Planning Director

Company Description

As part of Publicis Groupe, we unleash the power of creativity, data, and media to deliver personalized experiences at scale. We have one of the most robust data sets in the industry and world-class marketplace connections and buying scale. You can't escape it.

Our moment is as complex as it's ever been. An era of blink-and-you'll-miss-it that's always whizzing, scrolling, streaming by. And it's not slowing down.

Yet instead of staying connected - moving people with real human insight - marketers feel even more disconnected. Frantically optimizing with only the next few minutes in mind. Trying to solve this ever-evolving puzzle with a short-term focus.

Instead of pioneering an ever-expanding universe . . .

. . . And all the creative solutions that await us.

At Starcom, it's never scared us when the kaleidoscope of marketing added another shiny mirror. We've seen this as an opportunity since Leo Burnett first reached his hands to the stars. To move the brands we support every day by truly knowing the real people who support them. Responsibly unlocking possibilities across new channels, new technologies, new data opportunities, and beyond.

It's our opportunity to pioneer the next new world for your business. And to prove that media . . . is always the message. We know the next ten years will look a lot different. So will the ten after that. That's where our expertise comes in to explore and decipher it all alongside you. Our people help you navigate what's next, moving your business forward to the future by moving your customers forward today.

These days it's no longer what you shout from the mountaintops. It takes true insight to move people at the human level - in a powerful, lasting way.

Because how you move people moves your business for good

Overview

Role Purpose

As an Account Director, you will lead key client relationships, guide media strategy, and support the delivery of effective, insightdriven campaigns. You'll work closely with the Business Director and crossfunctional teams to develop innovative, creative, and measurable solutions that help clients achieve their objectives. You'll also play a central role in supporting and developing your team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy, Planning & Implementation

• Develop media and communication strategies that align with client goals, working independently or in partnership with strategists and external agencies.

• Translate client briefs into clear, innovative media recommendations supported by strong planning principles.

• Ensure planning processes, templates, and internal frameworks are followed and adapted appropriately.

• Apply knowledge of benchmarks, trading strategies, and contractual requirements to planning and recommendations.

• Collaborate with the Investment Director on major partnership opportunities and negotiations.

• Identify opportunities to connect clients with relevant services across the Groupe where beneficial.

Client Service

• Build trusted, longterm client relationships and ensure daytoday service meets agreed expectations and timelines.

• Develop a deep understanding of each client's business, priorities, and industry context, adapting support accordingly.

• Navigate categoryspecific advertising requirements (e.g., alcohol, gaming, healthcare) and ensure compliance.

• Maintain high standards of quality across all client deliverables.

Client Management

• Oversee the development and delivery of media initiatives that meet client objectives and deadlines.

• Proactively identify opportunities to support client growth, such as sharing insights, training, or emerging media trends.

• Highlight relevant Groupe services (SEO, SEM, content, PMX) where they add value.

• Manage client relationship challenges constructively and escalate emerging issues early.

• Contribute to new business opportunities where aligned with your expertise.

Team Management

• Guide the planning and activation of campaigns to ensure alignment with overall strategy.

• Support your team in developing strong media concepts and communication plans, ensuring processes are clear and effective.

• Partner with Activation teams to ensure ideas are delivered effectively and adapted to market conditions when needed.

• Ensure quality control processes are followed and deadlines are met, including early collaboration with internal teams.

• Communicate issues promptly and transparently with both internal teams and clients.

• Lead weekly WIP meetings with your team and share key updates in Director forums.

Team Development

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture aligned with Starcom's values.

• Provide coaching, guidance, and constructive feedback to support team members' growth.

• Conduct regular performance and development reviews.

• Create training opportunities for Coordinators and Planning Executives and mentor Client Managers.

Financial Management

• Monitor, forecast, and reforecast client financials to ensure accuracy and transparency.

• Communicate changes such as budget shifts or campaign adjustments in weekly Director WIP meetings.

• Understand each client's financial requirements, including financial year cycles, credit insurance, and commission structures.

• Ensure contractual obligations and performancelinked KPIs (e.g., bonus pools) are understood and managed appropriately.

Skills & Experience

We welcome candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. You'll be a great fit if you bring:

• Extensive experience in media strategy, client leadership, or related fields (typically 8+ years).

• Relevant qualifications or equivalent practical experience.

• Strong capability across Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Solid understanding of media industry trends, both historical and current.

• Confident financial management skills and commercial awareness.

• A collaborative leadership style that supports team wellbeing and highquality work.

What We Offer

• A supportive, inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued.

• Opportunities to lead meaningful client work and shape strategic direction.

• Access to ongoing learning, development, and career progression.

• The chance to work with talented teams across digital, media, and creative disciplines.

Additional Information

Publicis Groupe benefits: Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family, recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the world's most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses. You can learn more about us at www.publicisgroupeanz.com.

Enjoy all the perks that come with our network offering:

• A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical, mindful, and financial wellbeing.
• A creative, lively, and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other, supported by our Publicis Liberte flexibility approach - "working your way with us."
• Access to our Global AI Platform Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network.
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform, Marcel Classes.
• A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program.
• A committed Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva Women, Egalite, enABLE, EmbRACE, and Ecologique committees.
• Leave benefits including Birthday Leave, Flexible Public Holidays, and an additional 5 days of leave after 2 years of service.
• Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year.
• Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks based on tenure, paid primary carer leave, secondary carer swap, and Cub Care leave.
• Access to counsellors, psychologists, and professionals through Sonder, an all-in-one digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological, medical & safety needs.
• A workplace that stands together to provide a more open, supportive, and recovery-forward culture for all employees with life-threatening illnesses. Read more about our Working With Cancer Pledge: https://workingwithcancerpledge.com/
• Proud partners of Diversity Council Australia, Pride in Diversity, Family Friendly Workplaces, Supply Nation, and the Australian Disability Network.

If you don't tick every box in this ad, please don't rule yourself out. Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity rather than ticking boxes - so if this role resonates with you, please apply.

Diversity. Inclusion. Equity. More than just words; these are part of our DNA. At Publicis Groupe, we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, and religious affiliation. We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients, our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate. We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions.

Uniqueness is powerful; without it, we wouldn't be where we are today. So be you - we like it that way.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact us via recruitmentpublicisgroupe.com; your personal information will be kept confidential.