About WPP Media  WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.  WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com  At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:  Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.  Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.  Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

Role Summary and Impact

We are currently looking for a Planning lead.

Reporting of the role 

This role reporting into the AOR Lead, and dotted line reporting to Non-biddable, GroupM Nexus India Head.

3 best things about the job: 

You have an influencing role in shaping and managing dynamic young Media specialists servicing some of the biggest brands in the regionOpportunity to lead a high performance and proven team with an excellent supporting network with development opportunities within GroupM IndiaScope to demonstrate thought leadership qualities and add value in the system by adopting best-practised templates, contribute to automation, team building and set benchmark for efficiency and effectiveness

Measures of success – 

In 3 months: 

Understanding of Nexus functioning and working closely with Account Implementation HEADBecome the effective bridge between Activation team, strategy team and buying team.Ensure quality and process optimization around key deliverables with the Activation team, such as tactical strategy, brief response and scheduling strategy, reach point enhancement, integrated media solutions and planning etcEstablish confidence in the team through your contribution and value addsEffective Prioritization and Work distribution across Pods within the cluster and or including floor support wherever requiredPeriodic structured reviews with the activation teamHandle conflict resolution with various stakeholdersProvide technical perspective wherever specific expertise is required be it strategic weights and inputs or implementation planning process or otherwise

In 6 months: 

Demonstrate thought leadership within the team as well as key stakeholdersEnsure delivery of KPI by the activation team as aligned with buying and Client’s media teamMotivate and build confidence in the team to handle the clients requirementsEnsure effective Agency Relationship Management is maintained with key stakeholdersWork with the activation team in meeting the implementation and planning strategy execution, and reporting requirements.Be the lead contact and trusted advisor for any Non-Biddable expertise/ support in the system and to the clientEnsure retention of the team members and minimize fall-out or losing out membersCreate and implement talent enhancement and leadership program plans in Skill upgrade, Building team, Career planning for the aligned team and ensure its implementationMaster the art of Optimization and prioritization of workflow in case of activity load being higher than team bandwidth to manage the activity volume across aligned businessEnsure timely reporting of media deliverables through Activation Specialists and Reporting team

In 12 months: 

Ensure Plan QC & process optimization around key deliverables & initiate smooth Project Management practices right through the year with the Campaign Delivery TeamEstablish solid relationships with the client and the Nexus/Strategy/buying team internallyBuild Leadership with key star performers across teams/ groupsTrain and build Product and planning delivery champions within your team in collaboration with the activation team leadEnsure 100% Key Account Reviews are done as per aligned SOP, frequency and within the stipulated time-lineAchieve 100% GroupM nexus compliance and adherence to aligned GroupM nexus process across the business and for the clientEnsure contribution for new GroupM Nexus tool creation/ enhancement to achieve higher efficiency compared to previous annual efficiency benchmarksLead a team to raise the quality of deliverables to the client

 Responsibilities of the role: 

Following are the responsibilities of the GroupM Nexus Product and Planning Lead and the varying degree of complexity is subject to individual job level:Work collaboratively with all Agency partners, Implementation head and other other kye stakeholders to ensure shared accountability to deliver value to clientsProactively identify opportunities to improve and enhance campaign delivery benchmarks or efficiency and advise and build activation Team on the sameProvide best in class knowledge of Non-Biddable media to GroupM Agency’s stakeholders, Campaign Delivery Team and Activation Specialist teamLead the Product planning team in meeting the strategy input, planning, execution, and reporting requirements along with the activation teamCoach and mentor managersReview output from the activation Team before delivering to the client to ensure a best in class responseEstablish solid relationships with the client and the activation team and buying team internallyPlatform Strategy is effectively embedded in the plan structure based on the aligned process while activation Team is delivering the plansEnsure understanding and 100% compliance with both GroupM and finance processes, policies and proceduresPromote knowledge share and continuous learning around POVs, trends, relevant skills, media channels and technologies to continue nurturing a high-performing team

Skills and Experience  

15+ years of relevant work experience with a minimum of 10+ years of people management experienceThorough knowledge of media planning at strategic as well as implementation levelsExtensive knowledge in traditional and Non-Biddable digital mediaStrong analytical, problem-solving and time management skillsAbility to manage key stakeholders, their competing priorities and effectively solve potential conflictsLeadership skills demonstrated as the ability to anticipate and remove a barrier to productivity, drive teams towards clear goals, take effective decisions and challenge the status quo.Strive for excellence demonstrated by setting high standards for yourself and others, holding teams accountable, focusing on continuous optimization while mitigating risks.Ability to build and maintain a productive collaboration across teamsPersuasive and effective communicator with excellent stakeholder relationship management skillsCreative and inspirational team leaderStrong business process mapping, analytical and problem-solving skills with an eye for detailingOngoing interest in digital marketing, industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies

 Life at WPP Media & Benefits   

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events.