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 .

3960 - Associate Director, Planning - UK

Role Summary and Impact

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the team as a Planning Associate Director.

As Associate Director, you are critical to the delivery of this ambition; working closely with the Director, you will be a key interface for our clients and lead planning projects from start to finish, acting as the conduit who brings together our specialists to deliver exceptional work.

You will oversee the day-to-day running of the account, ensuring flow and accuracy of work and that the campaign management process follows best practice. You are across all communications and establish yourself as the first port of call for clients.

You will build a strong relationship with your clients and become a trusted strategic partner – showing a deep understanding of your clients’ business and how communications can drive growth.

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 .
• Strong management and client relationship skills
• People management skills to support AD in the management and development of Planners and Execs
• Solution focused mindset
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a team player mentality
• Self-motivated; an ambition to make the ordinary extraordinary
• A thirst to learn – be that the client’s business, people, brands, industry, trends etc
• An ability to prioritise and delegate, as well as manage both up and down
• Empathetic and self-aware
• Motivated to drive business results for both client & EssenceMediacom
• Positive, proactive approach to problem solving
• Calm under pressure
• Accurate verbal and written feedback and instructions

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.

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