Job Description: Planning Account Manager Reports To: Head of Education & Innovation - dotted line to Head of Planning Location - Brighton or London Summary: The Planning Account Manager is pivotal in leading the media planning and execution across digital and broadcast channels to achieve client objectives and growth targets. This role serves as the primary liaison between the agency and clients, ensuring seamless communication and meticulous management of media campaigns. The manager is responsible for maintaining robust client relationships, overseeing media quality and coordinating resources to deliver high performing media campaigns. Accountabilities Strategic Media Planning and Execution: Lead the development and execution of media strategies that utilise both digital and broadcast channels to meet client objectives and growth targets. Client Relationship Management: Act as the day-to-day contact for clients, maintaining continuous communication to adjust media strategies, assess campaigns and plan future initiatives. Project Oversight and Quality Assurance: Ensure all media plans and client communications uphold agency standards and SLAs, conducting quality assurance checks prior to distribution. Resource Coordination and Strategic Leadership: Guide and coordinate Planning Account Executive providing direction to ensure plans are delivered effectively. Financial Management and Reporting: Oversee financial aspects of media campaigns, from budget management to reporting, supporting overall financial targets and client satisfaction. Education Specialist Publisher Management Manage education specialist publisher liaison, handling day-to-day planning and booking tasks. Additionally, stay updated on the latest developments and offerings from education specialist media. Account Growth Using your knowledge and understanding of our agency products and services, alongside your in-depth understanding of our clients challenges, highlight and raise opportunities for growth with the Hub leadership team. Responsibilities Maintain regular communication with clients to fine-tune media strategies, assess ongoing campaigns and plan for future initiatives. Review and assess media briefs, ensuring strategic coherence and effectively allocate tasks to the team. Utilise audience and market research tools to inform media planning and improve campaign effectiveness. Work collaboratively with media specialists to produce and financially manage high-quality media plans. Handle briefs from inception to execution, collaborating with craft teams and acting under the delegation from the Hub leadership Conduct quality assurance checks on all client outputs to ensure adherence to agency standards. Oversee the progression of plans from brief to sign-off and ensure creative production fees are implemented on plans if bought. Lead regular status and performance calls with clients to discuss ongoing activities and future planning. Assist in financial administration tasks related to project management, supporting the Hub leadership in financial oversight. Contribute content and attend Quarterly Performance Meetings (QPMs) and other significant client meetings. Liaise with education specialist publishers in conjunction with the Hub leadership. Keep abreast of the latest developments and offerings in education specialist media. Skills and Qualifications Proven experience in media planning and execution, with a strong understanding of both digital and broadcast channels. Excellent client management skills, with the ability to maintain continuous communication and adapt strategies based on client needs. Strong project management capabilities, ensuring quality assurance and adherence to agency standards. Effective leadership skills to guide and coordinate teams, providing strategic direction and necessary resources. Financial acumen to oversee budget management and reporting, supporting overall financial targets. Familiarity with audience and market research tools to inform media planning. Ability to manage client onboarding and maintain clear communication with all stakeholders. Proficiency in work management systems to ensure efficient task management and organisation. Knowledge of the education specialist media sector and the ability to stay updated with its latest developments. Personal Attributes Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. High attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Proactive and adaptable, with a strategic mindset.