Manager Connection Planning
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 1, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 29, 2026. WPP Media scores B on the Alion truth index.
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
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