Manager, 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.

About Wavemaker: A Leading WPP Media Brand

This role is within Wavemaker, a leading brand within WPP Media, where you will be instrumental in provoking growth for clients through pioneering media, content, and technology solutions.

Role Summary & Impact

As a Manager of Planning, you will direct the day-to-day account activities of the group and play a key role in translating marketing and advertising objectives into overall media strategies. You will also direct the development of media plans consistent with the approved strategy. You will be responsible for developing the skills and knowledge of assigned Associate(s) and/or Senior Associate(s).

Skills and Experience

• Partner with the Director on all aspects of communication plan development and recommendations.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of the Client’s businesses as a basis for all future work.
• Determine and supervise the best possible implementation of all approved communication plans and projects.
• Direct marketing and media analyses to support recommendations.
• Act as primary planning/buying integration contact for outside agency partners.
• Supervise, guide and counsel Senior Associate(s) and/or Associate(s) on all day-to-day activities.
• Train planning staff in media and marketing disciplines as well as the specifics of the Client’s business and industry.
• Accurately, objectively, and constructively evaluate the performance of Senior Associate(s) and/or Associate(s) via the talent development process.
• Provide insightful updates to media and agency partners on the status of all account projects.
• Assume ultimate media financial accountability with Client Accounting and agency partners.
• Act with high integrity when managing solid relationships across agency and media partners to ensure brand understanding, more effectively sell ideas, and contribute to positive agency evaluations,

 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in advertising, marketing, business administration or communication; OR equivalent professional work experience.
• 3-4 years experience working within strategy/planning, preferably within a media agency setting.
• Previous experience working across all media channels (digital and traditional).
• Previous experience working with tools including MediaOcean, Prisma is preferred.
• Previous experience working in a data-driven environment is a plus.
• Able to work autonomously in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Adaptable to take direction and multi-task.

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 note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

 

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. 

 

Wavemaker:

Wavemaker, part of WPP, positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.