JOB DESCRIPTION Position/Title: Media Planning Account Director - Performance Fixed term contract The Client: OpenConnect is a bespoke team within GroupM, created to support BT Group in the UK. The team comprises over 100 specialists in media, data, and technology, managing over £150m of media billings for BT Group's consumer and business divisions. It’s a challenging yet fun team to be part of, working with some of the most forward-thinking clients in the industry. Practice Summary: Media Planning are experts on the paid media landscape and how consumers interact with it. We architect and steward holistic media plans throughout their lifecycle, owning the creation of overall plans, cross-channel budget allocation, in flight cross-channel optimisation & reporting and post-campaign analysis. We are our clients’ key contacts for a unified view across all aspects of their campaigns, narrating the story of the campaign from planning recommendation through to PCA. Position Summary: This Media Planning Director is responsible for leading the performance planning for New Verticals on EE, which includes consumer electronics and gaming. This involves ensuring client budgets are used optimally via effective planning, in-flight cross-channel optimisations and insightful post campaign analysis to inform future campaigns. They are responsible for the day-to-day management of media plans and their proper implementation, working to fulfil the agreed media objectives in the context of changing market conditions. They demonstrate strong working knowledge of the overall media landscape and available research, using these to inform planning recommendations. In this role we are looking for someone with retail experience as EE look to explore many new verticals in their portfolio. In this space we are the challenger brand and we need to be reactive to succeed in a fast paced environment. You will be a sharp and strategic thinker who balances a creative mindset with a meticulous and rigorous approach. You will lead the team in delivering the best solutions for our clients, driving collaboration across both the planning teams as well as the wider community of specialists here at GroupM. Essential Functions/Responsibilities: Oversee and ensure quality of deliverables from junior team members. Deliver high-quality presentations, reports, post-campaign analyses, and clear briefs. Provide strong rationale for media investment recommendations and campaign performance. Lead client presentations and briefings. Collaborate with Activation and Analytics to design test & learn strategies for campaigns. Manage media budgets to achieve intended outcomes. Contribute to internal thought leadership and improve team processes. Set and improve quality standards for planning deliverables based on feedback. Support media plan development for new business pitches when needed. Assist with onboarding new clients, working with Client Services. Create one case study per quarter for internal sharing. Manage and develop 1-2 direct reports. Provide solutions and new ideas to benefit team and clients. Stay updated on key markets, channels, technology, and platforms. Implement test and learn programs to drive innovation and learning. Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): Forecast campaign outcomes and manage budgets effectively. Proficient in spreadsheet functions (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables). Excellent presentation design skills. Familiarity with media research tools (e.g., Comscore, GWI, TGI, YouGov). Strong written and verbal communication skills. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to meet deadlines. Excellent client relationship and management skills. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Ability to work independently and in a team. Skilled in quantitative reasoning. Management Responsibilities: Motivate and lead junior team members, providing training and feedback. Foster strong relationships with clients for seamless plan execution. Communicate effectively within the team. Know when to escalate issues to managers. Recognize and reward team achievements. Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree (experience may substitute for education). Proven experience in media at the Manager level. Solid understanding of retail marketing and advertising principles.