Manager, Planning

26033 - Account Manager, Planning 

T&P:

T&P, part of WPP, is one the world's leading full service creative and media agencies, connecting talent and tech to drive growth for brands. Formed by the integration of The&Partnership and mSix&Partners, it brings together content and distribution into a single, holistic end to end marketing solution. Backed by WPP and WPP Media and combined with the agility of an entrepreneurial Partner-led mindset, the multi-discipline agency spans four continents with 45 offices and over $1.2 billion dollar in billings globally. As an early adopter with the first ever AI-generated TV ad for Lexus in 2018, T&P is focused on harnessing AI across all its outputs with its 1,900 people already trained on WPP's proprietary AI platform Creative Studio, to deliver enhanced outcomes for clients.

The Planning Manager plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing innovative media strategies that drive significant client results. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, strong client relationship management, commercial acumen, and effective project execution to deliver impactful and integrated client solutions for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

1. Client Relations & Management:

• Build and maintain strong, positive client relationships, serving as a primary point of contact for planning recommendations and project updates.
• Develop a deep understanding of client needs, objectives, and challenges, proactively addressing concerns and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Effectively communicate complex planning recommendations and manage client expectations.
• Contribute to high client satisfaction and retention through excellent service delivery.

1. Commercial Awareness & Budget Management:

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of agency financials, client profitability, and their impact on assigned projects and accounts.
• Manage project budgets effectively, ensuring all deliverables are met within agreed financial and timeline parameters.
• Understand and adhere to client contracts and billing processes, demonstrating financial responsibility.
• Identify opportunities to maximise client ROI and contribute to the agency's overall profitability.
• (Relevant training resources: &Commercial Learning Programme)

1. Project Management:

• Champion integrated planning approaches, fostering seamless collaboration across the planning team, creative, media, and other agency disciplines.
• Effectively communicate planning recommendations to ensure alignment across all channels and platforms.
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams to contribute to holistic and impactful client solutions.

1. Media Planning & Strategy:

• Develop and implement effective, data-driven media strategies across various channels, aligning with client objectives, target audiences, and market trends.
• Leverage data and insights to inform planning decisions, ensuring alignment with overall campaign strategy and maximizing ROI.
• Contribute to innovative planning approaches and champion integrated solutions that push boundaries.

1. Technologies & Learning:

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and new tools, exploring and implementing them to enhance planning effectiveness.
• Share knowledge and insights with the team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the planning practice.
• Actively participate in training and development opportunities, expanding personal skillset and contributing to the agency's knowledge base.
• (Relevant training resources: Amplified Intelligence Training Programme on the T&P Learning Hub)

1. Collaboration:

• Foster a positive and highly collaborative team environment, managing relationships effectively with managers, peers, and junior team members.
• Be a true team player, actively supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a strong sense of unity and collective success within the planning team and across the agency.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members, contributing to their growth and development.
• Communicate project updates, share knowledge, and contribute to a culture of learning within the planning team.
• Champion agency values and cultural norms in all interactions.

Skills and Experience

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

• Be Extraordinary by leading collectively to inspire transformational creativity.
• Create an Open Environment by balancing people and client experiences by cultivating trust.
• Lead Optimistically by championing growth and development to mobilize the enterprise.

• At least 3 years of experience in media planning and strategy within an agency environment.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful, data-driven media campaigns for diverse clients.
• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape across digital (e.g., programmatic, social, search, video), broadcast, and print channels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships, present strategic recommendations, and manage expectations.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, draw insights, and translate them into actionable media strategies.
• Proficiency in relevant media planning tools and platforms (e.g., specific ad servers, analytics platforms, research tools - you might want to list some here if relevant).
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

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. 

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.