Senior Media Planning Manager
Senior Media Planning Manager

Senior Media Planning Manager

London Full-Time 42000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead integrated media planning for a top beauty brand using data-driven insights.
  • Company: Join SMG, the #1 Best Marketing and Media Agency, known for its vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 10% bonus, wellbeing fund, flexible working, and extra days off.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of retail media in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in media planning, strong analytical skills, and leadership abilities required.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of growth, equity, and fun while making an impact.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Hybrid (London)

Salary: From £53,000 + 10% discretionary bonus

Level: Senior Manager-level, with leadership across media planning for a flagship beauty brand

About the Role

We’re looking for a Senior Media Planning Manager to join the SMG team, working with one of the UK’s most iconic beauty brands. You’ll be the strategic lead for integrated media planning, combining brand-building and performance tactics through the lens of Boots’ powerful first-party data. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, love working with data-driven insight, and are excited to shape the future of omnichannel retail media, this could be the perfect role for you.

Why SMG?

At SMG, we hire for the future, which is fast-moving and changing shape. Do you have the potential to help shape our business? We’re looking for brilliant, diverse talent who want to grow with us—people who are curious, ambitious, and eager to learn, whether as specialists or across teams. Our culture is everything. If you’re someone who stays honest, stays hungry, stays foolish, and has fun, you’ll feel right at home here. We value those who take ownership of their growth and bring fresh perspectives. That’s why we’re committed to equity, inclusion, and building a place where everyone feels empowered to grow. At SMG, it’s not just about filling a role but building the future together. We’re proud to be ranked the #1 Best Marketing and Media Agency and to have received World-Class accreditation from Best Companies.

Here’s what you’ll enjoy:

  • 10% discretionary bonus
  • £1,800 annual wellbeing fund
  • £500 annual Uni Fund for learning
  • Free Headspace subscription
  • 4 additional Wellbeing Days off per year
  • 4pm finishes every Friday
  • Hybrid & flexible working
  • Epic summer & winter conferences

Are We What You’re Looking For?

We move fast, adapt quickly, and like to challenge each other. We're looking for people who enjoy the buzz of change, the satisfaction of building something better, and the joy of working with a close-knit, values-driven team. This isn’t for everyone, but if you thrive in this environment, we’d love to meet you!

A Little Bit About You

This role isn’t just about planning campaigns. It’s about driving impact, building trust, and owning the future of brand-commerce media.

You’ll bring:

  • Significant experience in integrated media planning across digital, brand, and performance
  • Expertise in retail media, audience segmentation, and using first-party data for targeting
  • Strong analytical mindset and a confident, data-led approach
  • Skilled use of media platforms (e.g. DSPs, Google Ads, Meta, analytics tools)
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills
  • A proactive, solutions-focused attitude

What You’ll Be Doing

Your day-to-day could include:

  • Leading full-funnel media planning using Boots’ first-party data
  • Driving omnichannel strategies across search, social commerce, programmatic, and more
  • Building media plans that deliver measurable business outcomes
  • Collaborating with insight, agency, and partnership teams
  • Managing media budgets and driving incremental investment
  • Mentoring your team and supporting professional growth
  • Presenting strategies and results to senior stakeholders with impact

Our Values

Stay honest. Stay hungry. Stay foolish. Have fun.

Explore what that means to us here.

Useful Links Before You Apply

  • Learn about our agencies
  • Our hiring process
  • EDI at SMG
  • FAQs

Still curious? We always send a confirmation email—check your spam if you don’t see it. Problems? Email: careers@smg.team

Senior Media Planning Manager employer: SMG

At SMG, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions growth and inclusivity. Our hybrid working model in London allows for flexibility while fostering a collaborative culture where creativity thrives. With exceptional benefits like a discretionary bonus, wellbeing fund, and additional days off, we empower our employees to take ownership of their professional journey and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance.
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Contact Detail:

SMG Recruiting Team

careers@smg.team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Media Planning Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Boots' first-party data and how it can be leveraged for media planning. Understanding their data strategy will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your experience with integrated media planning by preparing examples of successful campaigns you've led. Be ready to discuss how you combined brand-building and performance tactics, as this is crucial for the Senior Media Planning Manager position.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your knowledge of various media platforms like DSPs, Google Ads, and Meta. Being able to speak confidently about these tools and how you've used them in past roles will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've mentored teams in the past. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to drive a team towards achieving measurable business outcomes.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Media Planning Manager

Integrated Media Planning
Digital Marketing Expertise
Performance Marketing
Retail Media Knowledge
Audience Segmentation
First-Party Data Utilisation
Analytical Skills
Data-Driven Decision Making
Media Platforms Proficiency (e.g. DSPs, Google Ads, Meta)
Leadership Skills
Effective Communication
Proactive Problem-Solving
Budget Management
Collaboration Skills
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your significant experience in integrated media planning, especially in digital and performance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in retail media and audience segmentation.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the beauty industry and how your analytical mindset aligns with the role. Mention your proactive attitude and how you can contribute to driving impact and building trust within the team.

Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership and communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've mentored teams or presented strategies to senior stakeholders, showcasing your ability to drive results.

Highlight Data-Driven Insights: Since the role involves using Boots’ first-party data, include any relevant experience you have with data-led approaches. Discuss how you've used analytics tools and media platforms to inform your media planning strategies.

How to prepare for a job interview at SMG

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Senior Media Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a strong analytical mindset. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data-driven insights in past roles to shape media strategies and drive results.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

This role requires excellent leadership skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, mentored colleagues, or driven collaborative projects. Emphasise your ability to inspire and motivate others.

✨Familiarise Yourself with First-Party Data

Since the role involves using Boots' first-party data for targeting, make sure you understand its significance. Be ready to discuss how you've leveraged similar data in previous positions to enhance media planning and audience segmentation.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in media planning and how you approached them, particularly in fast-paced environments.

Senior Media Planning Manager
SMG
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  • Senior Media Planning Manager

    London
    Full-Time
    42000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-11

  • S

    SMG

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