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