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Job Description Description Position at Mindshare Role: BusinessDirector Department/Team: Connections Planning Role ObjectiveWe 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 accounts at Mindshare. We operate a unique ‘full service’ model, collaborating closely with creative and account management teams within the Ford agency structure, primarily with VMLYR. Our team approach spans media, creative, and client teams 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. About the roleIn this senior planning role, your 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, manage annual budgets, and work with the ‘Live Planner’ to monitor campaign performance, focusing on channel selection and consumer insights. Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipLead development of strategic planning and annual media strategies, leveraging audience insights and category understanding to inform campaign approaches. Guide client teams during briefings to ensure clear and actionable briefs. Relationship ManagementMaintain strong partnerships across Ford UK, VMLYR, channel teams, and other cross-agency partners. Act as the primary strategic liaison with VML teams for responsive inputs, creative assets, and delivery management. Ensure transparent communication across all campaign developments. Team LeadershipManage and mentor the Connections Planning team, overseeing workloads and fostering professional growth. Oversee weekly status reports and maintain accountability for campaign outcomes. Campaign and Budget ManagementOwn strategic management and adaptive allocation of budgets. Identify and mitigate campaign risks to safeguard performance. Ensure campaigns meet KPIs, adjusting strategies as needed. Innovation and CollaborationCollaborate with central strategy teams to align local and broader strategies. Explore and introduce innovative media solutions. Champion digital innovation and emerging platforms to keep Ford UK competitive. About youProven senior experience in strategic media planning, ideally in automotive or similar industries. Ability to simplify complex requests, visualize strategies, and guide teams. Experience managing budgets, strategic planning, and leading teams. Expertise in audience research and planning tools (e.g., TGI, Touchpoints). Skilled in designing measurement frameworks and delivering insights. Excellent communication and relationship management skills, confident in presenting to senior clients. Passionate about innovation, flexible, proactive, with a challenger mindset. Highly organized, with foresight and ability to manage priorities proactively. Committed to team development, collaboration, and personal growth. What we offerCompetitive salary based on experience 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off Training opportunities Flexible working Industry conference and awards attendance Career and personal development Private healthcare Excellent pension scheme About MindshareMindshare is a global marketing and media network with over £23 billion in billings. We work with major brands like Unilever, Ford, KFC, Marks & Spencer, and TK Maxx across 116 offices in 86 countries. Our aim is to drive Good Growth—growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and responsible. Our approachWe focus on delivering enduring growth, mindful of people and the planet. We believe media should be trusted, inclusive, and sustainable, placing people at the core of our strategies. Our values of Energy, Empathy, and Impact guide us in this mission. Working at MindshareWe invest in our people’s development and promote an inclusive culture through Employee Resource Groups like Roots, PrideM, Women in Business, and others. Our flagship event, Huddle, fosters learning and cross-border collaboration. We strive to be the most inclusive workplace, fostering a confident and supportive environment for all.#J-18808-Ljbffr