Planning Director

Location: 2 days p/w onsite in Southbank London

Start: ASAP (4-6 weeks onboarding time)

Interview: 1 stage process

As Media Planning Director, you'll lead strategic media planning for Beiersdorf's Dermatological and Healthcare brand portfolio across a selection of European markets. Driving media excellence through innovation, data-driven strategies, and strong team leadership, you'll deliver measurable impact for leading global skincare brands

Experience:

• Minimum 3+ years in a leadership role
• Proven track record developing and executing integrated media strategies across multiple channelsDemonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing teams in healthcare, beauty, skincare, or FMCG category (preferred)
• Experience working with European markets and multinational brands

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop innovative, data-driven media strategies that drive business outcomes
• Media Expertise: Deep understanding of traditional media (Linear TV, radio, print, OOH) and digital channels (programmatic, social, video, CTV, BVOD, SVOD).
• Leadership: Effective team management, delegation, and mentoring; ability to foster collaboration and professional growth
• Client Management: Strong relationship-building skills; ability to understand client business goals and translate into strategic recommendations
• Analytical: Proficiency in data analysis, market research, and using insights to inform strategy
• Communication: Excellent presentation and stakeholder management skills; ability to articulate complex strategies clearly
• Operational Excellence: Budget management, project coordination, and attention to detail
• Technology Savvy: Comfortable with media planning tools, analytics platforms, and emerging technologies (AI, automation); openness to innovation

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• You’ll help lead transformational media strategies for two of Beiersdorf's most dynamic brand categories in healthcare and skincare.

This role offers:

• Strategic influence across European markets
• Innovation focus with emerging channels (CTV, BVOD, SVOD, AI-driven optimisation)
• Global & Regional scale with local market expertise

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement data-driven, innovative media strategies across digital, traditional, and emerging channels (Linear TV, SVOD, BVOD, CTV, social, digital, print, OOH) aligned with client business objectives and KPIs
• Client Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with Beiersdorf stakeholders; serve as primary contact representing client needs internally and to external media partners; provide tailored strategic advice based on market insights and competitive analysis
• Media Strategy & Optimisation: Identify optimal media channel mix; oversee campaign performance; recommend strategic optimisations; deliver comprehensive post-campaign analysis and actionable insights
• Budget Management: Allocate budgets across channels for optimal ROI; track media expenditures; ensure adherence to financial plans
• Measurement & Accountability: Establish clear success metrics for all campaigns; determine media effectiveness; present performance data and recommendations to stakeholders
• Team Leadership: Mentor and lead planning team; foster collaborative, high-performing environment; support professional development and career growth
• Market Intelligence: Stay informed on industry trends, audience behaviours, competitive activities, and emerging technologies (including AI/automation); leverage insights to refine strategies
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work seamlessly with internal teams, media vendors, and external agencies to ensure media plans align with brand strategies