Planning Executive

Job Description

Your New Role

The WBD UK Programme Planning team are content experts who are knowledgeable and passionate about programming and connecting content to audiences. Working with the Planning Manager or Senior Planning Manager the role of Planning Executive is to take responsibility for the forward planning & scheduling of designated linear channels. The role will be expected to work with the team to ensure that channels of responsibility are scheduled optimally to maximize revenue and ratings through an in-depth knowledge of the programme stock available, the channels' target audiences, competitors, the D+ windowing strategy and an understanding about how to win and keep viewers with a passion for the genre.

The Planning Executive may also be required to deputise for the (Snr) Planning Manager or other Planning Executives in their absence, maintaining a clear understanding of the scheduling strategies around all the channels and the logistical and legal issues relating to them. The Executive is also expected to input into the scheduling and windowing strategies for the channels, supporting the (Snr) Planning Manager and suggesting new ideas and initiatives where possible.

In addition, the Planning Exec will be expected to input into broader scheduling detail required for the UK brand partnerships team and to highlight key content in a timely fashion for consideration for Media Planning and Marketing & Creative.

Your Role Accountabilities
• Work closely with the (Snr) Planning Manager to develop schedule strategies for channels of responsibility, ensuring a joined-up portfolio approach.
• Create and implement forward plans which maximise performance opportunity and deliver to brand requirements.
• Viewing programming and applying editorial expertise.
• Monitor channels performance and recommend short/long term initiatives for discussion with the Planning Manager to ensure channels maintain their competitive edge.
• Work with Insights team to build and maintain an in-depth knowledge of audiences and competitors and to identify opportunities and threats facing the channels.
• Work closely with the (Snr) Planning Manager to identify stacks, stunts or partnerships which will exploit the archive.
• Liaise with the D+ Planning Executive to ensure an accurate and up-to-date D+ forward plan.
• Maintain an awareness of programming initiatives across the portfolio.
• Develop and maintain programme stock lists.
• Remain on top of all OPD content supply, and related network and D+ schedule strategies.
• Input schedules into IBMS, working closely with the Senior Planning Manager to ensure best practice is followed
• Ensure distribution of schedules and schedule changes and work with other team members to prevent clashes and ensure effective windowing of content.
• Track terrestrial and key competitor schedules and take them into account when planning.
• Build strong relationships with and handle day to day enquires from other departments and teams, informing them of initiatives or changes, as required or requested.
• Maintain the best possible intelligence about forthcoming events and competitor activity in order to inform scheduling decision making. This includes keeping abreast of current affairs that could influence the performance of the schedule.
• Participate in ad hoc internal working groups and taskforces as a representative of the channel(s)
• Adopt and promote the WBD values and support a culture of inclusion.

Qualifications and Experience
• Programme planning/scheduling experience
• An analytical mind with creative flair to identify key facts, trends and issues.
• Strong understanding of audience research and usage data across linear and non-linear.
• A genuine passion for TV and content strategy with a particular interest in non scripted content
• Experience in Word & Excel
• Preferably proficient in IBMS and TechEdge

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

The Legal Bits…

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.

If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you need a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact us at recruitadmin@wbd.com.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gknxv8-3-145-93-210-42 in your application.