WPP Media| Senior Media Planner, Japan

Senior Planner

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Strategic Planner to join our team working on a well-known global client. In this role, you will be a key contributor to the development and execution of impactful campaign strategies that drive business growth and enhance the client’s brand presence in the Japanese market. You will work closely with the Planning Lead, the broader team, and external agency partners to translate client briefs into actionable plans, leveraging data-driven insights and a deep understanding of the Japanese consumer landscape. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Media Planning & Execution

• Translate client briefs into a clearly defined problem and proposed solutions, leveraging category and audience insight to identify specific jobs to be done.
• Develop channel-specific media tactics across Online and Offline channels based on campaign data and market insights.
• Build detailed media plans aligned to approved strategies and client KPIs.
• Keep up to date with industry, market and consumer trends, identifying new opportunities or challenges where applicable, including leveraging outside-in inspiration to drive innovation.

2. Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Analyze campaign performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver weekly reports with clear insights and actionable recommendations.
• Contribute to End-of-Campaign reports, highlighting key results and learnings.
• Support ongoing testing and learning agendas across channels.

3. Budget Management & Accuracy

• Track monthly media budgets and monitor pacing to ensure alignment with approved plans.
• Maintain GST tracking and provide commentary on variances when needed.
• Ensure alignment between planned spend and invoicing in coordination with finance.
• Support accurate input into systems such as Salesforce.

4. Client & Team Collaboration

• Manage day-to-day communication with clients via email and Microsoft Teams
• Support weekly WIP meetings by preparing updates and maintaining trackers.
• Respond to requests from local and global stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively with junior team members and provide guidance where appropriate.

5. Process & Operational Support

• Follow established planning and financial processes to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and reporting accuracy.

Required Experience & Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in media planning or performance marketing, ideally within an agency.
• Hands-on experience across key platforms including YouTube, Meta, TikTok, LINE, and TV(OTT).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and extract meaningful insights.
• Comfortable presenting performance updates to clients.
• Solid budget tracking experience with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with media reporting tools.

Preferred

• Experience with e-commerce projects.
• Experience working with regional or global clients.
• Experience in TV and OOH planning or buying
• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar financial systems.
• Bilingual (Japanese and English) preferred.