Associate Planner, Client Leadership

About the role

The associate planner joins the planning team at EssenceMediacom to support the conception and delivery of multimedia campaigns for leading advertisers. This role is responsible for translating high-level strategy into actionable plans across a diverse range of channels while maintaining strict attention to detail. You will work within a data and technology-driven environment, using analytical thinking to solve complex communication challenges. Success in this position depends on your ability to collaborate effectively with channel specialists, clients, and internal stakeholders. The role involves owning specific elements of campaign reporting and contributing to performance reviews that shape future optimizations. You will be expected to develop expertise across specialist areas such as digital, retail, and brand through structured learning opportunities. Building strong relationships with both internal teams and external media partners is essential to ensure smooth campaign execution. Ultimately, your work will support the delivery of innovative media solutions that address the modern marketing paradox faced by clients.

Key facts

What you'll do

Analyze complex marketing challenges and translate them into structured multimedia campaign strategies.

Develop detailed media plans that integrate channel specialisms and align with overarching business objectives.

Support the creation of innovative partnerships by incorporating emerging media capabilities into client proposals.

Own specific components of campaign reporting, ensuring accuracy and clarity for internal and external stakeholders.

Conduct performance reviews of active campaigns, identifying opportunities for optimization and improvement.

Interact directly with clients to clarify requirements, manage expectations, and maintain strong professional relationships.

Collaborate with channel specialists to develop cohesive cross-channel strategies that maximize campaign impact.

Utilize media planning platforms, data analysis tools, and WPP Open intelligence to inform strategic decisions.

Build and maintain relationships with external media partners to secure optimal placement and value for clients.

Participate in structured upskilling opportunities to deepen expertise across various planning disciplines.

Contribute to the continuous improvement of planning processes and methodologies within the team.

Support the documentation and presentation of campaign insights to both internal and external audiences.

Assist in the development of long-term media strategies that evolve with market trends and audience behaviors.

Demonstrate reliability by meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards in all planning deliverables.

Engage in proactive learning to stay current with media innovations and best practices in campaign planning.

Requirements

Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of experience in a relevant field.

Demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively under tight deadlines.

Apply meticulous attention to detail when managing planning documents and campaign deliverables.

Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, stakeholders, and internal team members.

Work independently while remaining collaborative within a team environment.

Complete assigned tasks within agreed timeframes without compromising quality.

Secure the right to work in the United Kingdom without restrictions.

Show willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, processes, and media channel requirements.

Exhibit problem-solving abilities when faced with ambiguous or evolving client requirements.

Maintain a professional attitude and commitment to excellence in all aspects of planning work.

Be prepared to engage in regular meetings, reviews, and feedback sessions to support team goals.

Demonstrate reliability and consistency in performance over the duration of the engagement.

Be comfortable working in a fast-paced, data-driven media agency environment.

Engage positively with change and support continuous improvement initiatives within the team.

Nice to have

Exposure to media planning platforms and data analysis tools used in the industry.

Familiarity with campaign reporting frameworks and performance measurement techniques.

Experience in client-facing roles or scenarios that require clear and confident communication.

Understanding of multimedia channel ecosystems and how they intersect in campaign delivery.

Practical notes

The role is based in Manchester, with a hybrid schedule requiring four days in the office.

Success in three months includes becoming an established team member and completing required training.

Success in six months includes overseeing workstreams and earning the trust of account leads.

Accommodation or flexibility can be discussed during the interview process if needed.

Typical interview steps

Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds. Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions. Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.

Good to know

EssenceMediacom operates as a media-focused agency grounded in analytics, insights, and technology.

The role provides exposure to fast-paced planning and direct client interaction at the forefront of media innovation.

Core tools and methods include media planning platforms, data analysis, and WPP Open intelligence.

General media planning skills apply to channel specialisms such as digital, retail, and brand campaigns.

This position emphasizes continuous learning, collaborative problem-solving, and measurable ownership of campaign outcomes.

Questions to ask

Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.

Career growth

Careers in this field grow through a mix of experience, responsibility, and demonstrated results. Early years build skills; later years build ownership. Many professionals switch focus areas or companies to keep growing. Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and reputation. Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure others can see the outcomes.