WPP Media | Media Planning Manager (EM), Japan

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Job Specification

Title: Media Planning Manager

Discipline: Media Planning

Agency: EssenceMediacom Japan

About EssenceMediacom

EssenceMediacom is WPP Media's largest and most integrated agency, combining data, technology, and creative media expertise to deliver full-funnel outcomes for global and local clients. In Japan, we operate across biddable media, programmatic, and direct buy channels—serving clients across brand building, performance, and everything in between.

About the Role

The Media Planning Manager is a central planning role within the EssenceMediacom Japan team, sitting on a premium global brand account. The client operates across a full-funnel media objective—from upper-funnel brand awareness through to lower-funnel conversion—requiring a planner who can connect strategy to execution across both biddable and non-biddable channels.

This role goes beyond digital activation. You will be the primary planning contact for the account, responsible for translating brand strategy into integrated media plans spanning Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic Display and Video, as well as direct buy placements including DOOH, OOH, and premium DSP partnerships. You will own vendor and platform relationships, manage integrated reporting, and advise the client on media investment decisions.

What You'll Do

Full-Funnel Media Planning

• Lead development of integrated media plans across upper, mid, and lower funnel objectives
• Translate brand briefs and seasonal campaign objectives into channel-level strategies with clear KPIs and budget allocations
• Build and maintain media flowcharts, budget trackers, and authorization documents for all campaigns
• Using AI & internal tools to ensure plans are grounded in audience insights, competitive intelligence, and category context
• Collaborate with the activation team to ensure biddable plans are executed to spec and aligned with broader campaign goals
• Own vendor and media owner relationships for all direct buy placements including DOOH, OOH, premium publishers, and local DSP partners
• Lead media owner briefings, negotiate placements and value-adds, and manage IO and contract workflows
• Evaluate and onboard new direct buy platforms or partnerships relevant to the client's audience and seasonal needs

Client Management & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary planning contact for the client team—managing day-to-day communication on media planning, approvals, and campaign status
• Present media plans, performance reviews, and strategic recommendations clearly and confidently
• Work cross-functionally with creative, strategy, analytics, and ad operations teams to ensure seamless campaign delivery
• Develop post-campaign analyses with clear learnings and actionable recommendations for future activity
• Contribute to QBRs, annual planning, and budget scenario exercises

What We're Looking For

• 4–6+ years of media planning experience within an integrated media agency
• Direct experience managing or coordinating non-digital channels: DOOH, OOH, premium programmatic deals, or direct publisher partnerships
• Proven ability to manage media budgets, produce media plans, and own planning output end-to-end
• Strong client-facing communication skills—comfortable presenting to brand and marketing managers
• Analytical mindset: able to read performance data across channels and translate into clear business recommendations
• Strong project management discipline—able to manage multiple campaign workstreams simultaneously
• Fluent in Japanese and English (written and spoken)

What You Can Expect from EssenceMediacom

EssenceMediacom Japan operates at the intersection of data, media, and creative. You will work on a high-profile international brand with genuine full-funnel complexity—not a siloed performance or brand role. You will have direct client exposure, cross-channel planning ownership, and the opportunity to make a real impact on how a global brand shows up in the Japanese market.

We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other protected status.

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.

WPP 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.

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