WPP Media | (EM) Integrated Planning Director

The Planning Director is responsible for delivering high-quality, consistent media plan recommendations grounded in a deep understanding of the client’s category, brand challenges, and business objectives. This role translates business objectives into clear communications strategies, defines measurable KPIs, and drives innovation informed by robust audience and consumer insight.

As a senior leadership role, the Planning Director plays a critical part in managing senior client relationships, leading integrated planning efforts, and developing high-performing teams.

• Lead the development, presentation, and execution of full-funnel media strategies across channels including TV, OOH, and digital
• Translate business and marketing objectives into clear communications objectives and measurement frameworks
• Provide strategic insight and analysis to support data-driven recommendations and long-term planning decisions
• Maintain strong relationships with key media partners and lead negotiations to maximize value and outcomes for clients
• Coordinate closely with partner agencies to ensure integrated, best-in-class delivery

• Build and maintain trusted senior relationships with clients, acting as a strategic planning advisor
• Lead relevant components of client meetings, campaign approach presentations, workshops, and strategic reviews
• Collaborate with global and regional EssenceMediacom teams to ensure work meets global quality standards
• Keep clients informed of industry trends, emerging best practices, and innovations relevant to their business

• Apply a data-driven approach, leveraging platforms and tools to analyze competitive spend, consumer behavior, category trends, and campaign performance
• Interpret and synthesize consumer insight and competitive research into actionable planning recommendations
• Demonstrate strong understanding of the Japanese media landscape alongside integrated planning principles
• Champion the adoption of WPP planning and AI tools, empowering teams to embed them into day-to-day workflows

• Partner with the Client VP to develop team capability, skills, and subject-matter expertise
• Mentor and guide team members, encouraging innovative thinking and continuous improvement
• Provide clear direction, feedback, and support to drive performance and professional growth

• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen, with a clear understanding of account profitability and resource management
• Monitor performance issues proactively, escalating and addressing risks in a timely manner
• Act as an advocate for continuous improvement and operational excellence

• Product: Excellence in planning output and operational execution (KPIs to be defined)
• Client: Client satisfaction, retention, and growth; strong performance in agency evaluations for strategy and activation planning
• Commercial: Achievement of client profitability targets
• People & Culture: Positive Culture Amp feedback from managers, peers, and clients

• 10+ years’ experience in media planning, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role overseeing teams
• Strong experience managing and developing planning talent
• Excellent English communication skills, with proven experience working across global (US), regional (Singapore), and international client teams
• Solid understanding of the Japanese media landscape; ability to provide local cultural perspective is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to influence and manage senior client stakeholders (media leads, marketing directors)
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, particularly across the consumer journey
• Results-driven mindset with the ability to deliver against targets
• Proven collaboration skills across teams, departments, and client organizations
• Strong ability to delegate effectively and to sell strategies, ideas, and initiatives with confidence

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