Planning Manager

ROLE OVERVIEW

Croud is a global, full service digital marketing agency with a unique business model that helps businesses drive sustainable growth in the new world of marketing. Croud was recently named a Sunday Times Best Place to Work for the second year in a row, and was named Performance Marketing Employer of the Year by PMW.

At Croud, we unlock potential by elevating our people, clients, and communities within a rapidly advancing and complex economy. We operate as a unique scaled network of Intelligent, Creative Specialists, enabling us to deliver superior brand outcomes and unlock potential for our people, our clients and our communities.

Our culture is strategically driven and inspired by a shared long-term vision. It is collaborative and connected, with a focus on continuous learning and mutual support.

We are energised by future thinking, driving innovation to achieve better outcomes. We are instinctively generous, actively including and empowering our people. Above all, we are purpose-driven, committed to positively impacting our people, the planet, and our global communities. 

Our Planning Managers are responsible for contributing to the growth of our clients’ businesses through objective-focused media planning. This requires strategic smarts, a detailed knowledge of media and media planning and the ability to build strong relationships with clients.

This role is ideal for someone ready to step into a more client-focused position, actively contributing to business growth and campaign innovation while building strong client relationships.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Client

• Collaborating with clients and internal stakeholders to interpret objectives, identify and solve marketing & business challenges, and plan cross-channel media strategies that drive results
  
• Supporting the Planning Director on responding to client briefs and delivering media plans
  
• Acting as a trusted advisor to key clients, delivering actionable insights and helping them optimise their digital media investments
  
• Developing and cultivating strong client relationships as a trusted advisor.
  
• Using audience, market, and competitor intelligence to guide decision-making
  
• Monitoring performance in real-time, working with channel experts to ensure insights are acted upon holistically
  
• Collaborating with channel activation, data and creative teams to ensure plans are completed and delivered in full
• Ensuring all client deliverables are completed to the highest standard

Commercial

• Contributing to cross-sell and up-sell initiatives for existing clients, and work on planning for long-term growth
  
• Contributing to pitches and presentations for prospective clients, collaborating with Planning Directors to secure new opportunities
  
• Partnering with Triumvirate leads to identify opportunities for account growth and help shape strategic initiatives for existing clients.
  
• Innovating in campaign planning, helping to develop and pitch new media initiatives to meet evolving client needs
  
• Working as part of a Client Team, tasked with delivering against the outlined KPIs

Culture & Team

• Supporting activation teams by diagnosing performance issues and providing strategic counsel. Ensure all client deliverables meet the highest quality standards
  
• Being a champion of Croud's values and culture, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment
  
• Representing Croud with integrity and professionalism both internally and externally
  
• Driving continuous improvement within the agency based on client feedback
  
• Contributing to the overall development of the agency's service offerings

KEY KPI's

• Client Organic Growth: Year-over-year revenue growth target of +5% across the Client Team
• Client Profitability: Achieve 60% average client margin across the Client Team
• Client Retention: Achieve an 100% client retention rate within the Client Team
• Croudie Network Optimum Usage: Achieve a Croudie Network optimum usage of 35%
• Client Satisfaction: Client Net Promoter Score (NPS) and overall client satisfaction levels of 8+
• New Business Development: Successful acquisition of specified new business revenue
• Pride in Work: Achieve a team satisfaction score (eNPS) of 5
  

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience
• Proven experience as a Planner or Account Manager in comms, media, or digital planning roles. Candidates with strategy-focused experience are also encouraged to apply
• Track record of successful campaign planning that delivers measurable results for clients
• Experience in CPG and/or multi-brand retail is a bonus but not essential
• Strong experience in presenting to clients, selling ideas, and working closely with stakeholders to align with business objectives
• Hands-on experience with key digital marketing platforms, such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, DV360
• Familiarity with planning and insight tools (e.g., TGI, GlobalWebIndex, SimilarWeb) is a plus
• Proficient in essential tools, including Excel/Google Sheets and PowerPoint/Google Slides
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively
• Strong analytical skills with a keen ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions
• Exceptional client service skills, with a focus on building lasting relationships
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritising effectively
• Impeccable attention to detail, ensuring the highest standards in all work
• Proven ability to meet deadlines consistently, working efficiently under pressure
• Excellent time management skills, with a proven track record of managing competing priorities

COMPANY BENEFITS

Croud operates a hybrid working model with a minimum of 3 days a week based in our London office and the remaining days from home if you wish.

Croud offers a clear path to progression for all members of staff. We are committed to offering development opportunities alongside a support system of regular performance reviews. The opportunities are endless!

On completion of the three-month probation period, every employee is eligible for the benefits listed on our careers site which include:

• Sabbatical: Paid sabbatical at 7 years with an option to take it unpaid at 5 years
• 25 days holiday a year
• Discretionary annual performance based incentive
• Sale commission
• Recruitment referrals bonus
• Health & Wellbeing contribution
• Ride to Work scheme
• Railcard
• Season Ticket loan
• Home office chair and home office screen
• Free fruit, breakfast cereals, snacks and tea & coffee in the office
• Enhanced Primary and Secondary family leave as well as extended Parental Leave and Shared Family Leave
• Life insurance and income protection
• Medical Cash Plan
• Pension
• Curated 3rd party learning platform as well as access to Croud Campus (our bespoke learning and development platform)
• IPA Membership
• Peer to peer recognition scheme 'bonusly'
• Team off-sites/regular socials
• Year-round holiday parties
• Flexible working options
• Day to make a difference

Standard hours are from 9.00am to 5.30pm, there’s flexibility if agreed in advance with your line managers (it may also be necessary on occasions to work outside of these hours).

Croud is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. All candidates will be assessed based on merit, qualifications and their ability to perform the requirements of the role.

OUR VALUES

At Croud, our vision centres around the idea of unlocking potential. We do this by elevating everyone in an inclusive and progressive culture, empowering individuals to deliver their best work. This means we build better brand outcomes, and unlock potential for our people, our clients and our communities.

We live and breathe five core values that foster a culture where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to elevating each other is fundamental to both our cultural and business success. The ideal candidate will excel in and demonstrate the following:

• In it together - our value on integration, collaboration and outcomes
• Eye on the future - our value on futurism, creativity and passion
• Generous in spirit - our value on people, development and inclusion
• Do what you say - our value on integrity and accountability
• Make a difference - our value on purpose and impact