Planning Director in London

Planning Director in London

London Full-Time 58500 - 71500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Publicis Media

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global media strategies and drive impactful campaigns across 14 markets.
  • Company: Join Zenith, a leading ROI agency with a focus on innovation and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits including pension, private medical cover, and reflection days.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and supports employee growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of media strategy for top brands and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in media planning, strong client engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.

We are the ROI agency, a position we have proudly held true to since 2005. Our more than 6,000 specialists across 95 markets offer unparalleled capabilities in Media, Data, Technology, Commerce and Content. We put effectiveness at the heart of our work to solve complex challenges, drive successful business outcomes, and grow our clients’ businesses.

Over the years, we have evolved our definition of ROI, as it has changed with the ever-complicated communications landscape. ROI is no longer simply about the most efficient planning, buying and reporting of media. Yes, ROI is about delivering Return on Investment; but it’s also about going beyond to deliver a Return on Imagination and more integrated experiences that inspire Growth.

Powered by our best-in-class proprietary tools and data, our work spans the full spectrum of media communications, from analytics, data and technology to performance marketing, content and superior trading. This breadth means we deliver Insight that lies at the intersection of consumer, category, and brand, attributing every budget to stronger business outcomes.

We are hiring a Global Planning Director to shape the future of media strategy for Tork, part of Essity—one of the world’s leading professional hygiene brands. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a global team, delivering impactful media planning across 14 markets. You’ll bring together data, creativity, and strategic thinking to drive meaningful growth and innovation. If you enjoy solving complex challenges and collaborating across borders, this role offers both scale and impact.

Responsibilities

What you’ll be doing:

  • Lead the development and execution of multi-market media strategies, ensuring strong alignment with business goals
  • Oversee campaign planning and evaluation across the full lifecycle, from brief through to reporting and optimisation
  • Partner closely with senior clients, building trusted relationships and delivering clear, actionable insights
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure seamless campaign delivery, including planning, creative, and budget management
  • Drive operational excellence by improving processes, workflows, and overall efficiency
  • Support the Business Director in shaping annual media strategies, budget frameworks, and channel best practices
  • Manage and support a small team, creating an environment where people can thrive and grow

Qualifications

Skills we’re looking for:

  • Strong experience in media planning, particularly across digital channels such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Meta, and programmatic
  • Confident in client engagement, with the ability to build trusted relationships and communicate effectively
  • Comfortable working with multiple stakeholders across different markets and disciplines
  • Strong attention to detail and confidence working with data to inform decisions
  • Clear and compelling communicator, able to present ideas in a structured and engaging way
  • Curious and open-minded, with a willingness to explore new approaches and challenge established thinking
  • Collaborative mindset, with a focus on teamwork and shared success

Zenith International offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees. Full details are shared when you join, but highlights include core benefits such as Pension, Life Assurance, and Private Medical cover, alongside enhanced policies like Reflection Days and Shared Parental Leave.

Publicis Groupe works primarily from the office or our clients' office four days per week. At Zenith International, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age, citizenship, relationship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

We are committed to providing a fair, accessible, and inclusive recruitment process. If you have any access needs - for example, related to disability, neurodivergence, or a health condition - please let us know. We’ll work with you to ensure the process works for you. Sharing this information will never impact your application.

Planning Director in London employer: Publicis Media

Publicis Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits such as pension plans and private medical cover, ensuring our team members feel valued and supported. Located in a vibrant digital market, this role offers unique opportunities to make a significant impact on global brands while advancing your career in the fast-paced world of e-commerce analytics.

Publicis Media

Contact Details:

Publicis Media Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Director in London

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 Publicis Media 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 Publicis Media 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 Publicis Media 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 Publicis Media. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Director in London

Media Planning
Digital Marketing
Client Engagement
Data Analysis
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Campaign Management
Strategic Thinking

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 Publicis Media. 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 Publicis Media:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Publicis Media’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 Publicis Media

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 Publicis Media 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 Publicis Media, 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.