Planning Account Director

Company Description

Who We Are in the UK?

Spark Foundry, the Acceleration Agency.

We help brands to identify, learn and respond to opportunities faster than the competition.

Every client has an area of their business they need to accelerate, from short-term goals to long-term transformation.

We’ve proven our approach during the most difficult year on record. Now we’re using it to provide a launchpad for their future.

Come be an accelerator with us.

• Planning
  : an approach that works in practice rather than theory, arming planners with the ability to create cutting edge campaigns
• Intelligence
  : a suite of tools that give definitive answers to big questions, and uncovers actionable insights about real people
• Trading
  : a model built on flexibility and trusted relationships, underpinned with bold guarantees
• Relationships
  : a culture of asking challenging questions to better understand the brief – we are not a ‘yes’ agency
• People
  : a strong history of recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and accelerating their careers

We are diverse though our experience, people and the clients we look after – and we celebrate that diversity. Our people hold us accountable to our beliefs and via regular surveys and our grass roots D&I team, The Collective, and internal next generation board, Firestarters, we hold regular events and work continually towards generating ideas, initiatives and educating our people to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive agency.

As part of our dedication to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, Spark Foundry is committed to equal access to opportunity for people without regard to race, age, sex, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.

At Spark, our media planners blend analytical thinking, category insight, and channel expertise to drive campaigns that fuel client growth. We are data-driven and growth-oriented, leveraging technology and insights to deliver creative, high-impact solutions. For our retail client, one of the UK’s most recognised supermarkets, our work helps strengthen its position in a highly competitive market.

We’re looking for a Planning Director to lead strategy on a high-profile retail account. You’ll be a team‑player with deep media planning knowledge, capable of building trusted relationships with mid‑level clients and collaborating seamlessly with agency partners. Your work will be pivotal in producing best‑in‑class media campaigns that deliver commercial success.

• Orchestrating integrated retail campaigns across paid, owned, and earned channels, from brand initiatives to seasonal activations
• Leading cohesive media planning
  , particularly confident in AV, social, print, and audio channels
• Acting as the first point of contact for the client during live campaigns, managing campaign delivery, reporting, and financial reconciliation
• Championing excellence in planning, demonstrating a proactive desire to continually upskill and refine media expertise
• Writing directional and inspiring briefs that link clients with investment teams, ensuring the best output from each channel
• Thinking on your feet, responding to competitor activity, budget changes, and business needs with clarity and speed

• Develop, mentor, and upskill junior planners to become top‑standard media professionals
• Support the wider team, driving a culture of collaboration, high standards, and creativity

• Extensive experience in media planning for retail brands
  , with a track record of delivering large‑scale, multi‑channel campaigns
• Strong leadership skills, able to inspire teams and guide client conversations confidently
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Deep understanding of AV, social, print, and audio channels, with a passion for media excellence

This is a rare opportunity to join a heritage UK retail brand at a time of strategic growth. You’ll lead planning on high‑impact campaigns, shape the team’s approach, and directly influence commercial results—all while being part of a talented,…