McCann Health London is one of the most awarded healthcare communications agencies. We are guided by our founding philosophy, Truth Well Told, and united by one vision: to help our clients’ brands and businesses play a meaningful role in people’s health. We combine science, creativity and strategy to deliver best-in-class services to some of the world’s top, as well as emerging, health and wellness brands. We do this by challenging convention and bringing to life smart, creative ideas that push boundaries and leave the world a healthier place than we found it. What you’ll be doing Working closely with the Head of Strategy and the leadership team, the Planning Director is responsible for the strategic output of the agency and inspiring leadership of planning activities for allocated brands and campaigns. At its core, the role of the Planning Director is about understanding people’s behaviour and beliefs in order to define brands’ problems and objectives with the aim of providing our clients with a competitive advantage in the market. You’ll be a success if you: Strategy Development -Providing insightful leadership over direction of planning research to understand or deepen knowledge on markets, competitive environments and target audiences of our clients’ brands. -Overseeing or conducting market research and to develop research briefs, observing research, and conducting analysis/developing research findings into actionable next steps. -Research and acquire knowledge quickly in scientifically complex therapy areas where required, to support the wider Planning team as required. -Leading strategic development through boiling down information, insights, and research findings into a brand/comms strategy that is simple yet powerful and aligned with what the clients’ brands really need. -Provide direction over end-to-end projects from unpicking the brief through to workshop moderation, strategic development, analytics and reporting. -Build and enhance the strategy planning process, championing consistency of use of procedures across all parts of the agency to ensure a collective understanding of the tools and processes used with the strategy planning process. -Promote and develop cohesive, cross discipline approach to pursuit of new business and appropriate pitch protocols reflective of best/most appropriate working practices. Client Management -Working closely with Planning Directors and Head of Strategy, develop strategic relationships with clients; establish reputation as a leading strategic partner authority building multi-layered client relationships and growing global brands. -Adept at building strong relationships with pivotal senior clients of the department and management of planning staff, working closely with cross-functional teams where appropriate on brand programmes. -Identify and drive new business opportunities, overseeing and guiding the planning team as well as the wider agency on the growth element from a strategy perspective. -Lead strategically and creative-led meetings both internally and with clients to drive discussions from a strategy perspective. -Routinely present internally and externally as required, demonstrating pronounced gravitas to manage audiences in an inspiring, effective manner. -Lead on all aspects of ‘off-the-shelf’ workshops and to develop bespoke workshops. Leadership & Direction -Overseeing and / or coaching through creative briefs with Planning and Creative teams and briefing Creative teams in an informative and inspirational way. -Appraising creative work based on suitability of idea, strategic realisation, and resonance with customer. -Set the highest standards in terms of leadership behaviours; support a culture of diversity and inclusion; respect for others, collaboration, responsibility, and accountability. -Drive a culture of high performance across the team; through effective line management and leadership, ensure high quality selection, training, development, and performance management of all line reports. -Represent the planning department to the wider IPG Health operating companies and stakeholders, as well as industry and client communities. What you’ll bring: -A proven track record (at least 9 years or equivalent) in planning within ‘top tier’ marketing communication agencies including significant experience of planning for health brands. -Must have worked at an international and multi-market level. Proven case histories and definable business results, creative or effectiveness awards, testimonials from clients. -Leadership skills; able to build, mentor and develop high performing teams. -Experience of working within a multi-national company, able to quickly pick up and follow systems and processes. -Cross medium creative awareness and understanding of new technologies. -Be confident and articulate in front of senior clients and large audiences. -Must know what it takes to win pitches and build trust and respect of the Planning team and wider agency departments. -Educated to at least Bachelor’s degree level in a health-related discipline. -Understanding of consumer health planning in addition to prescription brand (rx) planning. You’ll be rewarded with: -Flexible Time off – Uncapped paid time off -Great training and development -Retail and Gym discounts platform -Life Assurance -Pension -Employee assistance programme -Private Healthcare -Headspace and MYND UP a mental health wellness programme -Access to Eye Care and Vaccine programmes -Cycle-to-work scheme -Long Service Award -Season Ticket Loan -Flexible working If you feel the above speaks to your career ambitions, then get in touch.