Manager Connection Planning

About WPP Media

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 our pioneering agentic 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.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

Role Overview

Manager Connection Planning leads the development of integrated, data-led media strategies that translate business objectives into scalable, high-impact channel plans.

This role is responsible for driving full-funnel effectiveness, balancing brand and performance outcomes, and ensuring media investments deliver measurable business growth. The Manager plays a key leadership role in shaping strategic direction, managing senior stakeholders, and guiding cross-functional teams to ensure excellence in planning and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Media & Communication Leadership

Lead the development of full-funnel, integrated media strategies across Search, Social, Display, Video, OOH, Retail Media, and emerging channels

Define clear channel roles, investment frameworks, budget allocations, and phasing strategies aligned to business goals

Drive both always-on frameworks and high-impact launch/seasonal strategies

Ensure media plans balance short-term performance and long-term brand equity

Data-Led Strategy & Commercial Impact

Translate performance data, audience insights, and market signals into strategic recommendations

Identify growth opportunities, investment reallocations, and optimization strategies

Lead performance reviews and proactively recommend re-planning where necessary

Ensure planning decisions are grounded in measurable KPIs (awareness, consideration, ROAS, CPA, LTV)

Drive accountability on business impact, not just media delivery

Complex Account & Portfolio Management

Oversee planning across multiple product categories, business units, and price tiers

Integrate e-commerce, app, CRM, and retail touchpoints into cohesive media ecosystems

Navigate high-frequency launches, promotional cycles, and seasonal bursts with structured planning frameworks

Manage budget forecasting and scenario planning across multiple stakeholders

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead and mentor Planning Executives/Senior Executives

Provide direction, quality control, and development feedback

Collaborate closely with platform, performance, analytics, and investment teams to ensure feasibility and operational excellence

Align strategic ambition with budget realities, timelines, and platform constraints

Support Group Heads/Business Directors in driving account growth

Senior Client & Stakeholder Management

Act as key planning lead in client meetings and strategic discussions

Confidently articulate media rationale, investment decisions, and growth frameworks

Respond to complex briefs with structured, insight-driven thinking

Drive quarterly planning reviews and annual strategy development

Build trusted advisor relationships with senior client stakeholders

Key Capabilities & Skills

Strong mastery of media planning fundamentals and integrated channel strategy

Deep understanding of performance metrics, attribution, incrementality, and optimization frameworks

Ability to connect business strategy, marketing objectives, and media investment decisions

Structured, analytical thinking with strong attention to detail

Commercially aware and growth-oriented mindset

Strong stakeholder management and presentation skills

Experience managing or mentoring junior team members

Basic Requirements

4–6+ years of experience in media planning, performance strategy, or integrated planning

Proven experience leading complex or large advertiser accounts

Strong expertise across digital channels (Search, Social, Display, Video)

Experience with e-commerce and performance-driven business models preferred

Advanced PowerPoint and Excel / Google Sheets skills

Bachelor’s degree required

About WPP Media

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective, bringing together world-class media agencies, talent, and capabilities. We partner with clients to unlock growth by combining strategic thinking, creativity, and performance-driven media solutions.

At WPP Media, our people and culture are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in strong collaboration, trust, and continuous growth to deliver exceptional results for our clients and meaningful experiences for our teams.

Our Core Values

We're Open – We build trust and enhance understanding by working collaboratively across teams, clients, and partners.

We're Optimistic – We embrace change with a growth mindset to unlock our collective potential.

We're Extraordinary – We push boundaries and challenge the status quo to drive innovation and growth.

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