Client Planning Lead – independent media agency (9 Month Fixed Term Maternity Cover) £80000 - Agency - Marketing Ref: 3814 Date Posted: Thursday 23 Apr 2026 London | Hybrid £65,000 – £80,000 (pro rata) A high-performing, award winning independent media agency is seeking a Client Planning Lead (Account Director / Business Director level) for a 9-month Fixed Term Contract Maternity Cover. There is potential for the role to possible go perm at the end of the contract. The Client Planning Lead role sits at the centre of senior client strategy and planning delivery across key accounts. This is a leadership role responsible for maintaining and driving strategic output, managing senior client relationships, and ensuring continuity of high-quality planning and campaign delivery across a portfolio of accounts. They are ideally looking for someone to start immediately but would be open to someone starting by the end of July. The Role You will act as the senior client lead across assigned accounts, owning strategic direction and ensuring consistent delivery across planning, insight, and campaign execution. You will work closely with internal specialists across investment, digital, and data teams. Key responsibilities include: Leading media and brand planning across ATL and integrated campaigns Owning senior client relationships and day-to-day strategic direction Delivering structured planning outputs including monthly and quarterly reviews Managing account performance, including profitability and forecasting Identifying and supporting revenue growth opportunities within accounts Coordinating internal teams and external agency partners Ensuring continuity of strategic output during maternity cover period Supporting team leadership, coaching, and development where required Contributing to thought leadership and high-quality strategic output About You: Strong experience in media planning and client leadership roles Confident managing senior stakeholders and complex accounts Commercially aware with experience in account growth and retention Strong understanding of multi-channel media planning Able to translate data, insight, and research into strategy Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment Strong communication and presentation skills at senior level This role offers the chance to join a very respected independent agency and lead on high-profile client accounts. It provides the chance to join a collaborative and strategically driven environment and take ownership of client relationships and planning output. Unfortunately, this agency cannot offer sponsorship