At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media planning for a dynamic entertainment brand and deliver outstanding campaigns.
- Company: Join a fast-paced, culturally visible account at Publicis Media.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellness days, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with extensive learning opportunities and global work options.
- Why this job: Shape strategies that connect audiences with world-class entertainment experiences.
- Qualifications: Senior-level media planning experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Planning Director to lead the media planning for one of the UK’s most dynamic entertainment brands — home to some of the biggest sporting moments and cultural events on TV. This is a high-profile, fast-moving account where your work will be seen by millions, spanning sport, film, and premium entertainment. You’ll be stepping into a visible and influential role — working closely with senior client stakeholders to shape strategy, drive creative media thinking, and deliver outstanding campaigns that connect audiences with world-class entertainment experiences. This is the perfect opportunity for a senior planner who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and wants to work on category-defining work across entertainment.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading strategic media planning and creative media thinking across the entertainment sector
- Translating high-level client briefs into smart, audience-first media strategies that balance brand and commercial goals
- Partnering closely with strategists, channel leads, and creative partners to deliver integrated and innovative plans
- Acting as a trusted client advisor — confidently leading large meetings and navigating multiple stakeholder priorities
- Managing, motivating, and developing a high-performing team of managers and executives
- Overseeing planning excellence and ensuring best practice across all campaign delivery
- Working closely with internal data, digital, and AV specialists to unlock new opportunities through insight and technology
- Supporting the Business Director to deliver operational excellence and strong commercial performance
What we’re looking for:
- Senior-level media planning experience across sport, entertainment, or high-volume brand accounts
- Strong understanding of AV and channel planning, with experience in commercial or content-led environments
- Strategic mindset with the ability to turn briefs into clear, actionable responses
- Confident, articulate communicator with strong presentation skills and the gravitas to lead large meetings
- Proven people manager who can motivate, mentor and support team members at all levels
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable operating at pace with shifting priorities
- Passion for sport or entertainment — with a natural curiosity for cultural trends and audience behaviours
Why this role:
This is a rare opportunity to work on one of the most fast-paced, culturally visible accounts in the UK, delivering campaigns that reach millions and spark national conversations. You’ll lead planning across some of the most exciting sporting and entertainment moments on TV with the creative freedom to think big. You’ll join a collaborative, social team, with access to extensive learning opportunities. As part of Publicis Media, you’ll also benefit from industry-leading tools, data, and innovation programmes that keep your work ahead of the curve. If you’re a natural leader who loves the buzz of big ideas, fast-moving campaigns, and seeing your work come to life on screen, this is the perfect next step.
Additional information:
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.
- HELP@HAND BENEFITS 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
Planning Director employer: Publicis Groupe ANZ
Publicis Groupe ANZ is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of Great Britain. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including professional development programmes and mentorship, ensuring that your career flourishes while you contribute to innovative influencer campaigns that make a real impact. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your journey towards success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you land that interview, let your passion for sport and entertainment shine through. Share your ideas and insights on current trends — it’ll help you stand out as someone who’s not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d tackle challenges in media planning and be ready to discuss your past experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and keep them engaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind for the hiring team. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sport and entertainment shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and the impact you can make!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in media planning. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strategic mindset and people management abilities.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly see how you fit the bill for this fast-paced role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publicis Groupe ANZ
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the company and its recent campaigns. Understand their target audience and how they connect with entertainment. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your strategic mindset.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams and leading large meetings. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team and navigated stakeholder priorities, as this role requires strong people management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to translate high-level briefs into actionable strategies. Practice articulating your thought process and how you would approach complex media planning challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for sport and entertainment shine through. Discuss any relevant cultural trends or audience behaviours you've noticed, and how they could influence media strategies. This will show your natural curiosity and fit for the role.
