Planning Manager

Croud; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Job description

Croud is looking for a Planning Manager to join their team in London.

At Croud, we unlock potential by elevating our people, clients, and communities within a rapidly advancing and complex economy. We operate as a unique scaled network of Intelligent, Creative Specialists, enabling us to deliver superior brand outcomes and unlock potential for our people, our clients and our communities.

Our culture is strategically driven and inspired by a shared long-term vision. It is collaborative and connected, with a focus on continuous learning and mutual support.

We are energised by future thinking, driving innovation to achieve better outcomes. We are instinctively generous, actively including and empowering our people. Above all, we are purpose-driven, committed to positively impacting our people, the planet, and our global communities.

At Croud, we’re reimagining account planning by combining proven methodologies with search, performance data, and customer analytics to deliver data-driven brand and performance solutions.

We’re looking for an experienced and digitally-savvy Planner who can turn audience insights and campaign data into actionable strategies. You’ll be adept at digital measurement and targeting, using tools and market intelligence to inform client decisions, and solving marketing challenges with creative and impactful solutions.

This role is ideal for someone ready to step into a more senior position, actively contributing to business growth and campaign innovation while building strong client relationships.

Croud operates a hybrid working model with a minimum of 3 days a week based in our London office and the remaining days from home if you wish.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with clients to interpret objectives, solve marketing challenges, and plan cross-channel media strategies that drive results
• Support the Planning Director on building measurement frameworks, testing methodologies, and optimisation plans to enhance campaign performance
• Leverage audience, market, and competitor intelligence using industry tools to guide decision-making
• Monitor performance in real-time, working with channel experts to ensure insights are acted upon holistically
• Act as a trusted advisor to key clients, delivering actionable insights and helping them optimise their digital media investments
• Support client leadership teams by diagnosing performance issues and providing strategic counsel
• Contribute to pitches and presentations for prospective clients, collaborating with Planning Directors to secure new opportunities
• Identify opportunities for account growth and help shape strategic initiatives for existing clients
• Expand your knowledge across content, SEO, traditional media, and creative, and apply these learnings to drive client success
• Innovate in campaign planning, developing and pitching big new media initiatives to meet evolving client needs

Person Specification:

• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience
• Proven experience as a Planner or Account Manager in comms, media, or digital planning roles. Candidates with strategy-focused experience are also encouraged to apply
• Track record of successful campaign planning that delivers measurable results for clients
• Experience in CPG and/or multi-brand retail is a bonus but not essential
• Strong experience in presenting to clients, selling ideas, and working closely with stakeholders to align with business objectives
• Hands-on experience with key digital marketing platforms, such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, DV360
• Familiarity with planning and insight tools (e.g., TGI, GlobalWebIndex, SimilarWeb) is a plus
• Proficient in essential tools, including Excel/Google Sheets and PowerPoint/Google Slides
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively
• Strong analytical skills with a keen ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions
• Exceptional client service skills, with a focus on building lasting relationships
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritising effectively
• Impeccable attention to detail, ensuring the highest standards in all work
• Proven ability to meet deadlines consistently, working efficiently under pressure
• Excellent time management skills, with a proven track record of managing competing priorities

Company Benefits:

Croud offers a clear path to progression for all members of staff. We are committed to offering development opportunities alongside a support system of regular performance reviews. The opportunities are endless!

• Sabbatical: Paid sabbatical at 7 years with an option to take it unpaid at 5 years
• 25 days holiday a year
• Discretionary annual performance based incentive (up to 7% of annual base salary)
• Recruitment referrals bonus
• Ride to Work scheme
• Railcard
• Season Ticket loan
• Home office chair and home office screen
• Free fruit, breakfast cereals, snacks and tea & coffee in the office
• Enhanced Primary and Secondary family leave as well as extended Parental Leave and Shared Family Leave
• Life insurance and income protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension
• Curated 3rd party learning platform as well as access to Croud Campus (our bespoke learning and development platform)
• IPA Membership
• Peer to peer recognition scheme ‘bonusly’
• Team off-sites/regular socials
• Flexible working options
• Day to make a difference

Standard hours are from 9.00am to 5.30pm, there’s flexibility if agreed in advance with your line managers (it may also be necessary on occasions to work outside of these hours).

Croud is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. All candidates will be assessed based on merit, qualifications and their ability to perform the requirements of the role.

Our Values:

At Croud, our vision centres around the idea of unlocking potential. We do this by elevating everyone in an inclusive and progressive culture, empowering individuals to deliver their best work. This means we build better brand outcomes, and unlock potential for our people, our clients and our communities.

We live and breathe five core values that foster a culture where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to elevating each other is fundamental to both our cultural and business success. The ideal candidate will excel in and demonstrate the following:

• In it together– our value on integration, collaboration and outcomes
• Eye on the future– our value on futurism, creativity and passion
• Generous in spirit– our value on people, development and inclusion
• Do what you say– our value on integrity and accountability
• Make a difference– our value on purpose and impact

Croud is an award-winning, global, full-service digital marketing partner, specializing in developing key strategies for sustainable business growth.