Planning Manager – 2-Month FTC

Location: London – Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 WFH)
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 pro rata
Contract: 2-month FTC – September and October
Start Date: September 2026

We’re working with an independent integrated creative and media agency looking for an experienced Planning Manager to join their team on a two-month fixed-term contract.

This is a true cross-channel media planning role, suited to someone with a strong understanding of the wider UK media landscape across both digital and offline channels.

You’ll work across a varied client portfolio, supporting the development of media strategies and acting as a key day-to-day contact for clients. The agency has specialist buying teams in place, so the focus is on upfront planning, client servicing and ensuring campaigns move smoothly from brief through to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day client relationships and act as a key point of contact
• Take client briefs and translate business objectives into clear media recommendations
• Develop integrated, cross-channel media plans
• Work across channels including TV, OOH, audio, digital, social and programmatic
• Collaborate closely with specialist digital and offline buying teams
• Support senior planners with media strategy and client responses
• Manage timelines, actions and internal processes to keep campaigns on track
• Use audience, market and media insights to inform planning recommendations
• Build strong relationships across media, creative and client teams

About You

• Experience at Planning Manager, Media Planning Manager, Communications Planning Manager or strong Senior Planner level
• Previous experience within a media agency environment
• Strong cross-channel media planning knowledge across both digital and offline media
• Good understanding of the UK media landscape
• Confident managing clients and presenting media recommendations
• Highly organised and comfortable managing multiple priorities
• Collaborative, proactive and able to quickly integrate into an established team
• Comfortable working closely with specialist buying and activation teams

Experience working with charity or not-for-profit clients would be beneficial, but is not essential.

This role is focused on integrated media planning rather than specialist digital buying or activation, so candidates should be able to demonstrate genuine cross-channel planning experience.

This is an initial two-month FTC covering September and October, with a salary of £45,000–£50,000 pro rata. The role requires four days per week onsite in London.