Associate Director, Planning, UK

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.

3290 - Associate Director, Planning - UK

Role Summary and Impact

This is a rare opportunity to take genuine ownership of communications planning for a well-established brand with an ambitious, collaborative client marketing team. Whether you're already operating at Director level or a high-performing Planning Manager ready to make that leap, this role will put you at the heart of shaping innovative, insight-led media strategies that genuinely move the needle.

We're looking for someone who brings both strategic firepower and hands-on energy - someone who lights up when presented with a complex brief, who builds trust with clients and partners effortlessly, and who makes the people around them better. If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership

• 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.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• 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.

Account & Team Operations

• 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.

• Proactively anticipate and resolve planning challenges before they become problems.

People & Culture

• Coach, inspire, and develop your Planning Manager and Planning Executive through regular 1-2-1s, meaningful feedback, and genuine investment in their growth.

• Raise the account's profile across the agency - producing, submitting, and championing award-worthy work that the team is proud to talk about.

• Support the adoption of agency tools and processes, including WPP Open, across the team.

Skills and Experience

You're the kind of person who champions and challenges in equal measure - yourself, your team, and your clients. You hold yourself to a high standard, and you bring others up with you.

What you'll bring:

• Significant, relevant media planning experience with deep expertise across ATL and a strong grasp of the full digital landscape.

• A 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.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We Create an Open environment built 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 events showcasing team 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.

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.

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While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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