WPP Media | Associate Planning Director, Japan
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Role Objective
The Associate Planning Director supports the delivery of high-quality, insight-led media plans by translating business objectives into clear communications strategies and measurable KPIs. With a strong understanding of category and brand challenges, this role drives innovation through audience insight while managing day-to-day client relationships and supporting team leadership.
This position is designed as a progression role toward Planning Director, with increasing responsibility for client ownership, strategic contribution, and people development.
Key Responsibilities
Media Planning & Strategy
- Support the development, presentation, and execution of full-funnel media strategies across TV, OOH, and digital, under the guidance of the Planning Director
- Translate business objectives into communications objectives, KPIs, and media recommendations
- Provide data-driven insights and analysis to inform strategic planning decisions
- Maintain strong relationships with media partners and support negotiations to maximize value
- Coordinate with partner agencies to ensure fully integrated planning approaches
Client Leadership
- Manage day-to-day client relationships and act as a trusted planning contact
- Lead relevant components of client meetings, campaign presentations, and workshops
- Keep clients informed of best practices, innovation, and key industry trends
Operating & Technical Excellence
- Apply a data-led approach using platforms and tools to analyze competitive spend, consumer behavior, category insights, and campaign performance
- Synthesize consumer and competitive research into actionable planning recommendations
- Demonstrate solid understanding of the Japanese media landscape and integrated planning principles
- Support adoption of WPP planning and AI tools, enabling effective day-to-day use by the team
People & Team Contribution
- Collaborate with the Client VP and Planning Director to build team capability and planning expertise
- Mentor and guide junior team members, encouraging innovative and strategic thinking
- Escalate performance or delivery risks proactively and support resolution
Commercial & Professional Standards
- Demonstrate awareness of commercial and profitability considerations, supporting Planning Director and Client VP objectives
- Actively contribute to continuous improvement in planning quality, processes, and ways of working
Key Performance Indicators
- Product: High-quality planning output and effective execution
- Client: Client satisfaction, retention, and contribution to strong agency evaluations
- Commercial: Support delivery of client profitability targets
- People: Positive Culture Amp feedback from managers, peers, and clients
Experience, Skills & Capabilities
- 7+ years’ experience in media planning, with strong digital and performance media expertise
- Fluent Japanese and business-level English
- Strong analytical skills, particularly in consumer journey and audience-led planning
- Results-driven mindset with the ability to deliver against targets
- Proven client relationship management experience, including senior stakeholder interaction
- Strong collaboration skills across teams, departments, and partner agencies
- Ability to delegate effectively and communicate strategies and recommendations with confidence
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WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.