At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media campaigns for Airbnb, ensuring optimal budget use and insightful analysis.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a pioneering agency transforming the marketing landscape.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving creative breakthroughs for a global brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in media planning and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 personalization at scale.
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.
Position Summary
Our Media Planning Account Directors will create and oversee the successful delivery of media campaigns working closely with the Account Managers on the team. They demonstrate expert knowledge of the overall media landscape and available research, using these to inform and communicate planning recommendations. Reporting to a Business Director, they have oversight and responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of media plans and their proper implementation, working to fulfil the client’s media strategy and objectives in the context of changing market conditions. They are responsible for ensuring budget is used optimally to deliver the desired results, via effective planning, in-flight cross‑channel optimisations, and insightful post‑campaign analysis to inform future campaigns.
About Airbnb
We’re proud to have the Airbnb account at EssenceMediacom since 2019. We took on the account in 2019 with just five global markets and our media budget was under $400M. Since then, our relationships with Airbnb have strengthened and expanded; in '26 we’re looking after over 20 markets (6 in EMEA) and our global media budget will be over $600M. All this change means it’s an exciting time to join the team and work for Airbnb!
About the team
The Airbnb Planning team is a small team currently made up of a Business Director, two Planning Account Directors, two Account Managers and a Senior Planning Exec. We work very closely with our Client Leadership, Activation and Analytics teams as well as our Global counterparts.
The Client and the Role
Airbnb is a unique brand with its offering to consumers and we want to show consumers in various markets that travelling with Airbnb and being hosted, is the best way to travel. This is a Global account, with clients in the US and local divisional clients whom we speak to daily. We work hand in hand with our WPP Media colleagues across the region. The account is fast paced and requires at times quick turnarounds and management of various markets within EMEA (UK, FR, DE IT, ES, NL & SE). The account is always evolving and in 2026 we are focusing more of the regional activity to locally led programmes and projects.
Skills and Experience
- A self‑starter and quick to think on their feet
- Great at building relationships with clients (locally and in the US) but also internal and external Essence teams across various EMEA markets.
- Fully rounded media planner with knowledge across offline and online channels.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Proven problem solving and decision making skills.
Some of the things we’ll need the successful candidate to do:
- Deliver high quality integrated responses to brief, actionable weekly cross‑channel reporting commentary, insightful post‑campaign analysis, and clear planning briefs to Activation.
- Oversee and quality assure all deliverables produced by teams.
- Deliver clear and compelling rationale to support media planning recommendations and to evidence campaign performance versus expected outcomes.
- Take a lead role in client meetings and in briefing to Activation.
- Partner with our Activation and Analytics teams to design Campaign Analysis Plans (test and learn agendas).
- Line manage junior team members within Planning, with responsibility for their day‑to‑day output and ongoing development.
- Help motivate the cross‑practice team to deliver inspiring and successful campaigns, leading by example while coaching juniors.
- Provide timely and actionable feedback to aid in team development and improvement.
- Foster strong working relationships across the team to facilitate flawless execution of plans.
- Communicate effectively across all levels of the team and our client base.
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.
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.
Associate Director, Media Planning employer: Wppmedia
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and growth, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, comprehensive benefits, and a culture of inclusivity, WPP Media empowers its team members to forge meaningful connections and drive impactful campaigns for leading brands like Airbnb. The hybrid work model fosters collaboration while allowing flexibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in media planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Media 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 Associate Director, Media Planning
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.
