Role Objective 

The Associate Planning Director supports the delivery of high-quality, insight-led media plans by translating business objectives into clear communications strategies and measurable KPIs. With a strong understanding of category and brand challenges, this role drives innovation through audience insight while managing day-to-day client relationships and supporting team leadership. 

This position is designed as a progression role toward Planning Director, with increasing responsibility for client ownership, strategic contribution, and people development. 

Key Responsibilities 

Media Planning & Strategy 

• Support the development, presentation, and execution of full-funnel media strategies across TV, OOH, and digital, under the guidance of the Planning Director
• Translate business objectives into communications objectives, KPIs, and media recommendations
• Provide data-driven insights and analysis to inform strategic planning decisions
• Maintain strong relationships with media partners and support negotiations to maximize value
• Coordinate with partner agencies to ensure fully integrated planning approaches 

Client Leadership 

• Manage day-to-day client relationships and act as a trusted planning contact
• Lead relevant components of client meetings, campaign presentations, and workshops
• Keep clients informed of best practices, innovation, and key industry trends 

Operating & Technical Excellence 

• Apply a data-led approach using platforms and tools to analyze competitive spend, consumer behavior, category insights, and campaign performance
• Synthesize consumer and competitive research into actionable planning recommendations
• Demonstrate solid understanding of the Japanese media landscape and integrated planning principles
• Support adoption of WPP planning and AI tools, enabling effective day-to-day use by the team 

People & Team Contribution 

• Collaborate with the Client VP and Planning Director to build team capability and planning expertise
• Mentor and guide junior team members, encouraging innovative and strategic thinking
• Escalate performance or delivery risks proactively and support resolution 

Commercial & Professional Standards 

• Demonstrate awareness of commercial and profitability considerations, supporting Planning Director and Client VP objectives 
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement in planning quality, processes, and ways of working 

Key Performance Indicators 

• Product: High-quality planning output and effective execution
• Client: Client satisfaction, retention, and contribution to strong agency evaluations
• Commercial: Support delivery of client profitability targets
• People: Positive Culture Amp feedback from managers, peers, and clients 

Experience, Skills & Capabilities 

• 7+ years’ experience in media planning, with strong digital and performance media expertise
• Fluent Japanese and business-level English
• Strong analytical skills, particularly in consumer journey and audience-led planning
• Results-driven mindset with the ability to deliver against targets
• Proven client relationship management experience, including senior stakeholder interaction
• Strong collaboration skills across teams, departments, and partner agencies
• Ability to delegate effectively and communicate strategies and recommendations with confidence 

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