Media Planning Director, GOC

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by ourpioneeringagentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. As part of the Global Operations Centre (GOC), you will partner with client and regional teams across the United States, Europe, and Asia to elevate the quality of strategic output and strengthen WPP Media’s position as a trusted strategic marketing partner. We are looking for a Director, Media Planning who will:
- Partner with senior client and agency leads to develop communications strategies that address client business and marketing goals.
- Own the strategic foundation of client plans from insight development and audience definition through briefing, planning, activation, measurement, performance assessment, and action planning.
- Translate consumer, cultural, category, and business intelligence into clear target definitions, consumer journeys, brand opportunities, and actionable strategic choices.
- Develop integrated communications and content strategies with clear objectives, channel roles, deliverables, and measurement frameworks.
- Build credible relationships with key client, agency, and cross-functional stakeholders, and represent Strategy in integrated agency initiatives and collaborative working sessions.
- Define and raise the standard of strategic excellence by applying relevant global best practices, case studies, research, and learning to the client business.
- Partner with client leadership to build learning plans and strengthen strategic capability across client and agency teams.
- Ensure strategic intent remains integrated throughout delivery; identify gaps, mobilize the right teams, and course-correct plans when needed to protect quality and business impact.
- Lead, inspire, coach, and develop Strategy talent, creating clear expectations and supporting team members in building the skills required for growth. Skills and Experience If this opportunity looks right for you, we are looking for candidates who have:
- Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, business administration, communications, or equivalent professional experience.
- 8+ years of senior-level marketing experience, including at least 5 years in a strategy role with significant communications, media, and channel integration.
- Advanced English proficiency and the ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders across regions and cultures.
- Proven experience developing integrated marketing and communications strategies that translate business goals into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
- Strong knowledge of channel strategy, including digital and emerging media, with experience in advertising, digital, direct marketing, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative inputs into simple, compelling, and differentiated strategic narratives.
- Strong storytelling, facilitation, writing, and presentation skills, with the confidence to influence senior client and agency stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of consumer research approaches and data sources, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- A proven track record of leading, motivating, mentoring, and developing teams while collaborating effectively across disciplines and accounts.
- The judgment and agility to monitor delivery, identify strategic risks, and mobilize others to course-correct when needed. Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events.
Our benefitsincludeaccess to internal l earningplatforms,certifications, andtrainingsessions, life insurance, wellnessprograms, significantpaid time off, preferential partner discounts, employee mental health awarenessday, andmore. WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. We believe the best work happe