Planning Director

About Innocean

Innocean is the biggest agency you’ve never heard of. With 31 offices and more than 3000 employees in 21 countries. We’re the fastest growing agency network in the world.

Opening doors in Australia in 2008 with two foundation clients; Hyundai and Kia. Since 2020, the Sydney business has been on a mission to diversify our roster which now includes FMCG, NGO, Medical, Tourism and Technology brands, not to mention our own Gender Equality not-for-profit division called Fck the Cupcakes.

We’re a proud and ambitious group of over 50 creatives, strategists, account people, technologists, analysts,  producers and media experts who work together in a collaborative environment. Our passion and focus is building strategic media and creative solutions across all touchpoints on a consumer’s journey to a brand.

We’re proudly Korean, uniquely Australian; striving to create a culture that embraces a Korean concept called ‘Jeong’- an ineffable but mutually warm feeling of attachment between people who share a relationship and common purpose.

This feeling of connection underpins everything we do. It’s how we create bonds between brands and consumers, and between us and our clients. Think of us as an extension of the marketing team- one with strategic, creative, media and CX capabilities, delivering brilliant work that builds brand, changes perceptions, drives connections and delivers results.

About the Role

The Planning Director will be the strategic leader of our media planning department, responsible for setting the overall direction and vision for media strategies. This role involves overseeing the development and execution of comprehensive media plans, managing a team of senior planners, and collaborating with clients and internal stakeholders to drive strategic success. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in media planning, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the media landscape.

As the Planning Director, you will be the strategic linchpin in our media department, responsible for not only guiding the vision and execution of media plans but also for shaping the future of our media practices. This role demands a strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for innovation. You will drive the development of cutting-edge media strategies, ensuring they are grounded in deep market insights and aligned with clients' evolving needs. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a culture of excellence and creativity within the team, while also serving as a key advocate for the agency's media capabilities. By balancing strategic foresight with operational excellence, you will ensure that our media solutions are not only effective but also set new standards for industry best practices.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop Visionary Strategies: Formulate and lead the implementation of high-level media strategies that align with clients’ business objectives and drive significant impact.
• Innovate and Evolve: Drive innovation in media planning by integrating new technologies, trends, and methodologies. Ensure the agency remains at the forefront of industry advancements.
• Strategic Oversight: Provide oversight and strategic direction for all media planning activities, ensuring alignment with broader agency goals and client expectations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and Inspire: Manage and mentor a team of senior media planners, fostering a collaborative environment and driving professional development.
• Performance Management: Set performance goals, conduct regular reviews, and provide feedback to team members to enhance performance and career growth.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with other departments (creative, strategy, account management) to ensure cohesive execution of integrated media strategies.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, building strong relationships and understanding their strategic needs and objectives.
• Strategic Presentations and Reporting: Lead the creation and delivery of strategic presentations, reports, and recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders. Provide actionable insights and drive strategic decision-making.

Campaign Oversight & Optimisation

• Strategic Execution: Oversee the execution of media plans, ensuring they are implemented effectively and deliver on key performance metrics.
• Performance Monitoring: Analyse campaign performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to optimize results. Ensure continuous improvement based on data-driven insights.

Market Research & Industry Leadership

• Conduct Research: Stay informed on market trends, consumer behaviours, and competitive landscape. Apply this knowledge to enhance media strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
• Industry Advocacy: Represent the agency in industry forums, conferences, and other events. Advocate for best practices and thought leadership in media planning.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay up to date on industry trends and advancements.
• Lead and actively participate in team meetings and share ideas and feedback.

WHS

(Work, Health & Safety)

• It’s on you to ensure your work environment is safe, whether you’re WFH or in the office. 
• Follow and ensure your team follows company policies and procedures.

About You

Personal Specifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Advertising, Media Studies, or a related field. Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., media planning, strategic management) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in media planning and buying, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strategic Expertise: Proven ability to develop and execute high-level media strategies with a track record of driving significant results.
• Leadership: Exceptional leadership and management skills, with experience in guiding and developing a team of media professionals.
• Analytical Acumen: Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.
• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present and influence at the highest levels.
• Budget Management: Expertise in managing large media budgets and optimizing resource allocation.
• Visionary Leader: Forward-thinking with a strong ability to anticipate industry trends and client needs. Innovative and creative in approach to media planning.
• Client-Centric: Dedicated to delivering exceptional client service and building long-term, strategic relationships.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality in all aspects of media planning.
• Collaborative: Excellent team player with the ability to work effectively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.

Values

• Proactivity. Humility. Agility. Daring. Don’t worry, we dive into these in your welcome pack.

Development

• Regular appraisals and 360 feedback is important. 
• So too is being able to check in with management whenever. Their doors are always open, Zoom links always ready.

The Perks

There are a whole range of reasons you would consider working for us – 
check out the list below:

- Competitive salary - Individual Professional development

- Regular appraisals and 360 feedback  - Hybrid working

- Client sponsored benefits - Progressive parental leave policies

- Floating leave - Pet friendly environment