About WPP Media
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities. For more information, visit
WPP Media is WPP's global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit
About Wavemaker : A Leading WPP Media Brand
Wavemaker positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.
Role Summary and Impact
Wavemaker UK is looking for a Planning Manager to join our growing planning team, create impactful cross-channel campaigns, and build your media planning skills. Trainline is an innovative and purpose-led account that champions greener travel and sustainable habits.
In a competitive marketplace, we need to constantly evolve our planning and strategy to create smart, data-led, and innovative campaigns to keep Trainline front of mind with consumers.
From content-led partnerships with Time Out and PR'able executions on the Piccadilly Lights, to geo-targeted multi-channel activations, the Trainline account offers scope for testing and new opportunities.
In this role, you will:
Media planning
- Develop an understanding of media channels, including when, where, and how to use them based on the client brief.
- Have skilled knowledge of Wavemaker and industry media planning tools, and be able to train others.
- Understand industry best practices and planning theory.
- Develop knowledge of Wavemaker Purchase Journey thinking and Provocative Planning Philosophy.
Campaign management
- Own campaign activity, including team briefings, response collation, managing client deliverables, and ensuring accuracy across workstreams.
- Work with planning and activation teams for efficient account management.
- Bring in specialists as needed for briefs and client questions.
- Ensure timely financial management processes.
Effective communication
- Become a trusted main contact for junior clients, understanding their business and needs.
- Support and mentor Planning Executives, challenging them with new projects.
- Develop proactive problem-solving skills and escalate issues appropriately.
Skills and Experience
At WPP Media, we value our culture and people. It's essential to embrace our core values:
- Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire Creativity.
- Create an Open environment by Trust and balancing People and Client Experiences.
- Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development.
Practice Area Knowledge
- Know the media landscape, future trends, and best practices.
- Be comfortable using and briefing out various products, platforms, and systems.
- Develop industry understanding, and train others in tools and techniques.
- Present data-driven stories confidently, both directly from platforms and external sources.
Problem Solving
- Use focused questioning and research to understand problems and impacts.
- Generate solutions based on experience.
- Support others in resolving escalated issues.
- Provide communication support for troubleshooting with internal teams and third parties.
Stakeholder Relationships
- Cultivate and grow relationships with clients and stakeholders.
- Understand client businesses and decision-makers.
- Align with client and agency goals and challenges.
- Respond professionally and timely to requests.
Effective Communications
- Lead dialogues with internal and external stakeholders.
- Design tailored communications for different audiences.
- Present in meetings confidently.
Campaign Management
- Manage campaigns end-to-end, maintaining accurate plans and reports.
- Deliver insights and improve campaign performance.
- Manage campaign budgets effectively.
Compelling Storytelling
- Use industry knowledge to build persuasive stories and recommendations.
- Think strategically and leverage industry trends.
Ideas Creation
- Generate innovative ideas and solutions for growth.
- Engage in new projects to overcome barriers.
- Identify partners to bring ideas to life.
- Utilize industry trends for solutions.
Comms Planning
- Apply knowledge of client, audience, and channels for effective plans.
- Create strategies with measurable objectives.
- Visualize media plans across channels.
- Adjust budgets in-flight as needed.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
We invest in our employees' growth and well-being, offering competitive benefits, resource groups, and a collaborative culture. We support flexible working and are an equal opportunity employer. Please note this role is UK-based and requires the right to work in the UK. For privacy, see our Privacy Notice. We appreciate all applications; only selected candidates will be contacted.