Business Director, Connections Planning - 6 month FTC

Role: Business DirectorDepartment/Team: Connections PlanningWe are recruiting a Business Director who is an exceptional and driven media planner to join our Connections Planning team.You will work on the Ford account in the UK – the biggest auto advertiser and one of the largest at Mindshare. We operate a unique ‘full service’ model, collaborating closely with creative and account management teams within the Ford agency structure, primarily working with VMLYR.We foster a fully integrated team approach across media, creative, and client, working across three locations: 2 days (Mon-Tue) at Ford’s Dunton office (short taxi from Shenfield on the Elizabeth Line; travel costs covered), 1 day (Wed) at VML Sea Containers House, and 1 day (Thu) at Mindshare Rose Court.As a senior Planning lead, your main responsibilities include directing and overseeing the creation and execution of integrated media strategies that deliver outstanding results for Ford UK. You will lead strategic planning, annual budgeting, and work with the ‘Live Planner’ to monitor ongoing campaign performance, focusing on channel choice and consumer/category insight.Lead the development of strategic planning and annual media strategies, leveraging audience insights and category understanding to inform campaign approaches.Act as the primary strategic liaison with VML teams for responsive inputs, creative assets, and delivery management.Manage and mentor the Connections Planning team, overseeing workloads, fostering growth, and ensuring timely delivery of quality outputs.Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect performance.Work with central strategy teams to align local and broader strategies.Promote digital innovation and emerging platforms to keep Ford UK competitive.Proven senior experience in strategic media planning, preferably in automotive or similar industries.Extensive experience managing budgets, strategic planning, and leading teams.Expertise in audience research and planning tools (e.g., TGI, Touchpoints), with knowledge of additional media data sources.Passionate about innovation, flexible, proactive, and a challenger mindset.A competitive salary aligned with experience-25 days annual leave plus your birthday off- Ongoing training and development opportunities- Career and personal growth- Excellent pension scheme

Mindshare is a global marketing and media services network with over £23 billion in billings worldwide. We work with leading brands like Unilever, Ford, KFC, Marks and Spencer, and TK Maxx. Our network includes 116 offices across 86 countries, dedicated to delivering competitive marketing advantages for our clients.Committed to Diversity and InclusionOur Employee Resource Groups, including Roots, PrideM, Women in Business, Enable, Declassify, 0Borders, ADAM, and Working Parents, support this goal by fostering an inclusive culture and leading initiatives to ensure everyone feels valued and confident.#