UK remote
Associate Director, Planning, UK
About this role
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 . 3290 - Associate Director, Planning - UK Role Summary and Impact This is a rare opportunity to take genuine ownership of communications planning for a well-established brand with an ambitious, collaborative client marketing team. Whether you're already operating at Director level or a high-performing Planning Manager ready to make that leap, this role will put you at the heart of shaping innovative, insight-led media strategies that genuinely move the needle.
We're looking for someone who brings both strategic firepower and hands-on energy - someone who lights up when presented with a complex brief, who builds trust with clients and partners effortlessly, and who makes the people around them better. If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Own the planning response to briefs from start to finish - setting the bar for what "best in class" looks like on this account.
Build a deep, nuanced understanding of the client's brand, category, competitive landscape, and business challenges, becoming a true strategic partner, not just a supplier. Lead key media updates across landscape trends, emerging platforms, research, and media owner innovations, keeping the team and client ahead of the curve. Champion WPP capabilities and integrated ways of working, embodying the 'Power of &' mindset across media and creative.
Client & Stakeholder Management Own and nurture key relationships with brand leads, agency partners, and media owners, building genuine partnerships built on trust and mutual ambition. Be a confident, compelling presence in the room - comfortable presenting bold ideas to senior clients, external partners, and internal stakeholders alike. Collaborate closely with the Client Director and Client Lead to uncover opportunities for revenue growth, innovation, and expanded ways of working.