Media Planning Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Media Planning Manager

🔹 Company: EssenceMediacom

🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Permanent (Full Time)

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: June 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing strategic media plans
• Managing media activity to meet campaign objectives
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Analyzing campaign performance and providing insights
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with media owners

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the media landscape, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement strategic media plans that deliver against campaign objectives

✅ Manage media activity to ensure delivery against campaign objectives

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure plans are executed effectively

✅ Analyze campaign performance and provide insights to optimize future plans

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with media owners to ensure innovative plans

✅ Brief other specialist teams on tactical approach to ensure excellence in implementation planning

✅ Develop and oversee publisher briefs, including custom executions and review responses

✅ Input into post-campaign reviews with insightful analysis to demonstrate planning effectiveness

✅ Keep current on new market technologies and innovative solutions for clients

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in media planning or a related role

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in media planning
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Strong organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and media planning software

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific media planning tools (e.g., MediaMind, Adform, etc.)
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in digital media planning and a strong understanding of data analysis will be particularly well-suited to this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (based on experience level and industry standards)

Benefits:

• Medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance
• Significant paid time off
• Preferential partner discounts
• Employee mental health awareness days

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role, experience level, and location. The actual salary may vary based on the company's internal compensation structure and the candidate's qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 2018 (as EssenceMediacom; previously Essence and MediaCom)

Company Description:

• EssenceMediacom is a global, data-driven media agency that combines creativity, technology, and data science to deliver innovative media solutions
• The agency is a joint venture between WPP and GroupM, formed in 2018 by merging Essence and MediaCom
• EssenceMediacom has over 10,000 employees across 120 offices in 96 markets and billings of more than US$22 billion

Company Specialties:

• Media planning and buying
• Data-driven insights and analytics
• Creative technology and production
• Strategic consulting and business transformation

Company Website: https://www.essencemediacom.com

ASSUMPTION: EssenceMediacom's large size and global presence offer extensive opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse clients and markets.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Account Director or Senior Account Manager

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days in office per week)

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to senior roles within media planning or related fields
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as strategy, account management, or client services
• International assignments or secondments to gain experience in different markets

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and work-life balance, while the company's size and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art facilities

Office Location(s): 1 Southwark Bridge Rd, London, England SE1 9HL, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global hub for advertising, marketing, and media industries
• The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and excellent connectivity via public transportation
• London's time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which may require flexibility for international collaboration

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)

ASSUMPTION: The modern office environment and central London location provide an ideal setting for collaboration, creativity, and work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call with the hiring manager
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Final round interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Media planning and strategy
• Analytical skills and data interpretation
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and team dynamics

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability
• Research EssenceMediacom's clients, industry trends, and the company's unique value proposition
• Practice presenting your media planning ideas and strategies using relevant data and examples

ATS Keywords: Media Planning, Strategic Planning, Campaign Management, Data Analysis, Media Buying, Advertising, Marketing, Market Research, Client Relationship Management, Teamwork, Collaboration, Communication, Presentation, Microsoft Office Suite, Media Planning Software

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing your media planning skills, analytical abilities, and cultural fit within the EssenceMediacom team.

🛠 Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Media planning software (e.g., MediaMind, Adform, etc.)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant media planning software and data visualization tools will be essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Embracing change and continuous learning
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve exceptional results
• Integrity: Acting with honesty and transparency in all aspects of work
• Diversity: Fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected

Work Style:

• Data-driven and analytical approach to decision-making
• Agile and adaptable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
• Results-oriented and committed to delivering high-quality work

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies in media planning?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your media planning strategy due to unexpected changes or challenges?
• How do you approach working with diverse teams and stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with EssenceMediacom's values and work style will be better equipped to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's ongoing success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the advertising industry and client demands
• Navigating a large, matrixed organization with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Adapting to changes in media consumption patterns and emerging technologies

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Media Planning Manager vs. Media Strategist: Both roles focus on developing and implementing media strategies, but the Media Strategist role may involve more high-level, strategic decision-making and less day-to-day tactical execution
• Media Planning Manager vs. Account Manager: While both roles work closely with clients, the Account Manager role typically involves more client relationship management, strategic planning, and team leadership, while the Media Planning Manager role focuses more on tactical media planning and execution
• Media Planning Manager vs. Media Buyer: The Media Planning Manager role involves developing media strategies and plans, while the Media Buyer role focuses on negotiating and purchasing media inventory to execute those plans

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between these related roles can help candidates determine which path best aligns with their career goals and interests.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive media plan for a major product launch, including target audience analysis, channel selection, and budget allocation
• Conducting a media audit to identify inefficiencies and optimize campaign performance
• Creating a custom publisher brief to secure unique advertising opportunities and enhance campaign impact
• Analyzing post-campaign data to identify trends, insights, and opportunities for future campaigns

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for success in the Media Planning Manager role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its media planning team members?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the media industry, and how does the company approach addressing them?
• How does the company foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between its various media planning teams and other departments?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of media planning campaigns, and how are they tracked and reported?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and can provide valuable insights into the work environment and team dynamics.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the EssenceMediacom careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for the interview process by researching EssenceMediacom's clients, industry trends, and the company's unique value proposition
• Practice presenting your media planning ideas and strategies using relevant data and examples
• Follow up with the hiring team after the interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.