At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative media planning and drive strategic direction for cross-channel marketing across Europe.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a pioneering agency at the forefront of AI-driven media solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on inclusivity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of media with cutting-edge strategies and make a real impact on top brands.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in media planning and team leadership, with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About WPP Media
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.
Role Summary and Impact
EssenceMediacom, part of WPP, is a new breed of media agency. Grounded in analytics & insights and powered by data & technology, we believe in the power of media and creative to drive breakthroughs for the world’s best brands. We help clients understand the modern marketing paradox and discover the breakthroughs brands need to win with their consumers. We are searching for a visionary and highly experienced individual to join one of our top clients’ team as a Regional Planning Lead. This is a full-time position based in London. This role is pivotal in driving media planning excellence and strategic direction for our cross-channel marketing efforts across Europe.
As the Regional Planning Lead, you will be responsible for shaping the strategic vision, ensuring high-quality execution, and fostering a collaborative environment within the Regional planning team. The regional planning team acts as a centre of excellence between the global team who is the guardian of the brand, establish overall best practice and interact with senior stakeholders, and the local markets who bring market insights, nuances and opportunities. All working collaboratively to unlock business growth.
You will act as a trusted advisor to regional and local, senior marketing and media clients, providing strategic guidance and influencing their thinking on media plans and investment, always aligning with their business objectives. You will also champion a culture of innovation and excellence within the team, driving continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Responsibilities
- Media planning vision and leadership: Develop and champion the regional planning vision, ensuring it aligns with our 3Cs (Communities, Culture, Connections) approach and WPP’s overall strategic objectives. Drive innovation in media planning, exploring new channels, technologies, and approaches to maximize campaign effectiveness. Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive media plans across all channels (digital and traditional), ensuring they are data-driven, innovative, and aligned with best practices. Maintain a deep understanding of the European media market landscape, trends, media owners, and emerging opportunities.
- Client Relationship & Consultancy: Act as a consultant with both clients and internal teams to improve the work and develop the thought leadership of yourself and others. Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, understanding their business objectives and providing strategic guidance on media planning. Proactively identify opportunities to improve client satisfaction and drive business growth.
- Campaign management: Oversee campaign management, ensuring quality control and output is of the highest standard. Successful E2E management of Multi-Market campaigns (brief, RTB, execution and reporting). Raise the floor - by identifying where the requirements (and potential skills gaps) are and working with heads of dept. to develop and deliver training solutions.
- Comms planning and storytelling: Own planning presentations including defining the inputs needed and working with the wider teams to compile work and meet deadlines. Lead brainstorming and idea creation for campaigns.
- Team Management: Lead Regional Planning team of 5 people, providing guidance, support, and development opportunities. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and innovation.
Skills and Experience
- Extensive experience in media planning, with a proven track record of success in developing and executing effective campaigns.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing media planning teams, including setting strategic direction, fostering a collaborative environment, and mentoring team members at all levels.
- Influential Communicator: Articulate, persuasive, and able to present complex media strategies and market insights clearly and compellingly to senior client and agency leadership.
- Adaptable & Agile: Thrives in a dynamic, evolving environment, comfortable with ambiguity and able to quickly adapt strategies to new market needs and opportunities.
- Strategic & Analytical: Strong capacity for strategic thinking, data analysis, and translating insights into actionable media plans that drive business growth.
- Exceptional Connector & Facilitator: Proven ability to bridge communication gaps, synthesize disparate information, and foster collaboration across teams and diverse stakeholders.
- Client-Centric Partner: Dedicated to understanding and solving client challenges, building trust, and delivering tangible value.
- Regional, multi-market European experience, preferable.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.
We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.
VP, Planning in London employer: WPP Media
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that champions growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. Based in London, employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes competitive medical and retirement plans, significant paid time off, and a commitment to mental health awareness. With a focus on innovation and inclusivity, WPP Media empowers its team members to pursue their passions while fostering meaningful professional connections within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP, Planning in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on social media. The more people know you’re looking for a VP, Planning role, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent campaigns, and how they align with your vision for media planning. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of past successes in media planning to the table during interviews. Highlight how your strategic thinking and innovative approaches have driven growth for previous clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the WPP Media team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace VP, Planning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the VP, Planning role. Highlight your experience in media planning and how it aligns with WPP's vision. We want to see how you can drive innovation and excellence!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically about media planning. Share examples of how you've used data and insights to shape successful campaigns. We love seeing candidates who can connect the dots!
Highlight Team Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to emphasise your experience in managing and developing high-performing teams. We’re looking for someone who can foster collaboration and inspire others to excel.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the European media market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and emerging opportunities. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can drive innovation in media planning.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've developed and executed successful media campaigns. Highlight your ability to translate data insights into actionable strategies that align with business objectives. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and analytical skills.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can establish strong relationships with clients and internal teams. Be ready to share your approach to understanding client needs and providing strategic guidance. This will show that you're not just a planner, but a trusted advisor who can influence decision-making.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
As a VP, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring and developing high-performing teams. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation within your teams, as this aligns with the role's emphasis on team management and culture.