Planning Director

We help brands make BOLD MOVES. Nowadays, brands want rapid, spectacular growth and they expect media to deliver it. Clients used to give us media briefs that said “deliver 80% awareness” or “give me an impactful Christmas campaign.” Now we hear “Take me from 4th to 1st in my category” “Help me grow 10% in a market declining 10%” “Make me the most loved brand in my industry.” These are huge asks of media that can’t be met through tweaking the media plan of two years ago. Decades of advertising research prove that without a big change, large brands stay large and small brands stay small. This is why Zenith helps brands make BOLD MOVES.

Bold moves are big, brave changes to media strategy, delivering more impact for brands and more value for consumers. Bold moves are backed up with a solid forecast – they are a better path to growth. Bold moves build a partnership – we believe in this approach so much we link our growth to your success. Bold Moves bring bigger ROI. This approach works for our clients, our people and consumers – it’s why we are recognised as the UK’s best media agency.

At Zenith UK, we believe that fostering an inclusive culture where all talent can thrive makes our company stronger. It enables a greater idea exchange, which fosters innovation and creativity, and enriches our perspective. We are committed to Publicis Groupe’s wide variety of talent engagement and inclusion programming, and encourage our people to take an active role in continuing to drive positive change within our agency.

Zenith is looking for a talented and motivated Planning Director to lead media planning for Reckitt, one of Zenith UK’s most awarded clients. Reckitt, a global leader in health, hygiene, and home products, was named Advertiser of the Year in 2024 and is renowned for producing award-standard work. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of iconic brands across household cleaning, personal care, and wellness, driving innovation and delivering campaigns that set industry benchmarks.

As Planning Director, you’ll oversee day-to-day planning across Reckitt’s UK brands, ensuring seamless delivery of media strategies that drive standout results in competitive categories. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading media planning for market-leading brands, pushing for innovative solutions to deliver business objectives.
• Building strong, trusted relationships with clients, acting as a key point of contact and ensuring the highest standards of client service.
• Managing and mentoring a team, fostering positivity and supporting their professional growth.
• Collaborating with strategy and investment teams to deliver insightful RTBs and ensure smooth account operations.
• Acting as a champion for media channels, sharing knowledge across teams and facilitating strong relationships with media owners.

In Your First Six Months You’ll hit the ground running, achieving key milestones:

• Finalizing 2025 planning for Reckitt’s brands, delivering bold and creative media strategies.
• Acting as the primary client lead for key Reckitt brands, ensuring top-tier delivery and client satisfaction.
• Motivating and managing a team of managers and executives, setting clear progression plans and encouraging high performance.

We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with:

• Proven experience in client leadership, managing positive brand relationships and acting as a point of escalation.
• Strong team management skills, with the ability to mentor, motivate, and inspire.
• A proactive, results-oriented mindset with exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Expertise in media planning across traditional and digital channels, with the ability to develop and execute innovative solutions.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple stakeholders effectively.

Zenith UK has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer:

• WORK YOUR WORLD - opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS - Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care.
• 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level.
• Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT.
• Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES - We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF - You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.
• GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS - This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us! Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full-time employees being office-based three days during the working week. We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).