Director, Planning (AI Media)

TL;DR

Director, Planning (AI Media): Leading integrated media planning and growth strategies for ITV's consumer brand, major television launches, and ITVX acquisition with an accent on digital, data, ad-tech integration, and AI-powered planning. Focus on directing complex client strategy, managing commercial performance and large teams, and building innovative campaigns that accelerate streaming growth.

Location: London, United Kingdom, with a hybrid schedule of approximately four days per week at the WPP Southbank campus. This is a UK-based role and requires the right to work in the United Kingdom.

Company

hirify.global is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, combining media, data, partnerships, and the WPP Open platform to deliver personalised marketing at scale.

What you will do

• Lead the strategic and operational planning relationship for ITV, covering brand building, major show launches, and digital acquisition for ITVX.
• Own the quality of integrated media plans across offline, digital, performance, data, and ad-tech channels.
• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders and deliver client satisfaction and performance-related fee objectives.
• Drive adoption of AI-powered planning tools, automated systems, and data-driven solutions across the account.
• Manage financial forecasting, billing, commercial governance, contractual media targets, and revenue growth opportunities.
• Lead, develop, and retain a multi-level planning team while contributing to thought leadership and strategic new business pitches.

Requirements

• Extensive experience leading large, multi-level planning and account teams within a media agency.
• Experience managing high-profile consumer brands and integrated communications planning across offline, digital, and performance channels.
• Strong understanding of digital media, automated planning tools, AI-driven platforms, and data-led marketing.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen across large budgets, agency profitability, contractual SLAs, barter, and contra arrangements.
• Strong leadership, communication, client relationship, and team development skills.
• UK-based with the right to work in the United Kingdom; hybrid attendance at the WPP Southbank campus is expected approximately four days per week.

Nice to have

• Deep knowledge of broadcast, digital video, streaming, entertainment, and pop culture.
• Experience delivering award-winning media and marketing campaigns.
• Thought leadership experience in the entertainment and streaming category.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working environment focused on creativity, collaboration, and connection.
• Access to hirify.global and wider WPP networks for learning, networking, and career development.
• Employee resource groups, in-office events, and thought leadership sessions.
• Medical, dental, vision, and group retirement benefits.
• Paid time off, partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.
• Inclusive workplace with equal opportunity and career progression support.