Associate Director, Planning

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. For more information, visit wppmedia.com . As the Associate Director that oversees the media planning practice, you would come across as a strategic thinker, a trusted advisor, and a passionate mentor. Join our dynamic practice to lead high-impact client portfolios and elevate our media team to the next level. You will be directly involved in: Strategic Partnership & Client Management • Act as the strategic partner and trusted advisor for a dedicated portfolio of clients within the FMCG practice, building strong, long-lasting relationships. • Deeply understand clients' market positioning and business objectives to develop, pitch, and execute optimal communication solutions for all briefs. • Establish viable campaign objectives and KPIs, recommending robust measurement and reporting methodologies. Campaign Execution & Media Collaboration • Collaborate with media partners across diverse platforms to drive creative ideation, strategic negotiation, and seamless implementation. • Partner seamlessly with internal specialist teams and broader group resources to deliver integrated solutions. Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement • Guide the team through comprehensive competitive reporting, market analysis, and insights generation. • Foster a culture of excellence by facilitating cross-team learning, knowledge sharing, and best practices. • Mentor team members, supporting their professional growth through clear KPI setting and constructive performance appraisals. Experience & Background: • 10+ years of total professional experience, with a substantial track record in media planning. • Experience within the FMCG sector or a relatable consumer goods background is a strong advantage. • Deep knowledge of and passion for the digital marketing landscape, spanning digital display, branding, direct response, SEM, video, and mobile. Strategic & Analytical Mindset • Exceptional ability to synthesize vast amounts of information, news, data, and research, distilling key insights for your accounts and clients. • Strong data-analytical skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and demonstrate a clear understanding of the end-to-end consumer journey. • Working knowledge of key planning and measurement metrics (such as MMM and MMR, among others). Leadership & Soft Skills • Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated self-confidence, sound judgment, excellent decision-making, empathic listening, flexibility, and a healthy appetite to challenge the status quo. • Collaboration & Teamwork: A true team player who thrives in cross-functional environments and handles feedback constructively (both giving and receiving). • Drive for Excellence: Sets high standards for yourself and others, stays committed to continuous improvement, and consistently delivers results despite constraints. • Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a deep awareness and respect for diversity and inclusivity. Think you have what it takes? Apply now and let's have a detailed discussion on what are the next steps. Note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we proce