Implementation Planner Intern

Company description

Publicis Groupe Africa has opened applications for Le Cubs 2027, its flagship 12-month internship programme designed to give young South African graduates meaningful workplace experience and an opportunity to build future-ready careers in the marketing and communications industry.

Starting in March 2027, successful applicants will join teams across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, gaining hands-on experience in disciplines including creativity, strategy, human resources, data, technology, AI, media and business support.

Le Cubs is designed to bridge the gap between tertiary education and the workplace, giving graduates the opportunity to move beyond theory, contribute to real work, learn from industry professionals and develop practical skills in a connected, collaborative environment.

Publicis Groupe Africa is one of the continent’s leading marketing and communications groups, home to agencies spanning media, creative, data and production. Our Connected Media practice brings strategy, planning, activation and measurement together in one integrated team, working with some of Africa’s most recognised brands. We invest in people, capability and craft, and we build careers, not just campaigns.

Overview

Planning is the foundation of every great media strategy. In this role you will learn the craft from the ground up – turning approved plans into accurate, executable schedules – so you understand how media really works before progressing into journey planning and, later, strategy.

Responsibilities

What You Will Do

• Build and update media schedules, flowcharts and budget breakdowns under the guidance of senior planners

• Prepare booking instructions and briefs for buying and activation teams

• Check plans against approved budgets, dates and client sign-offs, and track changes with version control

• Pull audience and channel data to support planning recommendations

• Track plan delivery and flag variances to the planning team

• Take notes in client and internal meetings and follow up on agreed actions

Your 12-Month Learning Journey

• Month 1 – Foundations: Connected Media bootcamp, platform certifications and pod induction

• Months 2–4 – Rotation: short rotations across Strategy, Operations and Performance (about a week per discipline with a specialist)

• Months 5–10 – Seat: live placement in the home team with a named mentor and defined account responsibilities

• Months 10–12 – Absorption gate: assessment against the Connected Media JD and offer into a commercially approved role, where available

Who We Are Looking For

A numerate, organised graduate who enjoys structure and detail and is curious about how audiences, channels and budgets fit together.

Qualifications

What You Will Do

• Build and update media schedules, flowcharts and budget breakdowns under the guidance of senior planners

• Prepare booking instructions and briefs for buying and activation teams

• Check plans against approved budgets, dates and client sign-offs, and track changes with version control

• Pull audience and channel data to support planning recommendations

• Track plan delivery and flag variances to the planning team

• Take notes in client and internal meetings and follow up on agreed actions

Your 12-Month Learning Journey

• Month 1 – Foundations: Connected Media bootcamp, platform certifications and pod induction

• Months 2–4 – Rotation: short rotations across Strategy, Operations and Performance (about a week per discipline with a specialist)

• Months 5–10 – Seat: live placement in the home team with a named mentor and defined account responsibilities

• Months 10–12 – Absorption gate: assessment against the Connected Media JD and offer into a commercially approved role, where available

Who We Are Looking For

A numerate, organised graduate who enjoys structure and detail and is curious about how audiences, channels and budgets fit together.

Additional information

What We Offer

• A 12-month, structured internship with hands-on exposure to real client work

• A named mentor and buddy, plus rotations across the Connected Media model

• Platform certifications and learning through our internal academies

• A clear absorption gate into a commercially approved role, where available

Publicis Groupe Africa is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building diverse and inclusive teams and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including candidates with disabilities. Preference may be given to candidates in line with our Employment Equity objectives.