Planning Director (Parental Leave Cover)

The Planning Director (Parental Leave Cover) at Wavemaker UK, a leading WPP Media brand, will play a pivotal role in the planning team, acting as a central conduit to all specialists and striving to push boundaries to positively impact consumers and brands. Wavemaker is dedicated to reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology, working with brave brands and individuals who embrace challenges to go further and faster together.

Key responsibilities include developing an advanced understanding of media channels and planning best practices, translating strategic approaches into planning practices for specific client briefs and pitches, and overseeing campaign management to ensure quality control and high-standard outputs. The role also involves building and maintaining client and agency relationships at a mid-senior level, leading brainstorming sessions, and independently problem-solving by integrating and questioning data and insights to find solutions based on knowledge and experience.

The ideal candidate will possess a skilled understanding of media planning craft, including an advanced understanding of media channels, channel ecosystems, and planning best practices. They should be comfortable presenting both directly from platforms and developing stories from data delivered outside of platforms. Strong problem-solving skills are essential, with the ability to use critical questioning and maintain a broad perspective when analyzing information to gain a deeper understanding of problems and their wider impact. Additionally, the candidate should have expert knowledge of client and agency structures, identifying key decision-makers and understanding their perspectives to build relationships effectively.

WPP Media values a culture that elevates exceptional experiences for both clients and employees. The company embraces shared core values, including being extraordinary by leading collectively to inspire transformational creativity, creating an open environment by balancing people and client experiences by cultivating trust, and leading optimistically by championing growth and development to mobilize the enterprise.