Head of Total Search

Publicis Groupe UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marketing agency is seeking a Head of Total Search in London to lead a team of 50 specialists. This role involves setting the vision for Paid Search and SEO, driving innovation to enhance client growth, and managing relationships with senior clients. The ideal candidate will exhibit effective leadership, a strong understanding of search strategies, and a compassionate approach to team management in a hybrid workspace. Comprehensive benefits are available, including flexible working options.

Benefits

Work Your World opportunity to work anywhere

Reflection Days for well-being

24/7 Help@Hand benefits helpline

Family friendly policies including maternity and parental leave

Additional birthday leave

Agency discounts

Qualifications

• Experienced in leading hybrid and offshore teams.
• Charismatic presenter with strong stakeholder relationship skills.
• Commercially minded and data-driven.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 50 Search specialists.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and ethical standards.
• Develop innovative techniques to enhance Search visibility.

Skills

Leadership of a hybrid team

Search strategy development

Data analysis

Client relationship management

Decision making

Job description

BRAND: Digitas UK
Job Function: Media Performance
Location: London, United Kingdom
Experience Level: Management
Workplace Type: Hybrid

Company description

At Digitas, we harness the power of connection to make positive impact everyday. We have a relentless focus on creating connections to help our clients' businesses grow, connecting diverse people, ideas and expertise in innovative and exciting ways.

We are making positive impact with our amazing clients, through our capabilities in Consulting, Products & Platforms, Customer Engagement and Digital Media.

Part of Publicis Groupe, and a Leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Global Marketing Agencies, we're proud to work with some of the world's leading brands.

Digitas. Experience the power of connection.

Our Commitment

Digitas is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of society and does not discriminate on grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Overview

As Head of Total Search, you'll set the vision and operating model for Search at Digitas UK, spanning Paid Search, SEO, and emerging discovery surfaces (AI-powered assistants, vertical search engines, voice, YouTube, and in-platform search). You'll lead and develop a high‑performing team of 50 Search specialists (41 UK / 9 India), drive innovation that improves client growth outcomes, and be our senior Search voice.

We are making positive impact with our amazing clients, through our capabilities in Consulting, Products & Platforms, Customer Engagement and Digital Media. As part of Publicis Groupe, and a Leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Global Marketing Agencies, we're proud to work with some of the world's leading brands across Automotive, Retail, Travel, B2B and more!

Responsibilities

• Leadership and mentoring a team of 50 Search specialists across Paid and Organic, fostering an environment of rapid growth and close collaboration. Nurturing a strong team spirit across the Total Search team will be key to your success.
• Accountable that our Paid and Organic Leads ensure compliance with regulations, ethical standards, and information security protocols.
• Empower our Leads to maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, algorithmic changes and emerging technologies to keep our Search practices at the forefront.
• Work with Digitas and Publicis Groupe peers to leverage new and proprietary generative AI tools responsibly to enhance Search visibility and reputation outcomes.
• Oversee the development and implementation of innovative techniques to maximise visibility and performance.
• Support the development of comprehensive reviews and presentations that effectively communicate Search performance and opportunities to stakeholders.
• Cultivate strong relationships with senior clients, providing expert guidance on best practices and strategic recommendations.
• Represent Total Search across Digitas UK new business pitches, with the support of your Leads, and in collaboration with Head of Media and Head of Biddable.
• Working closely with Client Leads, you will be jointly responsible for driving growth and increasing revenue across all Search accounts, new and existing.

Qualifications

• Experienced in leadership of a hybrid team and an offshore team.
• Compassionate and motivational people manager.
• Commercially and growth minded.
• Expert in Search strategy development, multi‑media cross‑channel optimisation, and data analysis.
• Senior client and stakeholder relationship management.
• Charismatic presenter.
• Prompt and rational decision maker.

Additional information

Digitas has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer:

• WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS – Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day‑to‑day work and create time to focus on your well‑being and self‑care.
• HELP@HAND BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• HYBRID WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday.
• AGENCY DISCOUNTS onsite gym, and discount in our Publicis‑Owned Pub – "The Pregnant Man".

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us!

Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office‑based three days during the working week.

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG's (Employee Action Groups).

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