WPP Media | Media Planning Director

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Role Objective

The Planning Director is responsible for delivering high-quality, consistent media plan recommendations grounded in a deep understanding of the client’s category, brand challenges, and business objectives . This role translates business objectives into clear communications strategies, defines measurable KPIs, and drives innovation informed by robust audience and consumer insight.

As a senior leadership role, the Planning Director plays a critical part in managing senior client relationships, leading integrated planning efforts, and developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Media Planning & Strategy Leadership

Lead the development, presentation, and execution of full-funnel media strategies across channels including TV, OOH, and digital

Translate business and marketing objectives into clear communications objectives and measurement frameworks

Provide strategic insight and analysis to support data-driven recommendations and long-term planning decisions

Maintain strong relationships with key media partners and lead negotiations to maximize value and outcomes for clients

Coordinate closely with partner agencies to ensure integrated, best-in-class delivery

Client Leadership & Account Management

Build and maintain trusted senior relationships with clients, acting as a strategic planning advisor

Lead relevant components of client meetings, campaign approach presentations, workshops, and strategic reviews

Collaborate with global and regional EssenceMediacom teams to ensure work meets global quality standards

Keep clients informed of industry trends, emerging best practices, and innovations relevant to their business

Operating & Technical Excellence

Apply a data-driven approach, leveraging platforms and tools to analyze competitive spend, consumer behavior, category trends, and campaign performance

Interpret and synthesize consumer insight and competitive research into actionable planning recommendations

Demonstrate strong understanding of the Japanese media landscape alongside integrated planning principles

Champion the adoption of WPP planning and AI tools, empowering teams to embed them into day-to-day workflows

People Leadership

Partner with the Client VP to develop team capability, skills, and subject-matter expertise

Mentor and guide team members, encouraging innovative thinking and continuous improvement

Provide clear direction, feedback, and support to drive performance and professional growth

Commercial & Business Leadership

Demonstrate strong commercial acumen, with a clear understanding of account profitability and resource management

Monitor performance issues proactively, escalating and addressing risks in a timely manner

Act as an advocate for continuous improvement and operational excellence

Key Performance Indicators

Product: Excellence in planning output and operational execution (KPIs to be defined)

Client: Client satisfaction, retention, and growth; strong performance in agency evaluations for strategy and activation planning

Commercial: Achievement of client profitability targets

People & Culture: Positive Culture Amp feedback from managers, peers, and clients

Skills & Experience

10+ years’ experience in media planning, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role overseeing teams

Strong experience managing and developing planning talent

Excellent English communication skills, with proven experience working across global (US), regional (Singapore), and international client teams

Solid understanding of the Japanese media landscape; ability to provide local cultural perspective is a plus

Demonstrated ability to influence and manage senior client stakeholders (media leads, marketing directors)

Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, particularly across the consumer journey

Results-driven mindset with the ability to deliver against targets

Proven collaboration skills across teams, departments, and client organizations

Strong ability to delegate effectively and to sell strategies, ideas, and initiatives with confidence

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. 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.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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