Role: Business DirectorWe 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, meaning media teams collaborate closely with creative and account management teams within the Ford agency structure (primarily working with VMLYR).We promote a fully integrated team approach across media, creative, and client, working together across three locations: 2 days (Mon-Tue) at Ford''s Dunton office (a 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.In this senior Planning role, your primary responsibilities include directing and overseeing the creation and execution of integrated media strategies that deliver outstanding business results for Ford UK. You will lead strategic planning, annual budgeting, and collaborate with the ''Live Planner'' to maintain ongoing campaign performance, focusing on channel selection and consumer/category insights.Lead development of strategic planning and annual media strategy—developing strong audience insights and leveraging category understanding to inform campaign approaches and execution.Act as the primary strategic liaison with VML teams for responsive inputs, creative assets, and delivery management.Direct and mentor the Connections Planning team, managing workloads, fostering professional growth, and ensuring timely delivery of quality outputs.Identify potential campaign risks and proactively manage mitigation strategies to safeguard performance.Collaborate closely with central strategy teams to integrate local initiatives with broader strategies.Champion digital innovation and emerging media platforms to maintain Ford UK''s competitive advantage.Proven senior-level experience in strategic media planning, ideally within automotive or comparable industries.Extensive experience managing complex budgets, strategic planning, and team leadership.Expert-level knowledge of audience research, insights, and planning tools (e.g., TGI, Touchpoints), with awareness of supplementary media owner tools and data sources.Highly organized, with strong foresight and forward planning abilities, managing priorities proactively, anticipating client and team needs, and consistently delivering against deadlines.25 days annual leave plus your birthday off- Ongoing internal and external training opportunities- Flexible working- The opportunity to attend industry conferences and awards nights- Career and personal progression- Private Healthcare- Excellent pension matching structure

Mindshare is a leading global marketing and media services network with billings exceeding £23 billion worldwide. We work with some of the most famous businesses and brands in the UK, such as Unilever, Ford, KFC, Marks and Spencer, and TK Maxx. The Mindshare network has 116 offices across 86 countries in the USA, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, dedicated to forging competitive marketing advantages for businesses and their brands.Committed to Diversity and InclusionWe have 8 Employee Resource Groups, including Roots, PrideM, Women in Business, Enable, Declassify, 0Borders, ADAM, and Working Parents, which promote progress and inclusivity. These groups, along with our Mental Health Allies, organize initiatives to create a welcoming environment where everyone can be their most confident selves.#