Planning Lead

Description:

EssenceMediacom is looking for a Planning Lead to drive brand and media planning strategies that go beyond traditional advertising. The selected candidate will play a key role in developing insight-rooted media plans, managing brand reservation-based media activity, and ensuring the adoption of emerging technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to work with senior and mid-level clients, collaborate across multiple teams, and contribute to innovative media solutions in a dynamic agency environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Media Planning & Client Management:

• Act as the main point of contact for Planning across senior and mid-level clients.
• Lead client check-ins, presentations, and strategic discussions.
• Define budget allocations across media channels, ensuring efficiency and precision.
• Work closely with the Strategy team to align media context with broader business objectives.
• Conduct big idea brainstorming sessions and foster innovation in media planning.

Collaboration & Innovation:

• Collaborate with specialist teams and publishers, reviewing responses and refining media plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with media owners to ensure the most innovative and effective campaigns.
• Continually explore new market technologies and partnership opportunities to drive business impact.
• Lead planning framework development and deployment to enhance best practices.

Performance Analysis & Process Improvement:

• Oversee and analyze post-campaign reviews, providing insightful analysis on media effectiveness.
• Support the development of country-level planning outputs such as Upfronts and country reviews.
• Foster cross-team collaboration to ensure smooth execution of plans.
• Drive process efficiency by leading stream two processes (automation, integration, and optimization of planning workflows).

Key Requirements:

✅ Professional Experience & Industry Knowledge:

• Proven experience in a digital media agency, with a strong understanding of media planning.
• Expertise in brand strategy, digital media channels, and data-driven insights.
• Experience working with reservation-based media and multi-channel advertising strategies.

✅ Technical & Analytical Skills:

• Strong analytical skills – ability to interpret raw data, extract insights, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Ability to manage budget allocations, ensuring cost-effective and high-performing campaigns.
• Experience working with media analytics tools and planning software is a plus.

✅ Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present insights confidently.
• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to build relationships and influence clients, partners, and colleagues.
• A collaborative approach, capable of working in a team-oriented environment while also taking initiative when needed.

About EssenceMediacom:

EssenceMediacom is a global communications agency that drives breakthrough brand growth by combining media innovation, data insights, and strategic planning. With over 10,000 professionals worldwide, the agency is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.

EssenceMediacom offers a dynamic work culture that fosters career growth, supports diversity, and encourages collaboration and creativity. The agency takes pride in challenging conventional thinking and delivering innovative media solutions that drive real business impact.

Why Join EssenceMediacom?

✔ Work with top-tier clients and industry leaders in media planning.
✔ Innovate with emerging media technologies and drive strategic growth.
✔ Collaborate in a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment.
✔ Career advancement and learning opportunities in a global agency.