Planning Director - Commercial

The Planning Director (Commercial) is an influential member of the leadership team, charged with helping the agency grow and nurture its (mainly) commercial client roster. They'll work closely with client teams, reporting to the MD, to deliver best-in-class thinking.

They will possess brilliant communication skills, strong gravitas to be in the room where important strategic conversations are happening and demonstrate experience and flair to influence and challenge. They’ll help identify the real problems affecting our world and keeping Clients awake at night, and they'll help solve those very problems with efficient and effective strategy leading to award-winning creative and communication solutions.

They must be at ease with handling and interpreting data and intelligence. Be adept at utilising various types of research for evidential substantiation. Come with an impressive ability to synthesise and crystallise information into a strong audience insight that feels innovative and disruptive.

They’ll understand, and be sensitive to, the creative process - knowing how to push and pull creativity to answer a brief, drawing the very best out of creative talent, Defending, challenging and honing work. Reporting on learnings and performance, post campaign, to take forward, next time.

They’ll have their finger on the pulse with trends both in UK and worldwide and will be a trusted GOOD ambassador and Client partner. Whilst their focus is commercial brands, they will, as required, contribute strategy and insight (higher up the funnel) to Charity and Not for Profits. They will possess commercial sector knowledge, be creative, ROI and Impact driven. Be a self-starter, entrepreneurial and resourceful in meeting the growing and changing needs of clients.

We’re expecting our planning director to have at least 8 years of strategy experience in top agencies. They must have delivered strategy and campaigns across a broad range of projects, with evidence of driving fame and winning awards (ideally for effectiveness). Charity experience a big bonus.

Additionally, as a director-level member of staff, they will need to demonstrate they can help win pitches, grow and nurture planning talent and be responsible for managing teams of at least 3 or more junior planners. If they are required to attend SMT meetings, they must be able to report on their team and departmental outputs.

Broad experience in Brand (Strategy, Design, Campaigns), Product Marketing and Direct response is essential for this role – with leanings depending on the individual.

Benefits include 25 days holiday allowance per year, office closure between Christmas and New Year, 1 day off for your birthday, Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave, Personal Development - work related & non-work related training, Cycle to work & Season ticket loans, Employee Ownership - Part ownership of the business, Tax Free annual bonus, Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Health Plan, Mental Health First Aiders, Independent Financial Advice Clinics, 2 days for volunteering and activist per year, Individual fundraising, matching funding up to £100, Give as You Earn (GAYE) - matched payroll giving, Breakfast provided on days in office, Spud Club lunch on Wednesday, Weekly drinks in office, GOOD Times & Belonging team organise regular socials, speakers and outings, Early finish on last Friday of every month, GOOD Egg - a celebration of staff every month, Local discounts with Bankside Buzz Card.