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Associate Director, Planning at WPP Media
London, United KingdomFull-timeClient TeamsPosted 22 days ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>About WPP Media</strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a href="wppmedia.com">wppmedia.com</a>.</p></div><p><strong>1852 - Director, Planning</strong></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About WPP Media</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About WPP 650</span></strong> <span data-ccp-props="{"469777462":[2616],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[1]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Join an award-winning team at the heart of UK government, where your work will genuinely shape lives. As part of WPP 650 you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values curiosity, kindness, and growth. Together, we use behaviour change principles to design smarter services, influence better decisions, and help millions of people across the country.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"469777462":[2616],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[1]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Named WPP 650, after the 650 UK constituencies, the name is a reminder that our work must reflect the full breadth of the country, every community, every audience. No two days are the same. The challenges are complex, the problems worth solving, and the learning constant. You’ll tackle issues that matter, alongside talented colleagues who care deeply about what they do. It’s demanding – but always rewarding.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"469777462":[2616],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[1]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">WPP 650 is a bespoke agency unit within WPP, dedicated to serving the evolving communications needs of government clients. We bring together the best of WPP's talent, technology, and insights to deliver impactful, modern, and effective public communications. We are at the forefront of reimagining how government engages with its citizens.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is meaningful work with real-world impact – the kind you can point to with pride.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Role Summary and Impact</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Planning Director</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[201342446,"1",201342447,"5",201342448,"1",201342449,"1",469777841,"Aptos",469777842,"",469777843,"Aptos",469777844,"Aptos",201341986,"1",469769226,"Aptos",268442635,"22",469775450,"normaltextrun",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"normaltextrun",335572020,"1",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}">About the role:</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The planning team are the guardians of creating industry leading, unrivalled work at WPP 650. We are central conduits to all specialists, striving to push boundaries and have a positive impact on consumers and brand.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">WPP 650 is looking for a </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Planning Director</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> to join our growing planning team, to drive planning across specific clients and be a media planning expert.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">In this role, you will:</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Media planning craft:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Develop an advanced understanding of media channels, channel ecosystems and planning best practices.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Start to translate strategic approach into planning practices for specific client briefs and pitches.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Have an advanced understanding of WPP 650’s Consumer Journey thinking and planning philosophy across all client work. Including being an expert in a broad set of internal tools, as well as external tools to build a deep understanding of the consumer, the client’s business and its specific opportunities. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Have an expert overview of the media market landscape, trends and start to build media owner relationships.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Campaign management & effective communication:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Oversee campaign management, ensuring quality control and output is of the highest standard.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Develop a skilled understand of commercial practises and of the wider agency.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Build and maintain client and agency relationships at a mid-senior level, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders and client business.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Comms planning and storytelling: </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Own planning presentations including defining the inputs needed and working with the wider teams to compile work and meet deadlines.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Lead brainstorm and idea creation for campaigns</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Start to independently problem solve, including integrating and questioning data and insights and find solutions based on knowledge and experience.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Title">Core skills:</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":80,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Practice Area Knowledge -Skilled-</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Develops breadth and depth of industry understanding. Becomes confident using tools, technology, techniques and systems and is able to train others. Comfortable presenting both direct from platform (Open) and developing a story from data but delivered outside of platform (Telmar etc). Can confidently answer client questions and liaise with internal teams on best solutions to use.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Problem Solving – Skilled</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> - Uses critical questioning and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">maintains</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> a broad perspective when </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">analyzing</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> information to gain a deeper understanding of the problem and wider impact. Quickly generates </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">appropriate solutions</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> informed by </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">previous</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> experience. Understands how to resolve escalated issues and supports others to problem solve. Supports or leads troubleshooting communication for issues.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Stakeholder Relationships – Skilled</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> -</span></span><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Has an expert knowledge of client and agency structures. Can </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">identify</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> key decision makers and understands their perspectives which is used to build relationships. Has strong knowledge of the client sector/industry which is shared to build strategies and plans. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Identifies</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> strategic issues and raises questions to help stakeholders explore and understand their wider business challenges. </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"></span></span><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Can easily suggest business solutions to match client/stakeholder needs and achieve </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">objectives</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Effective Communication -Advanced-</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Leads the delivery of relevant and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">accurate</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> information to drive maximum impact. Consistently delivers communications to influence and educate all levels of seniority, appropriately judging the demands of the situation. Creatively develops presentations and comms to help with the understanding/education of complex information. Guides others on the best practices and approaches for creating clear, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">concise</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> and organized communication materials to convey plans in a user-friendly way.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Campaign Management – Advanced -</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Reviews the work of others to ensure accuracy and thoroughness </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">objectives</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> have been met; provides coaching on ways to improve work outputs</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Applies best practice to campaign management and acts as the escalation point for issues</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Provide</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> actionable insights during mid and post campaign reports to improve in-flight optimizations and future campaign brief recommendations</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Oversees team members to discuss current projects, workload and activities prioritises resources accordingly</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Improves workload management by supporting other in setting priorities and by postponing less relevant work.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Compelling Storytelling – Skilled -</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Applies big picture thinking in work and proactively </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">leverages</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> an understanding of the organization and key industry trends</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Understand the different elements of responses</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Designs differentiated communications (content focus, style, presentation etc) for various internal and external audiences.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Ideas Creation – Advanced -</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Lead new projects/activities that can create ideas to deliver effective solutions to clients</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">’</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> business objectives</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Ability to proactively generate ideas to provoke and deliver against broader business strategies</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Coaches</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> other</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">s</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> to gain new insights and view opportunities from different perspectives</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Championing an environment that fosters innovation by encouraging others to openly share and build on other’s </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">new ideas</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">products</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> and solutions</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Comms Planning – Skilled -</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> </span></span><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">Applies knowledge of client, audience, channel, </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">market</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun"> and category to effectively deliver compelling multi-media plans. Translates learnings and trends to create marketing communication strategies that are effective with clear measurement. Application of purchase journey thinking and visualization of how the media plan works channels. Translation of strategic direction/platform/provocation into directional role for media, channel </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">role</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun"> and behaviour in channel. </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">Identifies</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun"> and recommends budget shifts as campaign is in-flight where </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">appropriate</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Life at WPP Media & Benefits</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. 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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><em><span data-contrast="auto">Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location</span></em><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Please read our Privacy Notice (</span><a href="https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy</span></span><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">)</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> for more information on how we process the information you provide.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> #LI-Promoted</span></p><div class="content-conclusion"><p></p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW227196529 BCX8" lang="EN-CA" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227196529 BCX8">Please read our <a href="https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy#:~:text=WPP%20Media%20Privacy%20Notice%20for%20Recruitment">Privacy Notice</a></span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW227196529 BCX8" lang="EN-CA" data-contrast="auto"> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227196529 BCX8">for more information on how we process the information you provide.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW227196529 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p></div>
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