategies. You will guide the development of media plans aligned with approved strategies and supervise junior staff.

The role emphasizes collaboration with agency partners, data-driven planning, and leadership in a fast-paced environment. Our offices operate in a hybrid model with four days in the office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in advertising, marketing, business administration or communication is required or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-4 years experience in strategy/planning, preferably in a media agency setting.
• Experience across all media channels (digital and traditional).
• Experience with data-driven environments is a plus.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Adaptable to take direction and multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director on all aspects of communication plan development and recommendations.
• Demonstrate understanding of the Client's businesses for future work.
• Determine and supervise the best implementation of approved plans and projects.
• Direct marketing and media analyses to support recommendations.
• Act as primary planning/buying integration contact for outside agency partners.
• Supervise, guide and counsel Senior Associates and Associates day-to-day.
• Train planning staff in media and marketing disciplines and client specifics.
• Evaluate performance via the talent development process for Senior Associates and Associates.
• Provide insightful updates to media and agency partners on project status.
• Assume ultimate media financial accountability with Client Accounting and agency partners.
• Maintain strong relationships across agency and media partners to ensure brand understanding and effective idea sales.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in advertising, marketing, business administration or communication

Tools

MediaOcean

Prisma

Job description

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships - all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open - we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

As a Manager of Planning, you will direct the day-to-day account activities of the group and play a key role in translating marketing and advertising objectives into overall media strategies. You will also direct the development of media plans consistent with the approved strategy. You will be responsible for developing the skills and knowledge of assigned Associate(s) and/or Senior Associate(s).

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director on all aspects of communication plan development and recommendations.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of the Client's businesses as a basis for all future work.
• Determine and supervise the best possible implementation of all approved communication plans and projects.
• Direct marketing and media analyses to support recommendations.
• Act as primary planning/buying integration contact for outside agency partners.
• Supervise, guide and counsel Senior Associate(s) and/or Associate(s) on all day-to-day activities.
• Train planning staff in media and marketing disciplines as well as the specifics of the Client's business and industry.
• Accurately, objectively, and constructively evaluate the performance of Senior Associate(s) and/or Associate(s) via the talent development process.
• Provide insightful updates to media and agency partners on the status of all account projects.
• Assume ultimate media financial accountability with Client Accounting and agency partners.
• Act with high integrity when managing solid relationships across agency and media partners to ensure brand understanding, more effectively sell ideas, and contribute to positive agency evaluations,

Skills & Experience

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in advertising, marketing, business administration or communication; OR equivalent professional work experience.
• 3-4 years experience working within strategy/planning, preferably within a media agency setting.
• Previous experience working across all media channels (digital and traditional).
• Previous experience working with tools includingMediaOcean, Prisma is preferred.
• Previous experience working in a data-driven environment is a plus.
• Able to work autonomously in a fast-paced,deadline-orientedenvironment.
• Adaptable to take direction and multi-task.

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising. WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office eventsshowcasingteam wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

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US Pay Range

$60,000-140,000 USD

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.