Published on Aug 10, 2026 · We confirmed on Aug 11, 2026 that it's still live
About WPP Media 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 . 1852 - Director, Planning About
WPP Media
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet,
clients
and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.
WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com
About WPP 650
Join an award-winning team at the heart of UK government, where your work will genuinely shape lives. As part of WPP
650
you’ll
be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values curiosity, kindness, and growth. Together, we use behaviour change principles to design smarter services, influence better decisions, and help millions of people across the country.
Named WPP 650, after the 650 UK constituencies, the name is a reminder that our work must reflect the full breadth of the country, every community, every audience. No two days are the same. The challenges are complex, the problems worth solving, and the learning constant.
You’ll
tackle issues that matter, alongside talented colleagues who care deeply about what they do.
It’s
demanding – but always rewarding.
WPP 650 is a bespoke agency unit within WPP, dedicated to serving the evolving communications needs of government clients. We bring together the best of WPP's talent, technology, and insights to deliver impactful, modern, and effective public communications. We are at the forefront of reimagining how government engages with its citizens.
This is meaningful work with real-world impact – the kind you can point to with pride.
Role Summary and Impact
Planning
Director
The planning team are the guardians of creating industry leading, unrivalled work at
WPP 650.
We are central conduits to all specialists, striving to push boundaries and have a positive impact on consumers and brand.
WPP 650
is looking for a
Planning Director
to join our growing planning team, to drive planning across specific clients and be a media planning expert.
In this role, you will:
Media planning craft:
Develop an advanced understanding of media channels, channel ecosystems and planning best practices.
Start to translate strategic approach into planning practices for specific client briefs and pitches.
Have an advanced understanding of
WPP 650’s
Consumer
Journey thinking and planning philosophy across all client work. Including being an expert in a broad set of
internal tools, as well as external tools to build a deep understanding of the consumer, the client’s
business
and its specific opportunities.
Have an expert overview of the media market landscape, trends and start to build media owner relationships.
Campaign management & effective communication:
Oversee campaign management, ensuring quality control and output is of the highest standard.
Develop a skilled understand of commercial practises and of the wider agency.
Build and
maintain
client and agency relationships at a mid-senior level, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders and client business.
Comms planning and storytelling:
Own planning presentations including defining the inputs needed and working with the wider teams to compile work and meet deadlines.
Lead brainstorm and idea creation for campaigns
Start to independently problem solve, including integrating and questioning data and insights and find solutions based on knowledge and experience.
Core skills:
Practice Area Knowledge -Skilled-
Develops breadth and depth of industry understanding. Becomes confident using tools, technology,
techniques
and systems and
is able to
train others.
Comfortable presenting both direct from platform (Open) and developing a story from data but delivered outside of platform (Telmar
etc).
Can confidently answer client questions and liaise with internal teams on best solutions to use.
Problem Solving – Skilled
- Uses critical questioning and
maintains
a broad perspective when
analyzing
information to gain a deeper understanding of the problem and wider impact. Quickly generates
appropriate solutions
informed by
previous
experience. Understands how to resolve escalated issues and supports others to problem solve. Supports or leads troubleshooting communication for issues.
Stakeholder Relationships – Skilled
-
Has an expert knowledge of client and agency structures. Can
identify
key decision makers and understands their perspectives which is used to build relationships. Has strong knowledge of the client sector/industry which is shared to build strategies and plans.
Identifies
strategic issues and raises questions to help stakeholders explore and understand their wider business challenges.
Can easily suggest business solutions to match client/stakeholder needs and
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