Head of Paid Media (Search & Social)

Central Employment; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A performance marketing agency located in Glasgow is seeking a Head of Paid Media to oversee strategies across all relevant channels including Google Ads and social media platforms. This mid-senior level position requires 2-3 years of leadership experience, ideally within an agency context, with a focus on high-value client management in sectors such as Retail or Hospitality. The role includes leading a team, developing growth strategies, and ensuring client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years in a leadership role, ideally within an agency setting.
• Exceptional management skills for high-value and complex Paid Media client accounts.
• Experience in Retail, Leisure or Hospitality sectors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee paid strategies across all channels, including Search and Social.
• Develop overall paid media strategy aligning with agency growth.
• Monitor KPIs and track performance of paid media accounts.
• Lead and mentor the paid media team.

Skills

Channel management across Paid Search

Channel management across Paid Social

Programmatic Display/Video

Metasearch

Client relationship management

Leadership and mentorship

Tools

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

Meta

TikTok

LinkedIn

Job description

Head of Paid Media (Search & Social)

Central Employment Marketing & Digital division are delighted to be working with an expanding full-service Performance Marketing and Web Development agency in Glasgow, as they look to appoint a Head of Paid Media.

Location: Central Glasgow based. Work arrangement: 3 days in office, 2 days from home.

Base pay: Up to £60,000 DOE.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and implementation of integrated paid strategies across all relevant channels, including Paid Search (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads), Paid Social (Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn), Programmatic Display/Video, and Metasearch.
• Develop and execute the overall paid media strategy for the agency, aligning with agency growth objectives and market trends.
• Develop and implement processes and systems to improve the efficiency and profitability of the paid media department.
• Develop compelling paid media proposals, forecasts and presentations for prospective clients.
• Conduct paid media audits and competitive analyses for potential clients.
• Present the value proposition of the agency's paid media services to prospective clients.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the paid media space, including developing new service offerings and expanding into new markets.
• Monitor KPIs and track the performance of all paid media accounts.
• Lead, mentor and develop the paid media team. Conduct monthly check-ins to measure progress towards career goals, provide feedback, and address employee concerns.
• Establish and continuously refine best‑practice campaign management and optimisation processes to ensure efficiency, quality control, and scalable delivery across all paid channels.
• Organise the team’s resourcing each month, by strategically mapping each employee’s capacity and skillset against active client retainers to ensure optimal utilisation and monitoring progress with our internal task tracking platform.
• Act as the primary strategic contact for high‑value and complex client accounts, building strong relationships and presenting sophisticated quarterly and annual strategic reviews.
• Take direct ownership of key commercial metrics for the department, including client retention & satisfaction, paid team revenue growth, and achieving client performance targets.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and the business development team to develop innovative paid media proposals and strategies for pitches and upselling opportunities.

Key Qualifications

• Exceptional channel management, specifically across Paid Search (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads), Paid Social (Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn), Programmatic Display/Video, and Metasearch.
• 2-3 years in a leadership role, ideally gained within an agency setting.
• Ability to manage high‑value and complex Paid Media client accounts, ideally in the Retail, Leisure or Hospitality sectors.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Marketing and Advertising

Industry

Marketing Services