Planning Manager

Company Description

We help brands make BOLD MOVES

Nowadays, brands want rapid, spectacular growth and they expect media to deliver it.

Clients used to give us media briefs that said “deliver 80% awareness” or “give me an impactful Christmas campaign.”

Now we hear

“Take me from 4th to 1st in my category”

“Help me grow 10% in a market declining 10%”

“Make me the most loved brand in my industry”

These are huge asks of media, that can’t be met through tweaking the media plan of two years ago.

Decades of advertising research prove that without a big change, large brands stay large and small brands stay small.

This is why Zenith help brands make BOLD MOVES.

Bold moves are big, brave changes to media strategy, delivering more impact for brands and more value for consumers.

Bold moves are backed up with a solid forecast – they are a better path to growth.

Bold moves build a partnership – we believe in this approach so much we link our growth to your success.

Bold Moves bring bigger ROI

This approach works for our clients, our people and consumers – it’s why we are recognised as the UK’s best media agency.

Our Commitment
At Zenith UK, we believe that fostering an inclusive culture where all talent can thrive makes our company stronger. It enables a greater idea exchange, which fosters innovation and creativity, and enriches our perspective.We are committed to Publicis Groupe’s wide variety of talent engagement and inclusion programming, and encourage our people to take an active role in continuing to drive positive change within our agency.

Job Description

The Role

Zenith UK is looking for a talented Planning Manager to join our team, working on both the Reckitt Health and Edrington accounts. This is an exciting opportunity to manage media planning for some of the UK’s most well-known health brands, as well as leading premium spirits brands. You will be responsible for creating and executing innovative media strategies across both offline and online channels, ensuring that each campaign delivers exceptional results. Reporting to the Planning Director, you will lead the day-to-day campaign management and client communication, guiding the team towards operational excellence.

The Clients

Reckitt Health: Reckitt is one of Zenith UK’s largest clients, with an annual media investment of around £37 million. As a global leader in health, hygiene, and home products, Reckitt’s brands—such as Lemsip, Strepsils, Fybogel, Veet, and Optrex—are trusted by millions of consumers worldwide. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with a passionate client team that values innovation, sustainability, and growth.

Reckitt are on an advertising roll currently, as well as being one of the biggest spenders at Zenith, they are also the most awarded client in the industry, having won Advertiser of the Year at the Media Leader Awards, Team of the year at our own Publicis awards and numerous awards showcasing the great work this team have done this year.

Edrington: Edrington is a leading global drinks company, known for producing some of the world’s most renowned premium spirits. Their portfolio includes iconic brands such as The Macallan, Highland Park, and The Famous Grouse. Working on the Edrington account offers the chance to engage with luxury consumers and create media strategies that elevate brand equity and drive business growth within the premium spirits market.

Responsibilities

• Campaign Delivery: Support the Planning Director in delivering outstanding work for both Reckitt Health and Edrington. Lead the day-to-day output of media campaigns, ensuring smooth execution and excellent results.
• Client Relationship Management: Build strong, trusted relationships with key day-to-day clients, providing proactive communication and ensuring client satisfaction with all media solutions.
• Team Leadership: Manage a team of Executives, setting clear progression plans and mentoring them to deliver high-quality work. Lead by example, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Media Planning: Take ownership of media plans from strategy through to execution, working across a full range of channels including TV, digital, print, and more. Be the lead for smaller client briefs and continuously look for proactive media opportunities.
• Innovation: Identify new media solutions and share ideas that drive the growth of both Reckitt Health and Edrington brands. Leverage Reckitt’s focus on sustainability and Edrington’s premium positioning to develop cutting-edge media strategies.
• Financial Management: Ensure financial accuracy in all client budgeting, reporting, and PO management. Support the Planning Director in identifying win-win opportunities for both Zenith and our clients.

Requirements

• Proven experience in media planning, ideally working with large clients and managing multi-channel campaigns.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage a diverse workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent client servicing skills, with a focus on building and maintaining strong relationships.
• Experience managing and developing junior team members, with a passion for mentoring and supporting growth.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and the ability to solve problems effectively.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel, with strong presentation skills.
• A proactive, ambitious individual who enjoys working both independently and within a team.

Additional Information

Zenith UK has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer;

• WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS - Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care.
• HELP@HAND BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity. Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.
• GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us!

Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week. 

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).

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