Senior Planning Manager

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 Senior Planning Manager will be a key leader within our media department, responsible for overseeing the development and execution of high-impact media strategies. This role requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of media planning, strong leadership abilities, and a strategic mindset. You will lead a team of media planners, collaborate closely with senior stakeholders, and ensure that media plans are not only innovative but also aligned with client objectives and agency goals.

As a Senior Planning Manager, you will be instrumental in steering the strategic direction of our media initiatives, ensuring that every campaign not only meets but exceeds client expectations. This role involves a high level of strategic thinking, as you’ll be expected to anticipate market trends and client needs and translate these insights into actionable media strategies. Your leadership will be pivotal in guiding your team through complex media landscapes, optimizing campaign performance, and driving innovation. You will also play a critical role in shaping client relationships, offering strategic counsel, and positioning INNOCEAN as a leader in the industry. Your ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution will be key to delivering outstanding results and fostering long-term success for both our clients and the agency.

Responsibilities

Strategic Media Leadership

• Develop Comprehensive Media Strategies: Lead the creation of data-driven media strategies that align with clients' marketing objectives and drive effective results across multiple channels.
• Innovative Solutions: Drive innovation in media planning by integrating emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies to enhance campaign performance.
• Strategic Oversight: Provide high-level strategic guidance on media planning, ensuring alignment with broader business goals and client expectations.

Team Management & Development

• Leadership: Mentor and lead a team of media planners, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Set clear objectives, provide constructive feedback, and support professional development.
• Team Coordination: Coordinate with other departments (creative, strategy, account management) to ensure cohesive execution of integrated media campaigns.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Client Relationship Management: Serve as a senior point of contact for key clients, building strong relationships and understanding their strategic needs and objectives.
• Strategic Presentations: Lead the development and presentation of media plans, performance reports, and strategic recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders.

Campaign Oversight & Optimisation

• Execution Management: Oversee the implementation of media plans, ensuring adherence to strategy, budget, and timelines. Address any issues that arise during execution to maintain campaign integrity.
• Performance Analysis: Conduct in-depth analysis of campaign performance, utilizing insights to optimize current strategies and inform future planning. Ensure continuous improvement based on data-driven results.

Market Insights & Research

• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape. Apply this knowledge to enhance media strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
• Research Integration: Leverage market research and audience insights to inform media planning decisions and ensure alignment with client objectives.

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) is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in media planning and buying, with at least 4-5 years in a managerial or senior leadership role.
• Strategic Expertise: Proven ability to develop and implement high-level media strategies that drive results.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing a team.
• Analytical Acumen: Advanced analytical skills with experience in performance measurement and optimisation.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present and influence at senior levels.
• Budget Management: Expertise in managing large media budgets and ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Visionary: Forward-thinking with a passion for innovation and a track record of driving successful media strategies.
• Client-Centric: Focused on delivering exceptional client service and building long-term partnerships.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail with a strong emphasis on accuracy and quality.
• 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