Media Planning Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Media Planning Manager

🔹 Company: VML Enterprise Solutions

🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Media Planning

🔹 Date Posted: May 22, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing media strategies for a key FMCG client
• Overseeing multiple campaigns with a focus on full-funnel performance
• Collaborating with retail media partners to leverage first-party data
• Managing project timelines and ensuring timely delivery of campaign components
• Analyzing campaign performance and providing data-driven optimizations

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop innovative and effective media strategies that align with client business objectives and marketing goals

✅ Manage the end-to-end planning, execution, and optimization of multiple media campaigns across various channels

✅ Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of full-funnel performance media and implement strategies that optimize performance at each stage

✅ Collaborate closely with key retail media partners to effectively utilize their platforms and first-party data for targeted and impactful campaigns

✅ Champion the strategic use of first-party data to enhance audience targeting, personalization, and overall campaign effectiveness

✅ Ensure the timely delivery of all campaign components, including assets, Response to Briefs (RTBs), Post Campaign Analyses (PCAs), and other critical deliverables

✅ Monitor campaign performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), providing regular reports, insights, and data-driven recommendations for optimization

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with the client, internal teams (creative, account management, analytics), and external media and technology partners

✅ Stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in media planning, performance marketing, and retail media

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: Proven experience in a media planning role, preferably within an agency environment

Required Skills:

• Proven experience working on large-scale, complex media campaigns, ideally for FMCG or retail clients
• A very solid understanding of full-funnel media strategies and performance marketing principles
• Hands-on experience working with retail media networks and leveraging first-party data
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify insights, and translate them into actionable media strategies
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in media planning and reporting tools (e.g., Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, Programmatic DSPs, analytics platforms)

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with platforms like Dunnhumby, Nectar360, or similar
• Experience working with a global client base

ASSUMPTION: A strong understanding of the FMCG industry and retail media landscape is highly desirable for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £50,000 - £65,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Training opportunities
• Competitive pension
• Medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Social events
• Opportunities to buy and sell holidays
• Family-friendly policies
• Discounts with hundreds of retailers

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: VML Enterprise Solutions operates within the IT Services and IT Consulting sector, focusing on eCommerce platforms, personalization, optimization, and strategic consultancy for global brands.

Company Size: VML Enterprise Solutions is part of the larger VMLY&R network, employing over 30,000 people across 150+ offices in 64 markets worldwide. Within the Enterprise Solutions division, there are over 4,200 experts in 55 operational centers across 34 countries.

Founded: VMLY&R was founded in 2018 through the merger of VML and Wunderman Thompson, with VML's heritage dating back to 2001.

Company Description:

• VML Enterprise Solutions brings together VML’s technology and data groups to form a single operating unit that services complex business challenges using the agency’s combined consulting, data, technology, and innovation capabilities.
• The division integrates deep technology services capability into VML’s core practices of Brand Experience, Commerce, and Customer Experience.
• VML Enterprise Solutions works with some of the most exciting brands, such as The Coca-Cola Company, EY, Bosch, Unilever, Ford, DFS, Mercedes-Benz, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Shell, and Tiffany & Co.

Company Specialties:

• eCommerce platforms
• Personalization
• Optimization
• eCommerce Managed Services
• Marketplace Strategy
• Supply Chain
• Content & Creative
• Proprietary Data and Data Services
• Strategic Consultancy
• CRM & Loyalty
• Retailer enablement and Engagement
• Marketplace execution and optimization
• Innovation Trailling
• and Business model definition

Company Website: VML Enterprise Solutions

ASSUMPTION: VML Enterprise Solutions is part of the larger VMLY&R network, which is a global leader in brand experience, commerce, and customer experience, with a strong focus on technology and data-driven solutions.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management stage, with opportunities for growth and progression within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Media Planning Manager will report directly to the Head of Media Planning and will work closely with the client, internal teams, and external partners.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with a flexible work arrangement that may include hybrid or remote work options, depending on the client's needs and the candidate's preferences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior Media Planning Manager or similar role within the organization
• Expanding responsibilities and team leadership opportunities as the client base and campaign portfolio grow
• Potential to work on global accounts and gain international experience

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop both media planning and leadership skills.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The London office is located in the heart of the city, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment.

