Account Director, Planning

2529 - Account Director, Planning - UK

ABOUT OPENMIND

OpenMind by WPP is an integrated agency model drawing on talent from across WPP. It has been created to accelerate the European transformation for Nestlé’s media function. Core to the solution is the advanced best data and technology capabilities, fuelled by WPP’s investment in AI, to maximise the impact of Nestlé media investment

ACCOUNT OVERVIEW

OpenMind was recently awarded the ZEUR assignment for Nestle Europe. With 47 countries, +450 team members, and regular new product launches, the account is looking for a Category AD to provide Comms Planning and Account Management for UK category.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

The Category AD is an experienced media expert as part of ZEUR UK team, responsible for developing strong relationships with the UK Nestle Category team, providing excellent Comms Planning skills and strategic guidance, have the knowledge/skills to push innovative thinking as well as best in class planning. You will be an excellent communicator & manager to a Manager and Planner on your line of business.

This role will be a key enabler and accelerator of integrating Category strategy into local media plans, strategizing media investment allocation across markets and brands, increasing Category visibility into planning, performance, competition and ensuring UK-market consistency.

The role is supported by a team of specialists (Above Market, Cluster), OpenMind leadership, and other Category leadership to draw from for inspiration and support.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support implementation of "fewer, bigger, better" strategy through Category holistic media strategy and measurement (including Retail Digital Media & Search).
• Become a key stakeholder in your clients’ business, leading and executing their vision
• Work closely with the SAD to review ways of working processes and develop client growth plans
• Take on responsibility of managing the quality of the work that is taken to the client and ensuring all reporting and finance processes and timings are adhered to.
• Build strong, long-lasting relationships with UK category clients by understanding their business objectives, needs, and challenges.
• Help to manage the development of exceptional, award-winning planning work.
• Be recognized as a go-to source of energy and insight in the team.
• Deliver responses with data and evidence led insights, ambitious innovation opportunities to push things forward.
• Identify commercial opportunities for us to do things better, that would benefit the client and the business.
• Manage and develop your team, ensuring they are performing at their full potential and looking out for their wellbeing.
• Agree objectives with your SAD to ensure constant progression.
• Contribute to OpenMind culture in the team – great planners with clear goals, objectives, and development plans.
• Work with GDS (Biddable Digital Team) to ensure they are integrated seamlessly within planning processes and implementation processes.
• Work with retail team to help integrate capabilities into everyday planning.

Skills & Experience

• Solid multimedia planning experience
• Experience managing senior clients and stakeholders
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and agency partners
• A thirst for learning about technology, trends, media, people, brands and the industry
• An ambition and tenacity to make the ordinary extraordinary
• An ability to spot the real issue behind the brief – knowing how to challenge the client to understand what they really need
• Data-literacy – aware of the available resources and how to turn data into insights that shape clear strategic opportunities
• Attention to detail
• To have an opinion and be able to voice it in a clear and positive light
• Good storytelling skills – to give our ideas and thinking the best chance of coming to fruition
• Team management skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and manage workload
• Calm under pressure

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including 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 characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. 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 that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

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

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While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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