Who We Are:At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.Who we're looking for:The Senior Planner is expected to have an expert understanding of the planning process and be able to educate and sell that value to the client. Senior Planners generate ideas and insights that drive new business opportunities with existing and perspective clients. A successful Senior Planner will be trusted by creative teams for passion for great work and ability to inspire it, embraced by the account teams for support in leading the client to better business-building and brand building ideas, and valued by the client for insightful perspective on the customers’ relationships with the brand at the highest levels of both agency and client organizations. Business leadership, senior client partnerships and strong agency commitment are necessary.What you'll be doing:Customer and Industry Trends Gather information and synthesize it meaningfullyBe aware of cultural and social trends that affect the client’s businessCreate presentations on trends, research findings, ad testing, etc.Be aware of all available information resources, from quantitative syndicated info to qualitative secondary sourcesIdentify important emerging trends that add value to the client that lead to new business opportunities for the agencyAttending client briefingsDetermining strategic direction with Account Management and CreativeContributing to the creative briefAttending creative briefingsClient and New Business ResearchMust be able to maintain senior level relationships on multiple client assignments and must be viewed by these clients as a significant contributor on their businessBe seen as the primary planners for big agency accountsOversee Planners in the design and development of primary and secondary research from start to finishConfirm recommendations for preferred vendor relationshipsManage research process from screener development to research facilitationLead the distillation process – in conjunction with Planners, draw insights and recommendations from primary/secondary research findings for strategic and creative platforms and brand plans (Phase 1 and Phase 2)Deliver ideas grounded in consumer insights to the creative teams and account teams for current and perspective clientsAssist the account team in developing selling strategies for the work and provide appropriate research supportAct as a consultant for clients in designing their own research objectives and projectsFacilitate workshops, work sessions, brainstorms, etc. and synthesize outcome into useful formats Strategy Development and IdeationVision and drive to set the course for brands and internal teamsBe a steward and catalyst for great ideas and creative workEstablish strong relationships with account and creative teamsDemonstrate a high level of proficiency in all skills and knowledge demonstrated over an extended period of time in varied assignments and on various teamsGuide Planners and Associate Planners through the processInspire and champion great agency workLead the team in developing brand/message briefs for current and perspective clientsCreate strong and effective briefs and lead the briefing process in a creative and inspirational wayAid development of strategic recommendations for all brand plans – making sure all plans and supporting tactics are grounded in client’s overall business objectives, while addressing key customer insightsThink of new ways, techniques, programs, etc. to elevate the value of the planning team internally and externally·Providing input at the concept stageManagementProvide regular updates to internal team members and facilitate ongoing communications with direct reportsResponsible for managing all team accounts, with an active role in the bigger accountsBe an inspirational leader within the department as well as in the greater agencyChampion and exemplify the attitude and culture of the agencyDevelop ideas that go beyond the day to day scope of tasks and brands assigned and must successfully implement themGetting involved in formulating the case for the presentation, participate in writing it and attend client presentations to support the caseGeneral Must interact with and influence the highest levels of client and agency teamsMaintain awareness of the overall state of client needs and assist in defining internal and external growth opportunitiesWork with research agencies to ensure relevant results through proper briefing and also with research managers when presenting to clientsMonitor consumer trends and maintain information sharing facility and library within the department that is accessible to allWhat you'll need:University graduate in advertising, design, graphic design, sociology, market research or similar subject.Min 4 years experience as market researchers, account managers, copy writers, sociologists or similar field.Monitor sources of information on the markets occupied by our clients, and provide information and insight to the account team and client as appropriateThorough understanding of major industry categories to be able to help in new business pitches and other activities to be able to respond to client or perspective needsTeam playerPassion for advertisingGood imagination, foresight and intuitionCombination of creativity, curiosity and analytical capabilitiesPersonality is key (must get along with everyone, quickly gain respect and empathize with everyone in the Agency, especially Creatives.)