Group Planning Director

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the worlds leading brands. With exceptional talent trusted data and intelligence and world-class partnerships all united by ourpioneeringagentic marketing platform WPP Open we help clients navigate change capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPPs 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.

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Client: Airbnb

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 worlds best brands. We help clients understand the modern marketing paradox and discover the breakthroughs brands need to win with their consumers. We are designed for the new communications economy built on data & technology built for people & algorithms built around diverse schools of thought built to test & learn at scale and crucially built to evolve.

The Group Planning Director is a critical leadership role for EssenceMediacom in Sydney and across the broader national agency. Data is the fundamental driver for this role with a core focus on evidence-based planning that translates directly into tangible business outcomes for clients. You possess a sound theoretical understanding of established marketing principles including EBIs Laws of Growth sufficiency portfolio and media allocation optimization ROIs response curves and hero-halo effects. Beyond theory you are a strategic and innovative thinker balancing analytical rigor with a creative approach to push the boundaries of planning and contribute to EssenceMediacoms award-winning reputation.

You will hold direct planning relationship ownership with key accounts acting as a trusted advisor to senior client marketing teams and delivering impactful thought leadership. You are responsible for elevating planning output contributing to the development and rollout of EssenceMediacoms new planning product and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within your team.

Core Responsibilities

• People Leadership & Development:
  • Lead mentor and develop a team of direct reports including workload management training skillset enhancement and career growth plan development.
  • Provide ongoing guidance and quality control for all client deliverables.
  • Contribute to national resource planning.
• Planning Excellence & Innovation:
  • Elevate planning output across your client base incorporating leading-edge approaches such as Video Neutral Planning and Attention Planning.
  • Support the development and national rollout of EssenceMediacoms new planning products and initiatives.
  • Drive thought leadership seamlessly combining theoretical knowledge with a hard practitioners perspective.
• Client Relationship & Strategic Advisory:
  • Manage direct planning relationships with senior client marketing teams on key accounts.
  • Deliver engaging leadership seminars and presentations to senior client stakeholders translating complex insights into clear actionable strategies.
  • Act as a trusted advisor quickly understanding client business needs and developing effective solutions.
  • Actively share Points of View (POVs) on market and industry trends educating clients and building trust.
• Commercial Acumen & Agency Growth:
  • Collaborate with Client Partners to track and deliver financial targets (QRF).
  • Support the National Head of Planning on selective new business pitches contributing strategic planning expertise.
  • Identify opportunities to elevate all planning products in collaboration with the global WPP Media network.

Skills and Experience

What Makes You Great

• Extensive Experience:8 years of relevant industry or professional services experience in media planning strategy and/or client leadership.
• Data-Driven Expertise:Deep hands-on knowledge of data-driven planning concepts (e.g. sufficiency portfolio allocation media allocation optimization ROIs response curves hero-halo effect).
• Strategic & Analytical Acumen:Ability to develop insights and recommendations from data demonstrating broad deep and current knowledge of marketing business strategy and digital technology.
• Exceptional Communication:Highly skilled communicator who can simplify complex media concepts translate between numbers and narrative quickly and accurately and effectively present to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative Leader:Strong collaborator and people leader adept at organizing self and others inspiring teams and fostering a positive working environment.
• Client & Industry Savvy:Capable of building strong client relationships understanding their business needs and staying ahead of industry news trends tools and technology.
• Results-Oriented:Knows how to get things done and deliver impactful outcomes.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimisticallyfirmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions build vital professional connections and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising.

WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt 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 eventsshowcasingteam wins sharing thought leadership and celebrating holidays and milestone events.

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 whenweretogether fostering creativity collaboration and connection in this open and supportive environment. If yourequireaccommodations or flexibility please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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