A truly global network with 120 offices and over 10,000 people operating in 96 markets, we are a new type of agency that creates breakthroughs for brands. We discover the breakthroughs that brands need to win; the discoveries, experiences, invention, integration and impact that will make a difference to their business. We are built to keep pace with change, built on data and technology, built for people and algorithms, built around diverse capability, built to test and learn at scale and, crucially, built to evolve.
Through the delivery of this breakthrough thinking, we will deliver our NZ agency purpose, to Demand Attention, and achieve our ultimate ambition, which is to be the most recommended agency amongst the world’s most influential brands.
These core beliefs are fundamental to our culture and how we work. We’re firm believers in building high performance teams (which is why you’re reading this!) that work fantastically well together to achieve to the highest levels. To do this, we have a set of values that underpin our culture:
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Curious: We are brilliant, creative, insightful thinkers who seek out fresh ideas, to get better every day.
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United: We are better together, and we value each and every member of our MediaCom tribe.
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Driven: Through our collective energy, desire and determination, we make things happen.
Keeping the above in mind is how we can produce great work that we all take pride in, but that most importantly delivers breakthroughs for the brands we represent.
Purpose of the role
The Head of Strategic Planning (HoSP) is responsible for the quality of the agency's work output, directly and in partnership with our internal teams - Client Leadership & Planning, Media Solutions and Data & Technology (D&T), as well as our centralised GroupM resource, spanning key specialisms. The relentless pursuit of breakthroughs demands the alignment of the agency around a singular philosophy and process (Breakthrough Thinking / Planning) that evolves briefs into recommendations for budgeting, audience selection, channel/platform ecosystem selection, creative design recommendation, cross channel media planning and measurement frameworks, and this role serves as the guardian of this philosophy and process. We firmly believe that ideas are essential to demand the attention of consumers and leaning heavily on the innovation and improvement strands of Breakthrough planning throughout the marketing, campaign and optimisation cycles, the HoSP will help deliver this creativity.
Additionally, the HoSP will command a position on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), helping shape the next era of EssenceMediacom in the New Zealand market, and sharing responsibility for the day-to-day operation and growth of the entire agency.
Your responsibilities
We expect you to play a direct role in creating the breakthrough culture we want to build at EssenceMediacom, which will be demonstrated in the following areas of the business.
People
- Develops, delivers and champions Breakthrough Planning approach, process, training and capability amongst the team
- Ensures integration of people/skills around the Breakthrough Planning process
- Supports Client Leadership personnel to deliver Breakthrough planning, both internally and externally to clients
- Develops resources and training to build this capability as an integrated part of advanced BAU
- Collaborates across functions and specialisms to create a more integrated, end-to-end product
- Actively stimulates innovative thinking within the agency and our clients
Partners
- Delivers integrated strategic guidance and presence on client accounts, as required by individual Scopes of Work (SOW)
- Builds and fosters strong and trusted client relationships where appropriate, in conjunction with the Managing Partner and Business Leads.
- Builds and fosters strong relationship with EssenceMediacom Australia and APAC, and GroupM NZ strategic personnel.
Product
- Delivers internal and external thought leadership/trends relating to strategic planning
- Leads the development, implementation and ongoing enforcement of the Breakthrough Planning process in New Zealand
- Delivers channel selection, budget allocation, channel orchestration and scheduling, channel synergies, creative design specs, active cross/channel/audience/creative optimisation as required on a brief-by-brief, client-by-client basis (in collaboration with Client Leadership & Planning)
- Ensures that our media planning discipline is evolving to incorporate new and emerging communication opportunities (ie. new platforms or new forms) and data to support decision making
- Defines advanced pproach to understanding audiences for planning Partners with broader Group M personnel and Au specialist services to enable planners to deliver industry-leading planning solutions
- Elevates EssenceMediacom’s external reputation by showcasing our work through award submissions (and wins!)
Profit
- Deliver strategy and planning support for new business projectsIdentifies new strategic/planning product opportunities that may attract incremental net sales growth
Key Performance Indicators
Your individual KPIs may change from time to time (according to business requirements, and in consultation with your line manager), however the broad areas for measuring performance in your role are as follows:
People
- Inspired, educated and motivated team as it relates to strategic planning, with talent identified and mentored to support and drive S&P in future
Partners
- Strong key client relationships and perception of/advocacy for EssenceMediacom’s planning work output
- Strong and productive relationships with EssenceMediacom Australia and APAC and GroupM NZ strategic personnel, to the demonstrable benefit of EssenceMediacom NZ
Product
- Delivery and adherence to Breakthrough planning
- External awards and other work recognition
Profit
- Incremental revenue delivery via strategic planning projects
- Key contribution to successful new business development
Knowledge & skillset requirements
Qualifications and experience
- Extensive and proven experience in strategic planning, spanning multiple categories and clients
- Experience in running and leading large teams, focussing on creating efficiencies, upskilling and constant improvement of output
- Extensive knowledge of marketing theory and proven demonstration of its application
- Proven ability to plan for and deliver outcomes
- An understanding of how to tap into a wide range of resources from which to draw insights
- Proven application of planning for innovation and incorporating relevant trends
- Ability to balance both creative ideas and evidenced based rigour
- Significant knowledge of the digital environment and the changing communications landscape
- A keen interest in the creation and application of new tools, systems and processes
Personal qualities and behavioural traits
- Exhibits ambition, both personally, but also for the role and opportunity
- Builds meaningful relationships both externally and internally
- Has natural gravitas and authority
- Continually challenges the status quo productively, always pushing for improvement
- Looks beyond the obvious and outside of comfort zones
- Experiments widely, accepting that not everything will work
- Creates an environment where ideas come from anywhere
- Works closely with others, regardless of team or seniority
- Builds bonds across teams to make collaboration easier
- Offers and appreciates precise and future-focused feedback
- Follows through on commitments to others
- Respectfully says what needs to be said, even if it's hard
- ITakes pride in continuously developing both core craft and wider knowledge
- Intentionally seeks out diverse views and experiences to broaden worldview
- Creates an environment where people feel safe to speak up and be heard
- Is kind, positive, curious and considerate with others
Apply now and send your CV via the link!
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