Planning Manager in Sydney

Because how you move people moves your business for good.

As part of Publicis Groupe, we unleash the power of creativity, data, and media to deliver personalized experiences at scale. We have one of the most robust data sets in the industry and world-class marketplace connections and buying scale.

Overview:

• 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract starting from October.
• We're looking for an experienced Planning Manager to join Starcom on a 12-month fixed-term contract, working across one of the world’s most recognised and beloved consumer brands.
• This is an opportunity to work on campaigns that genuinely capture attention, spark engagement and influence culture.
• You'll be part of a collaborative team responsible for bringing integrated media strategies to life across a diverse mix of channels and touchpoints, partnering with specialists across planning, investment, digital and strategy.

Role Purpose:

The Planning Manager is responsible for client delivery and implementation planning. Working closely with senior planning leadership, you will develop communication strategies through audience insights, channel planning and market analysis. You will be accountable for ensuring planning recommendations align to client objectives, deliver against KPIs and provide innovative solutions to business challenges.

Client Leadership:

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key client stakeholders.
• Lead day-to-day client communications and planning discussions.
• Present recommendations confidently both internally and externally.
• Ensure planning outputs align with client objectives and success measures.
• Support senior leadership in translating client priorities into actionable plans.
• Provide proactive media and market insights that support client growth.

Communications Planning:

• Develop integrated communication plans across digital and offline channels.
• Translate client briefs into clear, strategic media responses.
• Conduct audience, channel and environment analysis.
• Create innovative planning solutions that deliver measurable results.
• Work closely with strategy, investment and activation teams to ensure seamless delivery.
• Contribute to best-in-class planning standards across the agency.

Campaign Delivery:

• Oversee campaign planning and implementation across multiple workstreams.
• Ensure all planning documentation and deliverables meet quality standards.
• Lead internal briefing processes and support cross-functional collaboration.
• Maintain operational excellence throughout campaign delivery.
• Manage timelines, priorities and stakeholder expectations effectively.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and support Account Executives and Coordinators.
• Provide guidance, coaching and day-to-day support.
• Foster a culture of learning, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Encourage innovation, problem-solving and professional development.
• Support a positive and inclusive team environment.

Commercial Management:

• Support accurate planning, forecasting and budget management.
• Ensure media plans are delivered accurately and efficiently.
• Oversee relevant financial and operational processes.
• Understand the commercial implications of planning recommendations.
• Promote broader agency capabilities and specialist services where appropriate.

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience within a media agency planning function.
• Strong communications planning capability across integrated media channels.
• Experience managing client relationships and stakeholder expectations.
• Strong presenter with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior team members.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational capability.
• Experience working within cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills:

• Strong Microsoft Excel capability.
• Confident user of PowerPoint and presentation development tools.
• Experience using industry-standard planning and audience tools.
• Ability to analyse data and turn insights into actionable recommendations.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and competing priorities.

Additional information:

Publicis Groupe benefits include a comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical, mindful, and financial wellbeing, a creative office environment, access to our Global AI Platform Marcel, extensive Learning & Development opportunities, a culture of open feedback, leave benefits, and a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.