Senior Director, Planning

Agency: PHd Job Function: Media Job Subfunction: Media Planning and Buying Job Description: Senior Director of Media Planning The Role We're looking for a Senior Director of Media Planning who will lead our planning practice, set strategic standards across the agency, and drive client outcomes through integrated, full-funnel thinking. You'll own the P&L for assigned accounts, mentor a team of planners and leaders, and champion a planning philosophy that moves the industry forward. You'll be our strategic voice in the room—with clients, with leadership, and across the agency. This is a leadership role where your strategic thinking shapes not just individual client success, but how our entire planning practice operates.

Strategic Practice Leadership Develop and champion our integrated media planning philosophy (CULTURE → COMMUNITY → CONVERSION) across all client relationships and new business Set planning standards and best practices that define how we approach strategy, measurement, and client partnership Build proprietary frameworks and methodologies that differentiate our planning approach competitively Lead thought leadership: position the agency in industry conversations around effectiveness, media strategy, and consumer behavior Influence agency offerings: work with leadership to evolve our services, capabilities, and client value proposition Client & Account Leadership Own P&L for assigned strategic accounts; drive revenue growth, profitability, and client satisfaction Lead account strategy at C-suite level: position yourself as a business partner and strategic advisor, not a media vendor Challenge client briefs systematically: identify gaps in their media strategy and propose comprehensive solutions that move them beyond conventional thinking Build custom media architectures based on business objectives, competitive dynamics, and consumer journey—moving beyond category norms Own client outcomes: ensure integrated planning translates into seamless execution and measurable business results Team & Talent Development Build and lead a high-performing planning team (including Associate Directors and Planners), creating a culture of strategic rigor and excellence Mentor leaders and emerging talent toward integrated, systems-based thinking Establish planning processes and standards that elevate work across the practice Develop career paths and succession plans; attract top planning talent to the agency Champion continuous learning: foster a team that stays current on research, effectiveness studies, and media landscape evolution Cross-Functional Leadership Partner with Creative, Insights, Analytics, and Commerce to embed planning in all agency work Lead integrated pitch teams and new business development; position planning as the foundation of agency strategy Collaborate with Buying, Research, and other departments to ensure strategic plans execute flawlessly Shape client briefing processes: embed full-funnel thinking into how we scope, plan, and measure work Business Development & Growth Contribute to new business pitches and RFP responses, positioning our planning philosophy as a competitive advantage Identify growth opportunities within existing accounts; propose expanded scope and services based on strategic insights Build reputation as a thought leader: speak at industry events, contribute to research, and elevate agency profile in planning circles What We're Looking For Strategic & Leadership Competencies Systems thinker: You understand how brands grow. You connect media strategy to business outcomes, consumer psychology, and long-term brand equity. You can architect integrated strategies that balance short-term performance with long-term brand building. Strategic leader: You set direction, make tough calls, and inspire teams toward ambitious outcomes. You mentor with conviction. You raise standards. Client strategist: You think like a business partner, not a vendor. You challenge clients