Job title: Associate Planning Director

Salary: Negiotable

Locatin: London

Are you a strategic thinker and people-leader passionate about insight-led planning? A dynamic, independent brand strategy and communications consultancy based in London is seeking an experienced Associate Planning Director to join their senior leadership team.

This is a unique opportunity to shape brand strategy across a portfolio of high-profile clients, mentor a growing planning team, and have a tangible impact on the future of the business.

About the Role

As Associate Planning Director, you will:

• Lead and develop strategic thinking across client engagements, from early insight through to creative briefing and campaign evaluation

• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, translating business challenges into powerful strategic opportunity

• Manage and inspire a team of planners and strategists, fostering a culture of curiosity, rigour and creativity

• Champion best-in-class planning practice internally and externally, elevating the quality of work and the impact of strategic thinking across the business

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including Creative, Account Management and Data to deliver joined-up solutions

You will be instrumental in setting the strategic agenda for client work and play a key role in shaping the consultancy’s long-term growth.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• A minimum of 7–10 years’ experience in strategic planning or a related discipline within advertising, brand consultancy, UX, or communications

• A proven track record of developing high-impact strategic frameworks and guiding creative work that drives business results

• Strong leadership experience, with a natural ability to coach and mentor mid-level planners

• Excellent client-facing skills — confident presenting to senior stakeholders and shaping long-term client partnerships

• A curious, commercially astute mindset with a deep understanding of cultural, consumer and category trends

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-linked bonus

• Hybrid working model with a vibrant central London office

• Opportunity to influence senior leadership decisions and people strategy

• Professional development support and clear progression path

• A culture that values creativity, rigour and collaboration

How to Apply

If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a strategic leader with impact, please submit your CV and a brief cover note outlining why you’re a great fit for this opportunity.

Applications and enquiries handled by external recruitment partner.