Croud
Planning Director
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Planning Director
Planning Director – London, UK (Hybrid, 3 Days In-Office)
Location: London, UK (Hybrid Working – 3 days in office, 2 remote) Salary: Benchmarked between £64,560 to £74,310 (based on skills and experience within Croud’s progression framework)
About Croud
Croud is a global full-service digital marketing agency with a unique scalable model, driving sustainable growth for businesses in the evolving marketing landscape. Recognised twice as the Sunday Times Best Place to Work and as Performance Marketing Employer of the Year (PMW), Croud thrives on innovation, collaboration, and purpose.
Our culture is built on:
- Long-term vision and strategic thinking
- Continuous learning and mutual support
- Future-first innovation for better outcomes
- Generosity, inclusion, and empowerment
- Purpose-driven impact on people, the planet, and communities
Role Overview
As a Planning Director, you’ll be the strategic strategist within Croud’s Strategy & Planning team, shaping integrated marketing strategies and building transformative client partnerships. Your role demands:
- Sharp strategic thinking and deep expertise in media planning
- Client-centric leadership, exceptional communication, and proactive decision-making
- Cross-channel media planning with a focus on data-driven optimisation
- Influence and delivery of revenue growth through account management and business development
- Team leadership — overseeing a team of Planning Managers
The ideal candidate thrives on critically questioning the status quo while confidently charting a path to success.
Key Responsibilities
Client & Strategy Leadership
- Partner closely with senior client stakeholders to address marketing challenges, driving high-level strategy with broad internal alignment.
- Grow Croud’s relationships with key clients by deeply understanding their commercial objectives and mapping their internal structures.
- Lead from campaign inception to execution, including:
- Defining measurement frameworks; crafting test-and-learn strategies; optimising performance diagnostics.
- Crafting holistic media strategies across online and offline channels.
- Overseeing broad benchmarks vs. competitors, ensuring actionable insights.
- Represent Croud at industry events, delivering thought leadership and public speaking.
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Strategy Execution & Team Management
- Develop and implement multi-channel media plans, ensuring investments are ** analytically justified and performance-driven**.
- Lead audience segmentation, market research, and competitor analysis, ensuring findings are insightful and actionable.
- Drive account growth and business development, contributing to revenue.
- Manage a Planning team — mentor Planning Managers, fostering performance and collaboration.
- Ensure accurate billing from media campaigns and timely, high-quality client deliverables.
Person Specification
Essential
✔ 5+ years’ experience as a Planner or Account Director in media, communications, or digital strategy. ✔ Proven track record of integrated campaign strategy execution, delivering measurable business impact across online and offline channels. ✔ Print media planning and preferably buying experience (non-negotiable). ✔ Experience in scoping and selling strategies to senior stakeholders, including pitch delivery. ✔ Technical proficiency in core tools:
- Analytics & ad platforms: Google Analytics, Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, DV360
- Breadth: TGI, GlobalWebIndex, ComScore (nice-to-have) ✔ Analytical expertise – Turning audience/campaign data into insight-driven strategies. ✔ Advanced competence in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, modelling, dashboards) and PowerPoint/Google Slides.
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Desirable
🔹 CPG or multi-brand retail sector experience (bonus). 🔹 Experience with luxury brands and consumer insights. 🔹 Campaign growth wins from account pitches up to enterprise-level scale.
Company Benefits
Core
🏢 Hybrid model: 3 days in-office, 2 remote, based in London. ⚡ Development & Career Growth:
- Sabbatical: Paid at 7 years (or unpaid at 5).
- 25 days holiday + enhanced family leave.
- Individually benchmarked salary with bonuses & incentives.
Wellbeing & Perks Beyond Probation (after 3 months)
🍏 Lifestyle Benefits:
- Daily office: Free fruit, snacks, breakfast.
- Weekly lunch campaigns hosted by Croud.
- RideShare/National Railcards + commuting stipends for Bicycles, Cars, or Light Rail.
- Double-glazed ergonomic monitors for home offices.
📚 Education & Recognition:
- Curated learning platform + Croud Campus development hub.
- Peer-to-peer recognition ‘bonusly’.
🤝 Work-Life Harmony:
- 2 recharge days (flexible micro-leave).
- Business insurance (life, income protection).
- Social cohesion – team off-sites, industry gatherings, seasonal holidays off.
🌍 Purpose & Community:
- Equal opportunity employer: D&I founded commitment (gender, age, disability, etc.).
- Flexible hours (9am-5:30pm standard; adjustments with line managers).
Croud’s Core Values
Elevating potential in everyone
In it together — Integration, collaboration, and shared outcomes. Eye on the future — Futurism, curiosity, and strategic courage. Generous in spirit — Inclusive development, mentorship. Do what you say — Accountability and integrity. Make a difference — Purpose and impact.
Find yourself dreaming bigger? Apply and unlock potential with Croud.
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