About EssenceMediacom: A Leading WPP Media Brand 
 
This role is within EssenceMediacom, a leading brand within WPP Media, where you will be instrumental in driving breakthroughs for the world’s best brands through data-driven media and creative strategies. 
 
Role Summary & Impact 
 
As a Manager of Planning, you will direct the day-to-day account activities of the group and play a key role in translating marketing and advertising objectives into overall media strategies. You will also direct the development of media plans consistent with the approved strategy. You will be responsible for developing the skills and knowledge of assigned Associate(s) and/or Senior Associate(s). 
 
Skills and Experience 

• Partner with the Director on all aspects of communication plan development and recommendations. 

• Demonstrate a full understanding of the Client’s businesses as a basis for all future work. 

• Determine and supervise the best possible implementation of all approved communication plans and projects. 

• Direct marketing and media analyses to support recommendations. 

• Act as primary planning/buying integration contact for outside agency partners. 

• Supervise, guide and counsel Senior Associate(s) and/or Associate(s) on all day-to-day activities. 

• Train planning staff in media and marketing disciplines as well as the specifics of the Client’s business and industry. 

• Accurately, objectively, and constructively evaluate the performance of Senior Associate(s) and/or Associate(s) via the talent development process. 

• Provide insightful updates to media and agency partners on the status of all account projects. 

• Assume ultimate media financial accountability with Client Accounting and agency partners. 

• Act with high integrity when managing solid relationships across agency and media partners to ensure brand understanding, more effectively sell ideas, and contribute to positive agency evaluations, 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in advertising, marketing, business administration or communication; OR equivalent professional work experience. 

• 3-4 years experience working within strategy/planning, preferably within a media agency setting. 

• Previous experience working across all media channels (digital and traditional). 

• Previous experience working with tools including MediaOcean, Prisma is preferred. 

• Previous experience working in a data-driven environment is a plus. 

• Able to work autonomously in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. 

• Adaptable to take direction and multi-task.