WPP Media | Senior Media Planner (EM), Japan

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Senior Planner

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Planner to join our team working on a key global client. In this role, you will be a key contributor to the development and execution of impactful, locally relevant campaigns that drive business growth and enhance the client’s brand presence in the Japanese market.

You will work closely with the Planning Director, the broader team, and external agency partners to translate client briefs into actionable plans, leveraging data-driven insights, your understanding of Japanese consumers, media channels and cultural nuances. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape a major brand’s presence in one of the world’s most sophisticated and unique markets, working within a global network.

Some things we’d like you to do:

• Strategic Media Planning: Translate client objectives and strategies into actionable, highly effective, and integrated local media plans for the Japanese market, covering digital, traditional, and emerging media channels.
• Client Relationship Management: Act as a primary planning contact for local client stakeholders, presenting plans, insights, and performance analysis with clarity and conviction.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work seamlessly with internal (e.g. AdOps, Investment) and external teams and partners (e.g. Creative), to ensure integrated and consistent campaign delivery.
• Tools & systems adoption: Become an expert in WPP proprietary and syndicated tools and AI solutions, and use them to inform decisions and support day-to-day operations.
• Campaign Management & Optimization: Work closely with AdOps to oversee the implementation and in-flight optimization of media campaigns, ensuring they meet client KPIs.
• Innovation & Media Best Practices: Stay abreast of the latest media innovations, ad tech advancements, and industry best practices in Japan and globally, applying them to enhance client campaigns.
• Mentorship & Development: Contribute to the growth of junior planners by sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

A bit about yourself:

• 3+ years of experience in a planning or strategy background
• A passion for innovation and creating market-leading campaigns and activations
• Proven experience with Japanese media market, as well as global platforms
• Numerate and highly analytical with attention to detail
• Genuine passion to grow, learn and adopt new technologies such as AI
• Collaborator who can work with cross-functional teams and external agencies
• Strong organisational skills, capable of multitasking
• Bilingual preferred; Japanese and English

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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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Integrated Media Strategy & Planning

• Work with directors and develop comprehensive, insight-driven media strategies aligned with client marketing and business goals.
• Define channel roles, budget allocation, audience targeting, and campaign phasing across digital and offline media.
• Ensure integration between brand-building and performance-driven channels
• Apply audience research, competitive analysis, and historical performance data to strengthen planning recommendations.

Campaign Planning, Execution & Optimization

• Translate strategy into detailed media plans, flowcharts, timelines, and budget trackers.
• Partner with digital activation teams, TV buyers, and media vendors to ensure accurate implementation.
• Monitor campaign pacing, delivery, and performance against KPIs.
• Identify optimization opportunities and recommend adjustments based on real-time performance and insights.

Client Management & Communication

• Serve as a primary day-to-day contact for client stakeholders, ensuring clear and proactive communication.
• Present media strategies, plans, and performance reports confidently in both Japanese and English.
• Understand the client’s category, business priorities, and competitive landscape to provide relevant recommendations.
• Support senior leadership in strategic discussions and annual planning.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze campaign performance across channels and translate findings into actionable insights.
• Prepare campaign reports and post-campaign analyses.
• Use data to inform future planning, budget allocation, and performance forecasting.
• Ensure planning recommendations are grounded in measurable outcomes.

Project & Team Management

• Lead planning projects from briefing through execution and reporting.
• Manage timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination.
• Oversee workload allocation and support development of junior team members.
• Ensure accuracy and quality of planning outputs.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams (Digital Activation, Analytics, Strategy, Creative, Investment).
• Coordinate with external partners, including media owners, creative agencies, and production teams.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing on media trends, tools, and best practices.

Required Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of experience in media planning or communications planning within an agency environment.
• Strong knowledge of both digital media (programmatic, paid social, search, video, display) and offline media (TV, OOH, print, radio).
• Experience managing integrated campaigns and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, budget tracking).
• Excellent presentation and communication skills in Japanese and English.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or leading projects preferred.