Planning Director

Senior Talent Acquisition Partner for Zenith UK and Spark Foundry, recruiting Media Planning, Strategy and Account Management rolesCompany Description We help brands make BOLD MOVES. Nowadays, brands want rapid, spectacular growth and they expect media to deliver it. Clients used to give us media briefs that said “deliver 80% awareness” or “give me an impactful Christmas campaign.” Now we hear “Take me from 4th to 1st in my category” “Help me grow 10% in a market declining 10%” “Make me the most loved brand in my industry”. These are huge asks of media, that can’t be met through tweaking the media plan of two years ago. Decades of advertising research prove that without a big change, large brands stay large and small brands stay small. This is why Zenith help brands make BOLD MOVES. Bold moves are big, brave changes to media strategy, delivering more impact for brands and more value for consumers. Bold moves are backed up with a solid forecast - they are a better path to growth. Bold moves build a partnership - we believe in this approach so much we link our growth to your success. Bold Moves bring bigger ROI. This approach works for our clients, our people and consumers - it’s why we are recognised as the UK’s best media agency. Our Commitment At Zenith UK, we believe that fostering an inclusive culture where all talent can thrive makes our company stronger. It enables a greater idea exchange, which fosters innovation and creativity, and enriches our perspective. We are committed to Publicis Groupe’s wide variety of talent engagement and inclusion programming, and encourage our people to take an active role in continuing to drive positive change within our agency.Overview We’re looking for a Planning Director to lead the media planning for one of the UK’s most dynamic entertainment brands — home to some of the biggest sporting moments and cultural events on TV. This is a high-profile, fast-moving account where your work will be seen by millions, spanning sport, film, and premium entertainment. You’ll be stepping into a visible and influential role — working closely with senior client stakeholders to shape strategy, drive creative media thinking, and deliver outstanding campaigns that connect audiences with world-class entertainment experiences. This is the perfect opportunity for a senior planner who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and wants to work on category-defining work across entertainment.What You’ll Be DoingLeading strategic media planning and creative media thinking across the entertainment sectorTranslating high-level client briefs into smart, audience-first media strategies that balance brand and commercial goalsPartnering closely with strategists, channel leads, and creative partners to deliver integrated and innovative plansActing as a trusted client advisor — confidently leading large meetings and navigating multiple stakeholder prioritiesManaging, motivating, and developing a high-performing team of managers and executivesOverseeing planning excellence and ensuring best practice across all campaign deliveryWorking closely with internal data, digital, and AV specialists to unlock new opportunities through insight and technologySupporting the Business Director to deliver operational excellence and strong commercial performanceWhat We’re Looking ForSenior-level media planning experience across sport, entertainment, or high-volume brand accountsStrong understanding of AV and channel planning, with experience in commercial or content-led environmentsStrategic mindset with the ability to turn briefs into clear, actionable responsesConfident, articulate communicator with strong presentation skills and the gravitas to lead large meetingsProven people manager who can motivate, mentor and support team members at all levelsExcellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skillsHighly organised, adaptable, and comfortable operating at pace with shifting prioritiesPassion for sport or entertainment — with a natural curiosity for cultural trends and audience behavioursWhy this roleThis is a rare opportunity to work on one of the most fast-paced, culturally visible accounts in the UK, delivering campaigns that reach millions and spark national conversations. You’ll lead planning across some of the most exciting sporting and entertainment moments on TV with the creative freedom to think big. You’ll join a collaborative, social team, with access to extensive learning opportunities. As part of Publicis Media, you’ll also benefit from industry-leading tools, data, and innovation programmes that keep your work ahead of the curve. If you’re a natural leader who loves the buzz of big ideas, fast-moving campaigns, and seeing your work come to life on screen, this is the perfect next step.Additional InformationZenith UK has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer;WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.REFLECTION DAYS - Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care.HELP@HAND BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity. Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week. We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process. Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).Seniority levelNot ApplicableEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionBusiness Development and SalesIndustries: Advertising ServicesReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Zenith UK by 2xGet notified about new Planning Director jobs in London, England, United Kingdom. #J-18808-Ljbffr