Associate Director, Planning, UK

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential media organization seeking an Associate Director, Planning to join their London team. This is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of communications planning for an established brand with an ambitious client marketing team. Whether you're already operating at Director level or a high-performing Planning Manager ready to step up, this role places you at the center of shaping insight-led media strategies that deliver measurable impact.

Our client seeks someone who brings strategic thinking and hands-on execution—a professional who thrives on complex briefs, builds trust effortlessly, and elevates everyone around them.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Own the planning response to briefs from start to finish, setting the standard for excellence on the account
• Develop deep understanding of the client's brand, category, competitive landscape, and business challenges to become a true strategic partner
• Lead media updates across landscape trends, emerging platforms, research, and innovations, keeping the team ahead of the curve
• Champion integrated ways of working across media and creative disciplines

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and nurture key relationships with brand leads, agency partners, and media owners based on trust and mutual ambition
• Present bold ideas confidently to senior clients, external partners, and internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify opportunities for revenue growth and innovation

Account & Team Operations

• Lead day-to-day account workflow, governance, and ways of working
• Oversee implementation and delivery of media activation, managing workflow through activation teams
• Drive campaign reporting that delivers clear, compelling, and actionable insights beyond the numbers
• Lead post-campaign evaluations with support from Planning Manager and Planning Executive
• Maintain oversight of financial account management including billings, reconciliations, and accruals with accuracy
• Proactively anticipate and resolve planning challenges

People & Culture

• Coach and develop your Planning Manager and Planning Executive through regular feedback and genuine investment in their growth
• Produce and champion award-worthy work that raises the account's profile
• Support adoption of agency tools and processes across the team

What We're Looking For

You champion and challenge in equal measure—yourself, your team, and your clients. You hold yourself to high standards and bring others up with you.

• Significant media planning experience with deep expertise across above-the-line channels and strong digital landscape knowledge
• Proven track record delivering standout communications planning with measurement, effectiveness, and clear objectives at the forefront
• Sharp client management skills with ability to build credibility with junior and senior stakeholders alike
• Exceptional presentation skills in both crafting compelling narratives and delivering them with impact
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on application of core media planning tools
• End-to-end planning experience from initial brief through to post-campaign analysis
• Self-starter mentality: curious, proactive, and energized by fast-paced environments
• Outstanding attention to detail with drive to ensure every output reflects excellence
• Collaborative approach as a great listener who works well across diverse teams and disciplines
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously while staying focused under pressure

How We Work With You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team conducts initial screenings to understand your background and career goals. We then submit qualified candidates to our client for consideration. Please do not contact the client organization directly—all communication flows through our recruitment team to ensure a professional, coordinated process.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on your experience level and the client's budget for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Get A Job.ai is committed to equal employment opportunity. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.