Head of Paid Media

Hybrid; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Central Bristol location

£25 monthly wellbeing allowance

Annual learning hours allowance

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Group life assurance and income protec

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) &

Job summary

Hybrid is a global marketing agency specialising in higher education. We are seeking a commercially driven Head of Paid Media to lead performance delivery across our UK client portfolio in a hybrid role based in Bristol.

You will own paid media across 20+ accounts, act as the SME in paid media, and collaborate with Account Directors, Media Planning, and Leadership to ensure campaigns hit and exceed targets, while driving automation and efficiency across channels.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience across Google Ads (Search, Display, PMax), Meta, LinkedIn, Programmatic, TikTok, Snapchat.
• Experience leading digital paid media and performance teams.
• Strong numeracy and data storytelling ability.
• Experience forecasting, pacing and delivering against conversion targets.

Responsibilities

• Own paid media performance across Paid Search, Paid Social and Programmatic, ensuring forecasted targets are met or exceeded.
• Lead a high performing Paid Media and Performance team.
• Diagnose and fix underperforming campaigns quickly and confidently.
• Lead campaign pacing, forecasting and budget optimisation to ensure efficiency.
• Implement and oversee GA4, GTM, tagging and tracking accuracy.
• Act as senior paid media lead in QBRs, pitches and strategic planning sessions.
• Support Account Directors in aligning paid media strategy with growth plans.
• Refine paid media processes and QA frameworks to drive automation and reduce waste.
• Create scalable solutions to improve gains and reduce wastage.
• Ensure LinkedIn and other channels operate within performance guardrails.

Skills

Google Ads

Meta

LinkedIn

Programmatic

TikTok

Snapchat

Multi-account management

Data storytelling

Tools

GA4

GTM

Job description

Location: Bristol, BS1 4HX | hybrid working

We are seeking a commercially driven, hands-on Head of Paid Media to lead performance delivery across our UK client portfolio.

This is not a pure strategy or people-only leadership role. We are looking for a strategic operator; someone equally comfortable fixing a campaign in-platform as they are leading a QBR with senior stakeholders.

You will own paid media performance across 20+ accounts, act as the subject matter expert in paid media, and work closely with Account Directors, Media Planning, and Leadership to ensure campaigns consistently hit and outperform targets.

About Hybrid:

Hybrid is an award-winning global marketing agency specialising in higher education. With six offices worldwide and more than 16 years of experience, we’ve launched successful campaigns with universities and education brands across the globe.

Today, we’re a leading name in the sector, with a strong share of the university market and over 40% year-on-year growth. As part of EAB; a worldwide leader in education services, we’re continuing to build on that success, expanding our digital solutions and capabilities to offer even more to the education sector.

What you’ll do:

• Own paid media performance across Paid Search, Paid Social and Programmatic, ensuring conversion forecasts are met and exceeded.
• Lead a high performing Paid Media and Performance team.
• Diagnose and fix underperforming campaigns quickly and confidently.
• Lead campaign pacing, forecasting and budget optimisation to ensure 100% efficiency.
• Implement and oversee GA4, GTM, tagging and tracking accuracy.
• Act as senior paid media lead in QBRs, pitches and strategic planning sessions, confidently articulating agency performance strategy and commercial impact.
• Support Account Directors in aligning paid media strategy with broader growth plans.
• Refine and streamline paid media processes and QA frameworks, driving automation, efficiency and waste reduction across accounts.
• Create scalable solutions that improve % gains and reduce % wastage.
• Ensure LinkedIn and other key channels operate within clear performance guardrails.

What we’re looking for:

• Extensive hands‑on experience across Google Ads (Search, Display, PMax), Meta, LinkedIn, Programmatic, TikTok, Snapchat.
• Experience of leading digital paid media and performance teams.
• Deep understanding of GA4 and GTM implementation.
• Strong numeracy and data storytelling ability.
• Proven ability to manage multi-account portfolios at scale while improving operational efficiency and process automation.
• Experience forecasting, pacing and delivering against conversion targets.
• Confidence in client-facing environments at senior level.
• Agency background with exposure to complex, multi-channel accounts.
• Strong commercial acumen and revenue driven mindset.

What’s in it for you:

• Central Bristol location - just off King Street and a 10-minute walk from Temple Meads
• £25 monthly wellbeing allowance - spend it on your physical or mental wellbeing
• Investing in your development - grow your career with a dedicated annual allowance of learning hours
• Supporting life beyond work -enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Group life assurance and income protection – automatic enrolment for reassurance and peace of mind
• Health and wellbeing - free support and advice via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and a subscription to the Calm app
• Festive time off - enjoy a company-wide break between Christmas and New Year
• Company events and socials – take time out as a team with regular away days plus Summer and Christmas parties
• Office perks – free weekly breakfast deliveries and fresh fruit
• Commuter-friendly facilities – secure bike storage and showers on-site

What makes Hybrid different:

We don’t just run campaigns; we create work that makes a difference.

It’s our people that make it possible. At Hybrid, you’ll work alongside smart, supportive colleagues who value different perspectives, encourage new ideas and give you the space to do your best work. You’ll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects for leading education brands, while continuing to develop your skills and experience.

Hybrid Media is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives, stronger creativity, and better outcomes for our people and our clients.