Director, Media Planning

About the role

WPP Media is seeking a Director, Planning to lead integrated media strategy for Universal Pictures . This role is responsible for driving holistic, insight‑led planning across a portfolio of theatrical film releases, overseeing campaigns from strategy through execution and reporting. You will act as a senior client partner, providing leadership across planning, activation, and investment teams, while working closely with the Group Director and US counterparts to ensure seamless delivery, innovation, and best‑in‑class media solutions.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Client Leadership
• Lead development of holistic, film‑specific media plans aligned with Universal's business and marketing objectives
• Partner with the Group Director to ensure strategic alignment across all titles
• Provide strong, insight‑driven POVs rooted in data, audience understanding, and communication goals
• Present media strategies, performance updates, and recommendations to senior client stakeholders
• Proactively track and share media, technology, and category trends
• Campaign Oversight & Execution
• Maintain full accountability for all aspects of media plans, from strategy through execution and post‑campaign reporting
• Oversee campaign activity across all films, ensuring excellence in delivery and optimization
• Collaborate with Investment, Activation, and Performance teams to ensure best practices, market considerations, and effective budget allocation
• Manage plan changes and communicate updates clearly and promptly to Universal
• Support ad hoc initiatives including pacing, spend projections, and scenario planning
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing planning team
• Ensure clear delegation, accountability, and timely feedback
• Act as backup for the Group Director and Associate Director as needed
• Collaborate closely with US teams to ensure cross‑market alignment
• Partner with Activation and Investment leadership to drive consistent processes and ways of working
• What You Bring
• Bachelor's degree in Advertising, Marketing, Business, Communications, or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of media experience , with deep expertise across planning and integrated media
• Strong understanding of all major media channels, including TV, digital, social, search, OOH, and emerging platforms
• Proven ability to translate data into clear, compelling strategic recommendations
• Confident, polished communicator with strong client‑facing presence
• Experience working on entertainment or film accounts is a strong asset
• Life at WPP Media & Benefits
• WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Benefits

Additional Information

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 .

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