Manager, Planning, UK

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3928 - Manager, Planning, UK

Role Summary and Impact

We are looking for a curious, enthusiastic and proactive Manager to join the Suntory Client Leadership team, working primarily across Lucozade – one of the UK's most iconic and culturally relevant brands – alongside -196, Suntory's fast-growing Alcohol Ready-To-Drink brand.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across two very different brands, with ambitious growth plans and a wide range of creative and media opportunities. From large-scale brand campaigns and major sporting moments to innovative social, creator and experiential activations, the role offers exposure to a diverse range of briefs and media channels.

As a Manager, you will play a central role in the day-to-day running of the account, developing strong client relationships and working closely with our planning and activation specialists to deliver brilliant, integrated media campaigns. You will be involved across the entire campaign lifecycle – from interpreting briefs and developing media recommendations through to activation, reporting and evaluation.

Suntory is an ambitious and fast-paced client with exciting plans for its brands. Lucozade is a household name with a rich heritage in sport and popular culture, continually looking for new ways to connect with consumers and remain relevant. Meanwhile, -196 presents an exciting opportunity to help grow an emerging brand in the competitive and dynamic Alcohol Ready-To-Drink category.

The account offers plenty of scope for creative thinking, innovation and collaboration. We work closely with Suntory's wider agency partners to deliver joined-up campaigns, and are looking for someone who enjoys getting involved, bringing ideas to the table and helping turn ambitious briefs into great work.

As a Manager in our Client Leadership team, you will:

• Be a critical part of the team running the day-to-day client business, using high levels of initiative to ensure smooth client servicing, smooth internal process to deliver work and ensure accuracy and punctuality of delivery of campaigns, billing and other administrative tasks.
• Work closely with the Associate Director and senior team to interpret client briefs, develop compelling media recommendations and help deliver strategically sound, creative and effective campaigns.
• Coordinate with our specialist teams across AV, OOH, Digital, Social, Audio and Partnerships, ensuring plans are integrated, delivered to a high standard and aligned with client objectives.
• Build a strong understanding of the brands, their audiences and competitive landscapes, using consumer insights, market trends and campaign learnings to inform media recommendations and identify new opportunities.
• Take ownership of key campaign deliverables, managing timelines, budgets, reporting and internal processes to ensure work is delivered accurately and on time.
• Demonstrate initiative and confidence in managing client requests, communicating clearly with internal teams and clients, and proactively identifying solutions to challenges.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture, supporting junior team members and bringing curiosity, enthusiasm and fresh thinking to the work.
• Have excellent organisations skills being adept at managing a diverse workload, work at pace and can appropriately prioritise tasks.

Skills and Experience

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilise the Enterprise.

We would also be looking for the following:

• Experience in a client services, media planning or investment role.
• A good understanding of the UK media landscape and how different channels work together to deliver against brand and business objectives.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple briefs, prioritise effectively and work confidently in a fast-paced environment.
• An analytical and curious mindset, with the ability to interpret audience research, consumer data and campaign results to develop clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with an ability to turn insights and media plans into compelling stories for clients.
• An ability to build trusted relationships internally to develop your understanding of media channels and get the best work from our specialist teams and externally with our creative agency partners to foster proper integration in our work.
• An understanding of media effectiveness and a desire to continually learn, develop and build expertise across industry tools, platforms and processes.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.  

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location

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