Media Planning Manager

About UsUM is a global media agency committed to empowering brands to their full potential of growth through the power of patterns by opening a brand's aperture and rejecting black-and-white marketing decisions. As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people serving a roster of global clients including American Express, General Mills, Kenvue, Levi Strauss & Co, Dyson, Enterprise holdings, Upfield, Eat Takeaway.com and Mattel. For more information, please visit uk.umww.comRole DescriptionA Comms Manager is a pivotal role in any client team. They are the bridge between strategy and execution. A good manager is connected to daily campaign delivery while managing upwards to push wider agency initiatives.We're looking for an enthusiastic and proactive individual to join the team as Comms Manager to work on multiple exciting accounts like Hershey's and Energizer.We're looking for someone with a strong track record of success in fast-paced environments, with experience in strategic planning and a holistic approach. You should consistently go above and beyond for clients, delivering innovative solutions whenever possible.You will need to be an all-rounder who can engage in well informed client conversations, maintain a channel neutral perspective, and bring a balanced skill set in both brand and performance marketing, tailored to meet client needs.You will need to have experience in successfully managing advertising campaigns from initial briefing through to delivery and post-campaign analysis. You should have the ability to distil category and competitor analysis into clear, actionable opportunities, leveraging insights to refine media strategies and continuously improve campaign performance through learnings and optimizations.You'll also need to build excellent relationships with both internal teams and external media partners, ensuring recommendations evolve with industry trends to deliver innovative, leading-edge campaigns. Additionally, you'll cultivate strong client relationships rooted in expertise, confidence, and trust.As the main point of contact for clients, you'll bring a deep understanding of their business and market, responding to client needs with enthusiasm and insight.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee day to day management of client relationships, along with the rest of the team, earning the trust and respect of the client and key contacts.Develop deep understanding of client's products and business challengesResponsible for the delivery of the Planning process.Understanding audience's that can unlock growth for client business and use consumer insights to build and shape the communication approachAdd strategic value where possible. Deliver insight led reports to clients to assist in evolving the media approach and build learnings and optimisations to make campaigns better.Collaborate closely with media partners to align performance against client expectation and new opportunities.Manage and support the junior members of the team in:Delivery of the media planning that feeds into key agency outputHigh quality accuracy of media plans and financial diligenceDeliver insightful documents ( planning through to PCAs)Work seamlessly with Strategy and Specialist teams to ensure brilliant thinking is turned into brilliant implementationShare knowledge and understanding across the team and wider agencyUnderstands the importance of brilliant basics and how client servicing is key to building strong relationships with clients. These brilliant basics include replying to client emails within a timely manner, sense checking your work, and keeping up with financial reconciliations.Follows processes and procedures put in place for effective delivery of campaigns, performance reports and finance reconciliations to meet client expectations.Desired Skills & ExperiencePassionate about media and the role an agency can play in the evolving communications mix.Expertise in using audience planning tools such as TGI, YouGov, Etelmar, Power Point, Excel and finance programs such as DDS and Prisma.Highly organised individual with experience in managing digital campaignsExceptional attention to detailOutstanding communication and relationship-building skillsHighly personable, collaborative and team-orientedEnthusiastic and pro-active, always looking to make positive contribution and get involvedA self-motivated and driven person who has an entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to succeed and achieveExperience working on a range of brands, and across a wide range of media channels. Ideally someone with digital first experience who has been responsible for the implementation and management of campaigns.Employee TransparencyAt IPG Mediabrands, we celebrate differences and believe this makes us stronger. IPG Mediabrands are equal-opportunity employers committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.Please reach out to our Talent Inclusion Specialist Jess at Jess.Richardson@mbww.com if you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding any adjustments that would ensure our recruitment process is accessible for you. Please note requesting a reasonable adjustment will not affect your application.The PerksWe aim to provide all our people with a supportive and fun work environment where you can develop your full potential and benefit from the broad range of opportunities within the agency. When you join us, we want to make sure you feel valued – and that you are rewarded for your fantastic work. So, we also offer a range of benefits:Flexi–leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New YearFree breakfast and free lunchEarly finish FridaysCore Hours (Mon-Thurs, flexible start/finish times)Retail discountsElectric vehicle salary sacrifices car schemeWellbeing programme, including Headspace & flu jabsInterest free season ticket loanPaid time off for VolunteeringGroup Income ProtectionLife AssurancePrivate Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (dependent on level)Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions from 3-6%Generous Parental Leave & PayIndependent mortgage adviceFinancial educationEmployee Assistance ProgrammeFree eye testsFlexible benefits including Dental, Travel insurance, Cycle to Work, Gym Discounts and many more