Associate Director, Planning

The role

You will lead end-to-end media strategy for the ITV account, covering broadcast, streaming and performance channels. You will also line manage a planning team and act as a trusted advisor to senior ITV stakeholders.

What you will do

• Lead end-to-end media strategy for ITV across broadcast, streaming and performance channels
• Translate client challenges and market trends into actionable strategic frameworks
• Oversee testing roadmaps and learning agendas, with clear measurement models
• Own diverse client relationships and act as the escalation point for planning queries
• Manage complex agency and media-owner alignment and difficult conversations
• Line manage, mentor and develop a planning team including Account Directors, Account Managers, Planners and Execs
• Manage workload distribution and set annual KPIs for direct reports
• Run check-ins and end-of-year reviews to support talent and career progression
• Contribute to the commercial health of the account and identify new revenue opportunities
• Ensure financial governance across campaign billing and forecasting

Required qualifications

• Proven track record in a senior media planning role within a media agency overseeing large-scale, multi-channel accounts
• Deep expertise in UK broadcast, streaming, digital video and the wider digital ecosystem
• Strong experience managing and developing mid-to-senior team members, including Account Directors
• Ability to turn data, audience insights and market trends into narrative-driven media strategies
• Strong understanding of agency commercial models, contract management, PRFs and GroupM product integration
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills; comfortable leading senior meetings
• Highly composed under pressure, able to oversee multiple high-velocity show launches at once
• Right to work in the UK

Benefits

• Competitive medical insurance
• Group retirement plans
• Vision and dental insurance
• Significant paid time off
• Preferential partner discounts
• Employee mental health awareness days
• Access to WPP Media and WPP global networks and learning
• Employee resource groups and in-office events

Before you apply

• UK-based role; you must have the right to work in the UK
• Benefits may vary by office or country
• Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted

About the company

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data and partnerships. It is an equal opportunity employer.