At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media planning and client relationships for high-profile brands across multiple sectors.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent media agency with a unique culture of freedom and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and a range of wellness perks.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values personal development and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape innovative planning strategies in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
- Qualifications: Strong media planning experience and excellent relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
the7stars is the UK’s largest independent media agency – a genuinely different kind of place, built on a single defining principle: Freedom. Freedom shapes how we plan and buy media, how people grow their careers, how we collaborate, and how we show up for each other. With our flat structure, open culture, and entrepreneurial spirit, we’ve created an environment where brilliant people can do the best work of their careers.
We’re now looking for a Planning Account Director to join one of our planning teams and help shape the future of our planning function as we evolve, innovate and push for industry-leading standards.
The role
As a Planning Account Director, you’ll be a senior member of the planning team, leading strategy and day-to-day planning across a portfolio of high-profile brands spanning multiple sectors. You’ll drive audience-first, insight-driven media strategies; oversee end-to-end planning and delivery; and collaborate closely with our specialist teams to ensure joined-up, best-in-class planning across all channels. This is a hands-on strategic role in a flat, autonomous environment that rewards ideas, ownership, and ambition. You’ll also play a key role in helping shape ways of working within our expanding planning group - a rare opportunity to influence planning excellence from the ground up.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Media Planning & Client Relationships
- Own the day-to-day planning output across a group of clients, ensuring best-in-class responses and strong working relationships.
- Lead strategic media planning proposals, aligning responses to client needs and commercial goals.
- Act as the key point of contact for senior client stakeholders, supporting and challenging them as needed to build a true partnership.
- Steer proactive thinking that goes beyond the brief to maintain a value-driving, non-transactional relationship.
- Drive Integrated, Audience-First Planning
- Work closely with internal specialists across audience, digital, offline, measurement and activation to build connected planning approaches.
- Champion the use of agency tools and technology to elevate planning, insight and measurement.
- Oversee full end-to-end plan delivery, from briefing through to PCA.
- Lead & Develop Your Team
- Manage and develop junior team members, providing training, coaching and support across planning, insight gathering and analysis.
- Delegate effectively across multiple stakeholders and ensure the team is empowered, supported and clear on expectations.
- Support Agency Growth
- Actively participate in new business pitches.
- Contribute to shaping and embedding new planning practices within the team.
- Represent the7stars’ planning framework, ethos and culture.
About You
We’re looking for someone who thrives in a free-thinking, entrepreneurial environment and is excited by the chance to shape great planning work. You’ll have:
- Strong media planning experience with solid multi-channel understanding (online & offline).
- Evidence of leading client relationships, planning responses and integrated campaign delivery.
- Deep understanding of OOH, ATL and digital channels, including partners, processes and strengths/limitations.
- Strong presentation, communication and relationship-building skills.
- Confidence leading meetings and managing fast-moving workloads, quick turnarounds and shifting priorities.
- Impeccable attention to detail and a solutions-first mindset.
- Familiarity with tools such as Telmar, TGI, Nielsen, Brand Index and SimilarWeb.
What You’re Like
- Strategic, curious and commercially minded.
- Entrepreneurial and energised by autonomy rather than rigid structures.
- Driven to deliver excellent work and excited by big ideas.
- Comfortable challenging yourself and others to raise the bar.
- Passionate about the role of media and communications in driving business outcomes.
Why the7stars?
You’ll be joining an agency with a truly unique culture built on trust, autonomy and creativity. Expect:
- A flat structure with real ownership from day one.
- A collaborative, diverse team of brilliant thinkers.
- Freedom to design a flexible approach to your working life.
- A business that gives 5% of its profits back into the community.
- A place where personal development is encouraged and supported.
- A genuinely fun, creative and non-political environment.
Benefits
A comprehensive package including:
- Competitive salary
- Uncounted holiday
- Summer profit-share and Christmas bonus (discretionary)
- Hybrid working and flexibility
- Personalised training plan & coaching
- Wellbeing days
- Flexible pension plan
- Optional private medical insurance & cashback plan
- Life Assurance, Critical Illness and Income Protection
- Gym membership
- Enhanced family policies
- “Work from anywhere” allowance
- EV scheme, tech & cycle scheme
- Season ticket loans and expensed Railcard
- Company bar
- New Business Bonus eligibility in year one
Planning Account Director (12 month FTC) in London employer: the7stars
At the7stars, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of Covent Garden. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and the chance to lead innovative projects that directly impact our clients' success. With a hybrid working model, we ensure a healthy work-life balance while empowering our team to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Account Director (12 month FTC) 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 the7stars 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 the7stars 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 the7stars 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 the7stars. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Account Director (12 month FTC) in London
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 the7stars. 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 the7stars:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about the7stars’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 the7stars
✨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 the7stars 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 the7stars, 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.
