At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy for high-profile UK clients and create impactful campaigns.
- Company: Join Spark Foundry, part of a global media network with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellness days, and great local discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on campaigns that reach millions and shape customer behaviour.
- Qualifications: Experience in media planning and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Spark Foundry make up part of a thriving global media network and are part of the Publicis Groupe, one of the world's leading communications groups. We are globally connected with over 8,000 employees in 110 offices across 70 countries.
Who We Are in the UK? Spark Foundry, the Acceleration Agency. We help brands to identify, learn and respond to opportunities faster than the competition. Every client has an area of their business they need to accelerate, from short-term goals to long-term transformation. We've proven our approach during the most difficult year on record. Now we're using it to provide a launchpad for their future. Come be an accelerator with us.
How we accelerate
- Planning: an approach that works in practice rather than theory, arming planners with the ability to create cutting edge campaigns
- Intelligence: a suite of tools that give definitive answers to big questions, and uncovers actionable insights about real people
- Trading: a model built on flexibility and trusted relationships, underpinned with bold guarantees
- Relationships: a culture of asking challenging questions to better understand the brief - we are not a 'yes' agency
- People: a strong history of recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and accelerating their careers
Our Commitment
We are diverse through our experience, people and the clients we look after - and we celebrate that diversity. Our people hold us accountable to our beliefs and via regular surveys and our grass roots D&I team, The Collective, and internal next generation board, Firestarters, we hold regular events and work continually towards generating ideas, initiatives and educating our people to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive agency. As part of our dedication to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, Spark Foundry is committed to equal access to opportunity for people without regard to race, age, sex, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.
Overview
We're looking for a Planning Manager to lead strategy across a portfolio of high‑profile UK clients spanning retail, automotive, and quick‑service dining. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on campaigns that reach millions, driving engagement, shaping perceptions, and influencing customer behaviour. You'll work closely with a client‑agency partnership that values insight, creativity, and strategic thinking—supporting briefs from brand‑building initiatives to highly targeted, performance‑driven campaigns.
What you’ll be doing
- Supporting the planning process across multiple client accounts, ensuring campaigns are insight‑led and audience‑focused
- Collaborating with strategy, creative, and activation teams to deliver effective multi‑channel campaigns
- Acting as a key point of contact for clients, building trusted relationships
- Managing day‑to‑day planning tasks, helping the team stay motivated and deliver high‑quality work
- Monitoring campaign performance and contributing to post‑campaign evaluation and optimisation
What we’re looking for
- Solid media planning experience, ideally across retail, automotive, or QSR/foodservice sectors
- Strong organisational and leadership skills, able to manage day‑to‑day planning and support client conversations
- A confident communicator, able to translate insight and strategy into actionable plans
- Experience delivering campaigns across digital, social, and traditional channels
- Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working in fast‑paced, client‑facing environments
Why this role
This is a unique opportunity to support planning for a diverse portfolio of high‑profile UK clients, where your work will directly influence campaign performance and customer engagement. You'll be part of a collaborative, talented team with the chance to contribute to campaigns that get noticed and make an impact.
Additional information
Spark 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 & 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).
Account Planning Manager employer: Publicis Groupe UK
Contact Detail:
Publicis Groupe UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their campaigns and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them accelerate their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the role of Account Planning Manager. A confident and concise introduction can set the tone for a great conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for Spark Foundry.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Account Planning Manager role. Highlight your media planning experience and how it aligns with Spark Foundry's focus on insight-led campaigns.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that show your organisational and leadership abilities, especially in fast-paced environments.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. Spark Foundry values creativity and insight, so don’t be afraid to express your unique perspective and approach to planning.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publicis Groupe UK
✨Know Your Clients
Before the interview, dive deep into Spark Foundry's client portfolio. Understand their key sectors like retail, automotive, and quick-service dining. This knowledge will help you demonstrate how your media planning experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Manager, you'll need to build trusted relationships with clients. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated insights and strategies in past roles. This will highlight your ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans.
✨Be Ready for Collaboration
Spark Foundry values teamwork across strategy, creative, and activation teams. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated on multi-channel campaigns. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The role requires comfort in fast-paced environments. Share experiences where you've adapted to changing circumstances or client needs. This will show that you're not just a planner but also someone who thrives under pressure.