Account Director, Planning

Account Director, Planning

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Wppmedia

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative media strategies and build strong client relationships for Nestlé's UK category.
  • Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions and creative personalisation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a supportive hybrid work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a vibrant, inclusive company culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of media and marketing.
  • Qualifications: Experience in multimedia planning and managing senior clients is essential.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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.

About OpenMind

OpenMind by WPP is an integrated agency model drawing on talent from across WPP. It has been created to accelerate the European transformation for Nestlé’s media function. Core to the solution is the advanced best data and technology capabilities, fuelled by WPP’s investment in AI, to maximise the impact of Nestlé media investment.

Account Overview

OpenMind was recently awarded the ZEUR assignment for Nestle Europe. With 47 countries, +450 team members, and regular new product launches, the account is looking for a Category AD to provide Comms Planning and Account Management for UK category.

Overview of Role

The Category AD is an experienced media expert as part of ZEUR UK team, responsible for developing strong relationships with the UK Nestle Category team, providing excellent Comms Planning skills and strategic guidance, have the knowledge/skills to push innovative thinking as well as best in class planning. You will be an excellent communicator & manager to a Manager and Planner on your line of business. This role will be a key enabler and accelerator of integrating Category strategy into local media plans, strategizing media investment allocation across markets and brands, increasing Category visibility into planning, performance, competition and ensuring UK-market consistency.

The role is supported by a team of specialists (Above Market, Cluster), OpenMind leadership, and other Category leadership to draw from for inspiration and support.

Responsibilities

  • Support implementation of "fewer, bigger, better" strategy through Category holistic media strategy and measurement (including Retail Digital Media & Search).
  • Become a key stakeholder in your clients’ business, leading and executing their vision.
  • Work closely with the SAD to review ways of working processes and develop client growth plans.
  • Take on responsibility of managing the quality of the work that is taken to the client and ensuring all reporting and finance processes and timings are adhered to.
  • Build strong, long-lasting relationships with UK category clients by understanding their business objectives, needs, and challenges.
  • Help to manage the development of exceptional, award-winning planning work.
  • Be recognized as a go-to source of energy and insight in the team.
  • Deliver responses with data and evidence led insights, ambitious innovation opportunities to push things forward.
  • Identify commercial opportunities for us to do things better, that would benefit the client and the business.
  • Manage and develop your team, ensuring they are performing at their full potential and looking out for their wellbeing.
  • Agree objectives with your SAD to ensure constant progression.
  • Contribute to OpenMind culture in the team – great planners with clear goals, objectives, and development plans.
  • Work with GDS (Biddable Digital Team) to ensure they are integrated seamlessly within planning processes and implementation processes.
  • Work with retail team to help integrate capabilities into everyday planning.

Skills & Experience

  • Solid multimedia planning experience.
  • Experience managing senior clients and stakeholders.
  • Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and agency partners.
  • A thirst for learning about technology, trends, media, people, brands and the industry.
  • An ambition and tenacity to make the ordinary extraordinary.
  • An ability to spot the real issue behind the brief – knowing how to challenge the client to understand what they really need.
  • Data-literacy – aware of the available resources and how to turn data into insights that shape clear strategic opportunities.
  • Attention to detail.
  • To have an opinion and be able to voice it in a clear and positive light.
  • Good storytelling skills – to give our ideas and thinking the best chance of coming to fruition.
  • Team management skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and manage workload.
  • Calm under pressure.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, invest in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We 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. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events.

Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, 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.

Account Director, Planning employer: Wppmedia

WPP Media is an exceptional employer that champions growth and creativity, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, comprehensive benefits, and a culture of inclusivity, WPP Media empowers its team members to build meaningful connections and excel in their careers. Located in the UK, this role provides the unique opportunity to work with leading brands like Nestlé, leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights to drive impactful media strategies.

Wppmedia

Contact Details:

Wppmedia Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Account Director, Planning

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

We think you need these skills to ace Account Director, Planning

Comms Planning
Account Management
Relationship Building
Strategic Guidance
Data Literacy
Multimedia Planning
Stakeholder Coordination

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

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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia, 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.