Planning Account Director

Company Description
Spark Foundry make up part of a thriving global media network and are part of the Publicis Groupe, one of the world's leading communications groups. We are globally connected with over 8,000 employees in 110 offices across 70 countries.

Who We Are in the UK?
Spark Foundry, the Acceleration Agency.
We help brands to identify, learn and respond to opportunities faster than the competition.

Every client has an area of their business they need to accelerate, from short-term goals to long-term transformation.

We've proven our approach during the most difficult year on record. Now we're using it to provide a launchpad for their future.

Come be an accelerator with us.

How We Accelerate

• Planning: an approach that works in practice rather than theory, arming planners with the ability to create cutting edge campaigns
• Intelligence: a suite of tools that give definitive answers to big questions, and uncovers actionable insights about real people
• Trading: a model built on flexibility and trusted relationships, underpinned with bold guarantees
• Relationships: a culture of asking challenging questions to better understand the brief - we are not a 'yes' agency
• People: a strong history of recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and accelerating their careers

Our Commitment
We are diverse though our experience, people and the clients we look after - and we celebrate that diversity. Our people hold us accountable to our beliefs and via regular surveys and our grass roots D&I team, The Collective, and internal next generation board, Firestarters, we hold regular events and work continually towards generating ideas, initiatives and educating our people to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive agency.

As part of our dedication to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, Spark Foundry is committed to equal access to opportunity for people without regard to race, age, sex, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.

Overview
Intro
We're looking for a
Planning Director
to lead strategy and planning across a portfolio of clients in the health and science sectors — working with brands that are advancing innovation, education, and wellbeing on a global scale.

This is a visible, senior client-facing role that blends strategic leadership, commercial thinking, and people management. You'll shape multi-market campaigns that drive both awareness and engagement — and work closely with clients who value curiosity, intelligence, and partnership.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the strategic planning and direction for a portfolio of complex, global accounts in the health and education space
• Translating business challenges into actionable, insight-led media strategies
• Partnering with senior clients and internal teams to drive innovation across all media channels
• Managing and developing a team of planners and managers, setting clear expectations and supporting their growth
• Overseeing annual planning, performance reviews and campaign optimisation
• Working cross-functionally with data, digital, and performance specialists to deliver integrated solutions
• Acting as a senior point of contact for clients, helping to strengthen relationships and identify opportunities for growth

What We're Looking For

• Senior experience in strategic media planning
• Strong client leadership and communication skills, comfortable with senior stakeholders
• Ability to translate complex topics into clear, actionable strategic plans
• A balance of brand and performance understanding, with a data-driven mindset
• Proven leadership and mentoring skills, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture

Why this role
This role offers the chance to work with clients doing genuinely meaningful work in health, science, and knowledge — where your strategic thinking helps make a real-world impact. You'll operate at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry, while enjoying the creative freedom and entrepreneurial culture that Spark Foundry is known for.

If you're a strategic leader who thrives on challenge, partnership, and purpose, this is the perfect next step.

Additional Information
Spark
has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Planswe 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.
• 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.

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us
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).