Associate Director, Planning, UK

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships - all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open - we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com . This is a rare opportunity to take genuine ownership of communications planning for a well-established brand with an ambitious, collaborative client marketing team. Whether you're already operating at Director level or a high-performing Planning Manager ready to make that leap, this role will put you at the heart of shaping innovative, insight-led media strategies that genuinely move the needle. We're looking for someone who brings both strategic firepower and hands-on energy - someone who lights up when presented with a complex brief, who builds trust with clients and partners effortlessly, and who makes the people around them better. If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Own and nurture key relationships with brand leads, agency partners, and media owners, building genuine partnerships built on trust and mutual ambition. Be a confident, compelling presence in the room - comfortable presenting bold ideas to senior clients, external partners, and internal stakeholders alike. Collaborate closely with the Client Director and Client Lead to uncover opportunities for revenue growth, innovation, and expanded ways of working. Lead day-to-day account workflow, governance, and ways of working, with support from the Client Director. Oversee the implementation and delivery of media activa