Associate Director, Planning

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.

Role Summary and Impact 

The Associate Director, Planning, is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the strategic planning product for key clients. You will lead client relationships at a senior level, manage a high-performing team, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the agency.

• Act as the senior strategic lead and trusted advisor for key client relationships, steering their media investment to deliver business goals.
• Lead and manage client WIPs, ensuring all relevant campaign and market updates are communicated and actioned.
• Challenge clients and teams to drive innovation and tangible business results.
• Oversee the quality of work delivered by the planning team, ensuring it meets the highest standards.
• Lead contract negotiations, competitive reviews, and client business reviews.
• Mentor and develop the planning team, building their capabilities and managing their career progression.
• Contribute to new business development and pitches.

Skills and experience

• 8+ years of planning experience in a media agency.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and grooming a team.
• Proven track record in client management and building senior-level relationships.
• Solid knowledge of all media channels and a proven ability to create integrated, strategic media recommendations.
• Strong business and commercial acumen.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of the industry, business, brands, and consumers to lead client conversations with authority.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits 

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. 

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. 

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. 

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.  

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

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