Office Location(s): 180 Hampstead Road, Greater London House, London, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global city with a thriving business ecosystem, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development
• The city is home to numerous multinational corporations, advertising agencies, and media outlets
• London's diverse cultural scene, rich history, and excellent transportation links make it an attractive place to live and work

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The London office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and a member of the HR team
• Final interview with the Head of Media Planning and other key stakeholders
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Media planning and strategy development skills
• Campaign management and project delivery capabilities
• Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant media planning experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of the FMCG industry and retail media landscape
• Prepare examples of successful media campaigns you've managed, including challenges faced and outcomes achieved
• Research the company and the client they work with to show your enthusiasm and understanding of their business
• Follow up with the HR team after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

ATS Keywords: Media Planning, Campaign Management, Performance Marketing, Retail Media, First-Party Data, Project Management, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Media Planning Tools

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the client and the candidate pool. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the HR team and to be proactive in communicating your interest and qualifications.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads
• Meta Ads Manager
• Programmatic DSPs
• Analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Retail media platforms (e.g., Dunnhumby, Nectar360)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the client's needs and the projects being undertaken. Familiarity with industry-standard media planning and project management tools is essential.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Connect Meaningfully: Building strong, lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners
• Inspire Creatively: Pushing the boundaries of what's possible and delivering innovative solutions
• Include Purposefully: Fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected
• Approach Positively: Maintaining a positive attitude and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth

Work Style:

• Collaborative: Working closely with internal teams, clients, and external partners to achieve common goals
• Adaptable: Embracing change and adjusting to new situations as they arise
• Proactive: Taking initiative and driving projects forward without constant supervision
• Data-driven: Making informed decisions based on data analysis and insights

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with the company's value of 'Connect Meaningfully,' and how would you apply this value in your role as Media Planning Manager?
• How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and how do you approach change and adaptability in your work style?
• How do you ensure that your work style aligns with the company's collaborative and data-driven culture, and how do you maintain a positive attitude when facing challenges?

ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is a critical aspect of the hiring process, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple campaigns simultaneously, with tight deadlines and high client expectations
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in media planning, performance marketing, and retail media
• Navigating the complexities of the FMCG industry and retail media landscape
• Working with diverse stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and external partners, each with their own priorities and expectations
• Balancing the need for data-driven decision-making with the need for creative and innovative solutions

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, a solid understanding of the industry and client landscape, and a proactive, collaborative approach to work.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on full-funnel performance media and the strategic use of first-party data for targeted and impactful campaigns
• Within the FMCG industry, this role requires a deep understanding of retail media networks and the ability to leverage first-party data to enhance audience targeting, personalization, and overall campaign effectiveness
• Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in senior media planning or management positions, with the potential to work on global accounts and gain international experience

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within the media planning and performance marketing fields, with a strong focus on the FMCG industry and retail media landscape.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a full-funnel media strategy for a key FMCG client, optimizing performance at each stage of the marketing funnel
• Collaborating with retail media partners to create targeted and impactful campaigns, leveraging first-party data to enhance audience targeting and personalization
• Managing the end-to-end planning, execution, and optimization of multiple media campaigns across various channels, ensuring timely delivery of all campaign components and meeting client expectations

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and required skills for the Media Planning Manager role, with a focus on full-funnel performance media, retail media, and first-party data utilization.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical media planning process for a key FMCG client, and how would you approach developing and executing a full-funnel performance media strategy for this client?
• How do you collaborate with retail media partners to effectively utilize their platforms and first-party data for targeted and impactful campaigns, and how do you ensure the strategic use of first-party data to enhance overall campaign effectiveness?
• How do you manage multiple campaigns simultaneously, with tight deadlines and high client expectations, and how do you ensure the timely delivery of all campaign components?
• How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in media planning, performance marketing, and retail media, and how do you apply this knowledge to your work?
• How do you balance the need for data-driven decision-making with the need for creative and innovative solutions, and how do you ensure that your media strategies align with the client's business objectives and marketing goals?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role's key responsibilities, their relevant experience, and their fit with the company's culture and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant media planning experience and skills, with a focus on full-funnel performance media, retail media, and first-party data utilization
• Prepare examples of successful media campaigns you've managed, including challenges faced and outcomes achieved, and be ready to discuss these examples during your interview
• Research the company and the client they work with to show your enthusiasm and understanding of their business, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements
• Follow up with the HR team after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications, and be prepared to provide additional information or clarify any aspects of your application as needed

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