WPP Media is hiring a Manager, Planning

Responsibilities

• Develop an in-depth understanding of media channels including where, when and how to use them based on the client brief.
• Have a skilled knowledge of Wavemaker and industry media planning tools and be able to train other team members.
• Have a skilled understanding of industry best practices and planning theory.
• Develop a fundamental knowledge of Wavemaker Purchase Journey thinking and Provocative Planning Philosophy.
• Ownership of campaign activity including briefing teams, collating response, managing client’s deliverables, and ensuring accuracy across all workstreams.
• Work closely with the planning and activation teams to ensure the day-to-day account is run efficiently and effectively.
• Be able to bring in specialist teams where needed to work on briefs and client questions.
• Ensure financial management processes are always excellent and met in a timely manner.
• Become a trusted main day-to-day contact for junior clients, learning their business and ways of working.
• Ensuring that all requests & queries are answered with accuracy and in a timely manner.
• Support in managing Planning Executives to ensure they are on track with daily tasks, mentor and challenge them with new projects to develop their career.
• Start to develop a proactive problem-solving mindset but know when to flag any issues or concerns with Planning Director.

Requirements

• Demonstrates knowledge of the media landscape including future trends, best practice and challenges.
• Comfortable using (or briefing out) of the various products, platforms and systems that comms planning use.
• Develops breadth and depth of industry understanding.
• Becomes confident using tools, technology, techniques and systems and is able to train others.
• Can confidently answer client questions and liaise with internal teams on best solutions to use.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the agencies (or clients) organization structure and people, client relationships, business strategy, industry and challenges.
• Cultivates, nurtures and grow relationships with key clients, stakeholders and decision makers internally, externally and virtually.
• Has a good understanding of how the agency operates and works with their clients.
• Knows about the client’s business and who the key decision makers are there.
• Has good understanding of agency and client and their business goals and challenges.
• Builds a working knowledge of market trends effecting the client (and agency).
• Responds to stakeholder requests in an accurate, timely and professional manner and seeks to have a good understanding of client needs and challenges.
• Is able to lead dialogues between and with internal and external people (strategy, comms planning, channel planning and activation teams as well as clients and media partners).
• Uses simple, clear and human language wherever possible but can be technical when required.
• Thinks about most appropriate communication channels and styles and employs active listening.
• Breaks down complex technical information into understandable language, guiding others on best practice.
• Uses knowledge and expertise to generate comprehendible, broadly-applicable communications.
• Designs differentiated communications (content focus, style, presentation, etc.) for various internal and external audiences based on an understanding of their differing levels of familiarity.
• Attends client and agency meetings to present.
• Manages and takes ownership of several project/tasks accurately and thoroughly and with minimal error- without losing track of important details or deliverables.
• Teaches others the importance of accuracy and thoroughness so that sufficiently detailed information is logged correctly.
• Manages and takes ownership of campaigns from start to completion, maintaining accurate pipeline and campaign information across elements of the plans.
• Delivers accurate reports with value-added insights and actionable findings to improve campaign performance.
• Be accountable for the ongoing management of campaign budgets.
• Balances several projects and tasks simultaneously with minimal error and without losing track of important details or deliverables.
• Be able to use knowledge of the media ecosystem, industry trends and clients' business pressure points to build a persuasive story and recommendation that acknowledges their preferred communication style.
• Applies big picture thinking in work and proactively leverages an understanding of the organisation and key industry trends.
• Understand the different elements of responses.
• Designs differentiated communications (content focus, style, presentation, etc.) for various internal and external audiences.
• Generates or facilitates new ideas, methods, innovation or creative media solutions that can deliver growth.
• Regularly engages in new projects/activities that can help solve identified barriers or opportunities as part of planning.
• Can identify the relevant partners to bring ideas to life.
• Uses wider industry knowledge and trend understanding to help generate solutions that can deliver against communication objectives.
• Find solutions for client business problems using media.
• Applies knowledge of client, audience, channel, market and category to effectively delivery compelling multi-media plans.
• Translates learnings and trends to create marketing communication strategies that are effective with clear measurement.
• Application of purchase journey thinking and visualisation of how the media plan works across channels.
• Translation of strategic direction / platform / provocation into directional role for media, channel role and behaviour in channel.
• Identifies and recommends budget shifts as campaign is in-flight where appropriate

Additional Information

• 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 note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location
• 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.