Head of Paid Media

CTI Digital; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital agency in Manchester seeks a Head of Paid Media to lead their PPC capabilities and drive high-performance media strategies. You will leverage deep PPC expertise alongside leadership responsibilities, forecast revenue, and introduce innovative AI tools. The ideal candidate has extensive experience managing multi-platform paid media campaigns and excels in cross-functional collaboration. This full-time role offers a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave and a workplace nursery scheme.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Hybrid-working

Workplace nursery scheme

Health cash plan

Cycle-to-work scheme

Flexible working hours

Employee well-being program

Relaxed working environments

Qualifications

• Deep, hands-on experience managing multi-platform paid media.
• Experience leading and developing a Paid Media function.
• Familiarity with AI-led campaign optimisation and creative scoring tools.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic vision for PPC and develop operating frameworks.
• Deliver high-performing campaigns across various platforms.
• Drive AI adoption and implement GEO capabilities.

Skills

Expert-level PPC knowledge

Proven leadership experience

Strong understanding of AI in performance marketing

Commercial ownership mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

New business and pitch experience

Curiosity and experimentation

Tools

Google Ads

Performance Max

Demand Gen

GA4

Looker Studio

Job description

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Head of Paid Media

Application Deadline: 24 December 2025

Department: Growth

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Manchester

Description

Join 150+ strategists and specialists who refuse to settle, creating bold digital experiences for ambitious brands since 2004. We're a full-service digital agency delivering strategic consultancy, web development, and digital marketing to drive demand online. Using over two decades of industry experience, we provide next-gen solutions as part of lasting partnerships with hundreds of clients from Chester Zoo and Zip World to Balfour Beatty and Mind.

What makes us different

• We break new ground. You'll work on innovative projects using the latest technologies before they hit the mainstream. We celebrate calculated risks and learn fast from every experiment.
• We get stuck in together. Genuine collaboration across all departments. Your ideas matter here, regardless of your role or how long you've been with us.
• We stay curious. Continuous learning is essential. You'll have dedicated time and budget for development, working alongside industry experts who are genuinely invested in your success.
• We own it. Full accountability and autonomy over your work means you'll build client relationships, see real-world impact, and be recognised when you go the extra mile.

You’ll be joining our Paid Media team - a multi‑channel function covering paid search and paid social. You’ll directly lead our PPC capability while partnering closely with SEO, Creative, Strategy, and our Data & Insights teams to deliver high‑performance media strategies. The team operates across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, and the full CTI reporting stack including GA4, GTM, Funnel, Supermetrics, and Looker Studio.

What you’ll be doing

As the Head of Paid Media at CTI Digital, you’ll shape the future of how our clients grow through performance media. You’ll combine hands‑on PPC expertise with department leadership, forecasting, AI adoption, and the development of new capabilities like GEO (Growth Engine Optimisation). This role is critical to driving revenue, elevating client performance, and enabling CTI to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving search and AI landscape.

- Lead, grow, and evolve the Paid Media function: Set the strategic vision for PPC, develop operating frameworks, and establish best‑in‑class standards across the team.

- Own PPC performance across Google Ads & Microsoft Ads: Deliver high‑performing campaigns across Search, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and emerging formats - with hands‑on involvement where needed.

- Drive safe, structured AI adoption across Paid Media: Introduce and manage tools such as AIMAX, AI creative scoring (neuroscience‑powered), Smart+, and Adv+, rolling them out gradually and safely across relevant accounts.

- Build and implement GEO capability: Design a department roadmap for automated, AI‑led, cross‑channel optimisation - integrating PPC, paid social, creative testing, and data insights into a unified growth engine.

- Forecast revenue & performance using advanced modelling: Lead CTI’s media forecasting approach using platform data, GA4 trends, and regression analysis to build clear growth plans for clients, following the methodology outlined by our current Head of Performance.

- Own and integrate the Paid Media reporting stack: Oversee how Funnel, Supermetrics, GTM, GA4, and Looker Studio are used across the department - ensuring accuracy, consistency, and automation wherever possible.

- Drive creative effectiveness & structured testing: Work closely with our Creative team to test static, video, motion, animation, and UGC formats - leveraging AI scoring, attention metrics, and cognitive load insights to improve outcomes.

- Lead new business, pitches, and cross‑sell opportunities: Shape paid media narratives for proposals, contribute to decks, and confidently present to senior stakeholders across sectors.

- Collaborate cross‑functionally to influence overall client growth: Partner with SEO, Data & Insights, Creative, and Strategy to deliver unified performance experiences that reflect the modern, fragmented user journey.

- Coach, mentor, and develop Paid Media talent: Support managers and specialists, build structured progression plans, and ensure AI‑ready, future‑proof skill development across the team.

What experience you need to be successful

- Expert‑level knowledge of PPC: Deep, hands‑on experience managing Google Ads, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and multi‑platform paid media.

- Proven experience leading a Paid Media function: Able to set a vision, build capability, coach specialists, and drive both process and performance forward.

- Strong understanding of AI in performance marketing: Familiarity with AI‑led campaign optimisation, creative scoring tools, and emerging search formats shaped by conversational and dynamic queries.

- Commercial ownership mindset: Experience setting revenue targets, creating ROAS plans, and using forecasting models to guide client spend and strategy.

- Cross‑functional collaboration: Comfortable working closely with Data, SEO, Creative, UX, and Strategy to deliver integrated performance outcomes.

- New business and pitch experience: Confident in building decks, presenting solutions, and translating complex performance strategies into clear, compelling narratives for prospects.

- Curiosity and experimentation: A willingness to test betas, explore new platforms, challenge norms, and stay ahead of rapid changes in search and creative performance.

We're challenging the ‘Gender Confidence Gap,’ which suggests that individuals will only apply for a job if they meet 100% of the criteria. Some of our best hires didn’t check every box in the role description, so if you were about to rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply! Learn more about our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion on our careers page.

What’s in it for you?

• 28 days annual leave, in addition to the bank holidays
• Hybrid‑working - we’re in the office twice a week
• Workplace nursery scheme
• Health cash plan
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Employee well‑being and mental health programme
• Relaxed working environments - office dogs welcome!
• Company socials and lots of fun!