WPP Media | Associate Planning Director, Japan

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Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.

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

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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.

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