Planning Account Executive

Job Description: Planning Account Executive

Reports To: Head of Education & Innovation

Summary

As a Planning Account Executive, you’ll play a crucial supporting role within the agency’s planning function, assisting in the coordination and execution of media campaigns across digital and broadcast channels.

You will work closely with the Planning Account Manager to help deliver well-structured media plans, ensure smooth day-to-day operations and maintain strong communication standards.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone early in their media or marketing career looking to gain hands-on experience across campaign planning, publisher liaison, and agency processes.

Accountabilities

Campaign Support

• Assist in developing media plans and campaign schedules under guidance from senior planners.
• Support on the collection and synthesis of audience data, market research, and channel performance insights.
• Prepare and format media plans, presentations, and reports for client meetings and internal reviews.
• Client & Publisher Coordination
• Support the Account Manager in liaising with clients on campaign deliverables, timelines, and feedback loops.
• Coordinate with education specialist publishers for pricing, availability, and bookings, maintaining accurate contact records.
• Project Administration
• Maintain campaign trackers, timelines, and internal status documents to ensure visibility and accountability.
• Log campaign performance metrics and help prepare content for client reporting and Quarterly Performance Meetings.
• Assist with quality control checks on campaign documentation and outputs.
  
  

Financial Support

• Support the financial administration of campaigns, including PO tracking, invoice matching and budget logging.
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure accurate media cost input and reconciliations.
  
  

Learning & Development

• Build knowledge of education media and publishing landscape through structured and self-directed research.
• Learn how to use key planning and research tools and contribute ideas and recommendations to campaign planning sessions.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with clients to fine-tune media strategies, assess ongoing campaigns and plan for future initiatives.
• Effectively allocate tasks to the team.
• Work collaboratively with media specialists to produce and financially manage high-quality media plans.
• Conduct quality assurance checks on all client outputs to ensure adherence to agency standards.
• Assist in financial administration tasks related to project management, supporting the PAM in financial oversight.
• Contribute content and attend Quarterly Performance Meetings (QPMs) and other significant client meetings.
• Liaise with education specialist publishers in conjunction with the PAM.
• Keep abreast of the latest developments and offerings in education specialist media.
  
  

Essential

Skills and Experience

• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Attention to detail, especially when handling data or campaign costs.
• Interest in media, marketing, and the education sector.
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft Office equivalents.
  
  

Desirable

• Some experience related to media planning, marketing, advertising, or digital communications.
• Familiarity with tools like SimilarWeb, YouGov or other audience insight platforms (training provided).
• Knowledge of the UK higher education sector or experience with education-focused media (not essential)
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a strategic mindset.