At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media campaigns for iconic brands like Kleenex and McCain, shaping their future strategies.
- Company: PHD UK, an award-winning media agency known for innovation and creativity.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and learning from industry leaders.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values ingenuity and creative thinking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on renowned brands while collaborating with top minds in media planning.
- Qualifications: Passion for media planning and strong collaboration skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are looking to expand our Planning team with the hiring of a Planning Manager. Planning is a huge part of PHD’s DNA, so this is an opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in media. You’ll be working on two outstanding FMCG brands across different categories.
Firstly, Kleenex – an iconic heritage brand that continues to evolve through innovative, award‑winning campaigns and progressive, multi‑channel strategies. This role offers the opportunity to shape Kleenex’s holistic communications approach, spanning brand building and connected commerce and to play an active role in defining its future media strategy.
Secondly, McCain – a valued PHD client for over 27 years, representing a true partnership. In this role, you’ll work closely with multiple agency partners on communications strategy. This close collaboration has contributed to IPA Effectiveness Award wins in 2024, and we are now entering an exciting new chapter, one that you’ll play a key role in shaping.
This role is ideal for someone who wants to help define the media approach for two iconic brands. You’ll lead campaigns end‑to‑end, working closely with clients and integrated agency teams. You’ll bring an innate curiosity and a passion for media planning, alongside a willingness to share ideas, challenge thinking, and inspire those around you. At PHD, you’ll be empowered to do exactly that.
PHD UK is a growth-focused media agency driven by innovation and creativity. It is the reigning Campaign AND Media Week Awards Media Agency of the Year and in March 2026 was named as the most awarded media agency in the World in the annual Warc Media 100 rankings. Founded in London in 1990, we were the first media agency to offer strategic and creative planning at a time when the industry was about buying cheaply and quickly. Our founders saw a bright future where smart thinking and clever planning could help brands grow faster than their competitors. Over the subsequent 3 decades, we have continued to build on this defining ethic — with our evolution shaped by a continual investment in thought leadership and a culture of Ingenuity. Today, with over 100 offices in 74 countries, we continue to create remarkable campaigns that lead to remarkable growth – using the extending canvas of data and technology.
Planning Manager in Slough employer: PHD
PHD UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As a Planning Manager, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the media strategies for iconic brands like Kleenex and McCain, while collaborating with talented professionals in a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on thought leadership and award-winning campaigns, PHD empowers its employees to challenge conventional thinking and drive impactful results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Slough
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for PHD and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like PHD are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with PHD on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at PHD. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit PHD. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of PHD:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about PHD’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PHD
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at PHD will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At PHD, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
