Planning Account Director

Company Description

Who We Are in the UK?

Spark Foundry, the Acceleration Agency.

We help brands to identify, learn and respond to opportunities faster than the competition.

Every client has an area of their business they need to accelerate, from short-term goals to long-term transformation.

We've proven our approach during the most difficult year on record. Now we're using it to provide a launchpad for their future.

Come be an accelerator with us.

How we accelerate

• Planning: an approach that works in practice rather than theory, arming planners with the ability to create cutting edge campaigns
• Intelligence: a suite of tools that give definitive answers to big questions, and uncovers actionable insights about real people
• Trading: a model built on flexibility and trusted relationships, underpinned with bold guarantees
• Relationships: a culture of asking challenging questions to better understand the brief - we are not a 'yes' agency
• People: a strong history of recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and accelerating their careers

Our Commitment

We are diverse though our experience, people and the clients we look after - and we celebrate that diversity. Our people hold us accountable to our beliefs and via regular surveys and our grass roots D&I team, The Collective, and internal next generation board, Firestarters, we hold regular events and work continually towards generating ideas, initiatives and educating our people to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive agency.

As part of our dedication to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, Spark Foundry is committed to equal access to opportunity for people without regard to race, age, sex, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.

Overview

SPARK's planning department is the heart of the agency - in terms of its function, its people and its location. We are diverse in our experience, personalities, nationalities and the clients we look after - and we celebrate that diversity. Our clients are professional but also creative and fun and this is reflected in the way we work and relate to each other. We're a great team who know that the way to deliver great work is to work together - and we enjoy it. We are a tight-knit team who socialize together and share in each other's successes.

For this Planning Director position you will be working on both Clarins and Meta.

Clarins:

• A renowned French cosmetics company with a rich heritage in skincare and a diverse product range, offering a dynamic and fun brand leadership experience.
• Media campaigns extend beyond traditional channels, focusing on sponsorships, partnerships, and digital innovation.
• Involves client engagement through workshops, ideation sessions, and innovation roadmaps.

Meta:

• A global leader, with media planning and buying managed by our UK team.
• Focus areas include:
• Reality Labs: Leading VR/AI technology with innovations like Headsets and Rayban Smart glasses.
• Family of Apps (FOA): Overseeing campaigns on key platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.
• We execute strategic, impactful campaigns across all media channels, both online and offline, year-round.

Responsibilities

• Media Planning: planning lead for online and offline campaigns for clients to an exceptional standard.
• Maintain High Standards: Ensure accountability and professionalism in all work and encourage the same in others.
• Drive Progress: Leverage ambition and creativity to move the brand and agency forward, developing innovative solutions.
• Effective Collaboration: Manage people positively, integrate inter-agency efforts, and build strong relationships within Publicis.
• Strong Communication & Leadership: Lead discussions with confidence, communicate effectively, and represent the agency passionately.
• Detail & Quality Control: Oversee quality in plans and proposals, ensuring attention to detail.
• Industry Awareness & Growth: Stay informed on trends, nurture team development, and deeply understand client businesses.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in both traditional and digital media planning.
• Strong vision and ambition to drive brand progress.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to challenge clients diplomatically.
• Close attention to detail.
• Ability to develop ideas internally and externally to deliver results.
• Experience in maintaining and fostering strong relationships within teams and people management.
• Leadership in campaign responses, implementation, and reporting management.
• Confidence in managing both upwards and downwards.
• Highly enthusiastic and collaborative.

Additional Information

Spark has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer:

• WORK YOUR WORLD: opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS: Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care.
• BENEFITS: 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES: We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF: You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.
• GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS: This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us!

Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week.

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG's (Employee Action Groups).