Senior Associate Director, Planning

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands, offering talent, data, intelligence, and a pioneering marketing platform. WPP Media is an AI‑driven media operating unit that combines media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale.

We are looking for someone to join the most awarded team in the agency as Senior Associate Director for Tesco Stores. Tesco is Britain’s largest retailer, with a £70m+ account and a team of 26 FTEs, including seven planners. The role will focus on one of the three core pillars within the account, providing strategic leadership and managing key relationships.

The senior planner will work closely with internal Digital and Strategy teams and external partners such as BBH to deliver best‑in‑class media planning. The position balances creative and analytical planning, requiring a blend of brand and performance expertise.

• Work on the newly renewed and one of the biggest accounts in the agency, contributing to award‑winning work.
• Collaborate with a brilliant team and access to talent across the WPP network.
• Be an integral part of a collaborative relationship with the client, acting as an extension of their team.

• Onboard fully and meet all key stakeholders.
• Understand account processes and key outputs.
• Build strong relationships with the media team and senior clients.
• Work with the BD to review processes and develop client growth plans.
• Manage quality, reporting, and finance processes and ensure adherence to timelines.
• Motivate internal teams to produce great work.

• Become the go‑to point of contact for senior clients.
• Deliver annual planning and award‑winning work.
• Act as a source of energy and insight within the team.
• Provide data‑driven insights and innovative ideas to advance the account.
• Identify commercial opportunities that benefit both client and business.
• Lead and develop your team, supporting their performance and wellbeing.
• Align objectives with BD for continuous progress.

• Become a key stakeholder in the client’s business and lead vision execution.
• Contribute to client business development and growth.

• Lead business engagement with key stakeholders across the Essence Mediacom network.
• Develop talent within the team.
• Lead RTBs (real‑time bidding strategy).
• Build strong client relationships.
• Seek new revenue work streams to grow the account.
• Manage reporting and financial processes.

• Team‑player who enjoys building relationships with clients and colleagues worldwide.
• Proficient in all media and experienced with end‑to‑end planning.
• Digital‑first approach to planning in a fast‑growing tech environment.
• Positive attitude and willingness to develop talent.
• Motivational leadership qualities.

WPP Media thrives on shaping the next era of media, investing in employees to inspire creativity, optimism, and growth. The culture emphasizes inclusivity, trust, and respect, offering opportunities for progression through resource groups and frequent events. Benefits include competitive medical, vision, and dental insurance, group retirement plans, significant paid time off, partner discounts, and mental‑health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal‑opportunity employer, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds. Our hybrid model combines office presence around four days a week with remote flexibility. If you require accommodations or flexibility, discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Benefits may vary by office or country.

This is a UK‑based role. Applicants must have the right to work in this location.

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