Manager, OOH - Activation, UK

3307

 

Planning – Manager Job Description

Department: Planning
Reports to: Associate Director  
Location: OSB

About WPP Media OOH: Defining the Future of OOH Media

We are WPP Media OOH, a specialist unit within WPP Media, dedicated to influencing valuable audiences on the move. We partner with leading brands and agencies, both within WPP and independently, to deliver impactful OOH solutions.

This is a transformative time for OOH. We're experiencing significant growth, unlocking new creative possibilities, and driving disruption through data and tech innovation. WPP Media OOH is at the forefront of this evolution, leading the industry by delivering measurable, human-centric, and highly effective outcomes. We are a diverse team of passionate experts, united by our devotion to this dynamic medium.

The Opportunity: Planning – Manager

This is a role for an ambitious, highly skilled, and commercially minded Manager ready to drive strategic OOH campaigns and mentor the next generation of planning talent. Reporting directly to an Associate Director, you will take ownership of high-profile client accounts, crafting sophisticated OOH strategies, and leading junior team members by example. This position demands strategic foresight, operational mastery, and strong managerial skills, offering a direct pathway to influence major brands while advancing WPP Media OOH's market-leading reputation.

Key Responsibilities & Impact

As a Planning Manager, you will:

• Strategic Solution & Account Management: Lead the development and delivery of high-impact OOH solutions tailored to clients' business objectives and evolving sector dynamics.
• Team Management: Help manage, guide, and develop Associates / Senior Associates, setting high standards and leading by example to foster a high-performing team environment alongside your Associate Director and Director
• Performance Intelligence & Competitive Insight: Oversee comprehensive competitive analysis and post-campaign evaluations, transforming data into strategic insights that prove outcomes and elevate future planning.
• Vendor Strategy & Market Optimisation: Cultivate deep relationships with Media Owners, systematically collating vendor intelligence, and delivering up-to-date market reports and availability analyses to guide planning decisions.
• Data Integrity & Tool Mastery: Master and champion internal planning systems and proprietary tools, strictly adhering to our planning process while maintaining impeccable data integrity across internal databases.
• Operational & Campaign Oversight: Oversee end-to-end campaign management ensuring flawless campaign execution from brief to completion.
• Client Relationship & Problem Resolution: Act as a trusted partner to client contacts, proactively identifying, managing, and resolving complex client issues while building long-term, valuable relationships.
• Network & Business Growth: Deepen strong professional networks across WPP Media, contributing actively to group initiatives and driving collaborative growth opportunities.

Candidate Profile: Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a proactive, commercially astute, and highly organised professional with a proven track record in media planning, team leadership capability, and a genuine passion for the evolving OOH landscape. We are looking for active learners who bring a can-do attitude, proactive leadership style, and strong collaborative spirit. Curious, respectful, and diligent.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Proven Track Record: Demonstrable success in a media planning environment, including at least 2-3 years of experience at Associate / Senior Associate level, consistently exceeding performance expectations.
• OOH & General Media Acumen: A robust understanding of general media principles is essential, complemented by strong expertise or proven specialisation in Out-of-Home media.
• Team Management Capability: Experience or clear aptitude for delegating, mentoring, and managing junior team members
• Strategic & Commercial Insight: Strong numerical aptitude with a track record of managing complex client budgets effectively and navigating wider commercial considerations.
• Organisational Excellence & Multi-Tasking: Exceptional organisational and multi-tasking skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Technological & Digital Fluency: Confident in leveraging internal tools and digital platforms, rapid in adopting new technology (including AI solutions), Proficient in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Communication & Relationship Building: An articulate, confident, and engaging communicator (written, verbal, and listening) skilled at building productive, respectful relationships with internal colleagues, clients, and senior media owners.

Desired Qualities:

• Growth Mindset: Enthusiastic about continuous professional development and eager to take advantage of extensive training opportunities provided by WPP Media and external providers.
• Positive & Innovative Spirit: Possesses an engaging, optimistic, and forward-thinking demeanour, consistently "alive to possibilities" and eager to contribute to innovative agency solutions.
• Cultural Contributor: Passionate about contributing to wider WPP Media culture and initiatives, such as training, internal forums, and employee resource groups (e.g., Green Team, Team Roots, Team Pride, Team Enable, Mental Health Allies).

Education & Qualifications:

• GCSEs: Including English Language and Mathematics (Grade 6 / B or above).
• Higher Education: A-Levels (or equivalent standard) and a university degree are preferred.

What WPP Media OOH Offers You:

Joining WPP Media OOH means stepping into a senior role where your leadership directly shapes the future of OOH. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and belonging.

• Significant Impact & Leadership: The opportunity to lead high-profile accounts and influence major OOH campaigns while mentoring the next generation of media planners.
• Career Advancement: A structured environment for continuous executive development, mentorship, and accelerated career trajectory within the world’s largest advertising and marketing network.
• Cutting-Edge Innovation: Work at the forefront of OOH technology, AI integration, and strategic planning tools, pushing boundaries in a dynamic industry.
• Collaborative & Empowering Culture: Become a senior contributor to a supportive, vibrant, and diverse team that values agility, integrity, passion, and focus.
• Extensive Learning Resources: Access to world-class training programs and leadership development initiatives across WPP Media and external industry partners.
• Flexibility & Belonging: As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone belongs. We celebrate diversity and welcome discussions around flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact the WPP Media OOH recruitment team.

 

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