Join our dynamic Connections Planning team as we seek an exceptionally talented and ambitious media planner to take on a pivotal role in managing the Ford account – the leading auto advertiser in the UK and a cornerstone client at Mindshare. In this influential position, you’ll collaborate closely with creative minds and account management professionals within the Ford agency framework, particularly alongside VMLYR.

**Work Environment**

Our team thrives on a fully integrated model that unites media, creative, and client dynamics, working from three different locations: two days at Ford’s Dunton office (Monday and Tuesday), one day at VML Sea Containers House (Wednesday), and one day at Mindshare Rose Court (Thursday). We offer full reimbursement for travel expenses.

**About the Role**

As a senior planner, you will take charge of developing and executing integrated media strategies that yield exceptional outcomes for Ford UK. Your responsibilities will include leading strategic planning initiatives, managing annual budgets, and collaborating with the ‘Live Planner’ to assess ongoing campaign performance, prioritizing channel selection and leveraging consumer insights.

**Key Responsibilities**

1. Strategic Leadership: Spearhead the formulation of media strategies and annual plans while utilizing audience insights and industry knowledge to shape campaign tactics. Provide clear guidance to client teams during briefings to ensure actionable outcomes.
2. Relationship Management: Forge and sustain robust partnerships with Ford UK, VMLYR, channel teams, and other cross-agency collaborators. Serve as the key strategic point of contact for VML teams, facilitating responsive inputs, managing creative assets, and overseeing delivery processes. Ensure clarity in communication through all stages of the campaigns.
3. Team Leadership: Guide, mentor, and manage the Connections Planning team, balancing workloads and fostering professional development. Ensure the timely delivery of top-notch outputs with regular status reporting to uphold accountability.
4. Campaign and Budget Management: Strategically oversee budget allocation, identify potential challenges, and devise mitigation strategies. Ensure campaigns achieve their KPIs and adjust tactics as necessary.
5. Innovation and Collaboration: Collaborate with central strategy teams to synchronize local endeavors with overarching strategies. Investigate and introduce cutting-edge media solutions, advocate for digital innovation, and utilize emerging platforms to keep Ford UK ahead of the competition.

**About You**

• Demonstrated senior experience in strategic media planning, ideally within the automotive sector or related fields.
• Proficient in distilling complex client requests into actionable strategies, effectively guiding teams.
• Extensive experience in budget management, strategic planning, and team leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of audience research tools (e.g., TGI, Touchpoints) along with a solid grasp of additional media data sources.
• Expertise in crafting measurement frameworks that provide clear insights.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management capabilities, with the ability to present confidently to senior stakeholders.
• Avidly passionate about innovation, adaptable, proactive, and possessing a challenger mindset.
• Highly organized with foresight, adept at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Devoted to team development, collaboration, and ongoing personal growth.

**What We Offer**

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days of annual leave plus your birthday off
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• Flexible working options
• Access to industry conferences and awards
• Opportunities for career and personal advancement
• Private healthcare coverage
• Attractive pension scheme

**About Mindshare**

Mindshare is a leading global marketing and media services network, managing over £23 billion in billings worldwide. Our dynamic partnerships with prestigious brands such as Unilever, Ford, KFC, Marks & Spencer, and TK Maxx span across 116 offices in 86 countries, all focused on delivering a competitive marketing advantage.

**Our Approach**

Our mission is to foster Good Growth – growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and enduring – by placing people at the heart of our strategies. We adopt responsible media practices, strive to understand audiences beyond mere demographics, and create meaningful media experiences. Our core values are Energy, Empathy, and Impact.

**Working at Mindshare**

We are committed to investing in our talent and creating an inspiring atmosphere through initiatives like our annual event, Huddle. Our dedication to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our Employee Resource Groups, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone.